In this season approaching solstice, faith traditions proclaim the coming of new light, Newtown’s all-volunteer Interfaith Partnership for Refugee Resettlement (IPRR) is actively offering light to families fleeing darkness in other parts of the world.

Responding to global crises, IPRR volunteers have doubled their efforts in 2022. The group is currently sponsoring and resettling two families — one from Ukraine, and one from El Salvador — now living among us.

The public is invited to share in this unique joy by donating to IPRR. Settling two families requires funding for basic human necessities — food, clothing, shelter, utilities, transportation — until new residents are able to earn a living, becoming self-sufficient.

Donations can be done by visiting IPRefugeeR.org or by mailing a check made to IPRR to Trinity Episcopal Church, 36 Main Street, Newtown CT 06470.

Having successfully settled five families since 2016, Interfaith Partnership for Refugee Resettlement is seeking to raise $20,000 in the 2022 holiday season to meet these basic needs. Readers who live in safety and comfort are invited to share their resources with families arriving from war zones, places of instability and/or violence.

IPRR teams set up homes with furnishings, provide clothing and food, and pay rent until employment can be obtained. They also enroll children into local schools, translate languages, offer culturally sensitive welcome and support, give rides, and assist in finding employment and medical care.

It is a multi-faceted endeavor, as volunteers on ten different committees work to help a family get a good start within the community.

IPRR’s partner faith communities are Muslim, Baha’i, Jewish, and Christian; it models a cooperative spirit of unity that enhances all common civic life.

None of IPRR’s leaders are paid. Everyone is a volunteer, and there are no overhead costs. An independent interfaith group, IPRR’s fiscal sponsor is Trinity Episcopal Church, and all funds raised go directly to refugee family needs.

IPRR works under the guidance of Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services in New Haven (irisct.org/).

Visit iprefugeer.org/ to learn more about IPRR including volunteer opportunities.