Newtown continues to be home to The Interfaith Partnership for Refugee Resettlement (IPRR), founded in 2016 with a mission to help refugee families resettle in and around Newtown.

As its name implies, people of many faiths — and some with no affiliation to any group of faith — have joined together to help others. Partner faith communities include Al Hedaya Islamic Center, Baha’i Community, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Congregation Adath Israel, Newtown Congregational Church, Newtown United Methodist Church, and Trinity Episcopal Church.

IPRR works closely with Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS), cosponsoring refugee families upon their arrival to the United States. IPRR is committed to helping each family learn English, procure employment, enroll in school, and become productive and independent community members.

Local residents interested in joining and being an ongoing volunteer with IPRR are invited to contact Cindy Dunn at cindylou722@gmail.com.

Visit IPRefugeeR.org to see a list of volunteer opportunities.

A small team has formed to coordinate the donations for its next refugee family. A registry has been created with items that the family will need for its new home. The list can be accessed here. Those who would like to donate but cannot access the list are invited to contact the Newtown Congregational Church office (203-426-9024). Additional information about donating nearly-new items can also be obtained by sending an e-mail to IPRefugeeR@gmail.com.

Financial donations are also welcome and help cover some of the expenses that families cannot afford on their own until they become more stable.

Checks can be made payable to IPRR, and mailed to the organization, c/o 5 Gallows Hill Road, Redding CT 06896. Donations can also be done through the group’s website, IPRefugeeR.org; or by calling Trinity Church, 203-426-9070.