Panel to Discuss “How to Sponsor a Refugee” onSept. 20 in Wilton

WILTON — “How to Sponsor a Refugee” will be the subject of a panel discussion at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20, at the Wilton Branch of the Saratoga Regional YMCA, 20 Old Gick Road.  

Panelists will describe how individuals or groups in the Saratoga region and Greater Capital District can sponsor refugees, and what types of support are available to assist in their integration into the community.

With the recent dramatic increase in the displacement of populations worldwide, and the numbers seeking refuge in the United States, the federal government has looked beyond the traditional network of resettlement agencies to ensure an orderly and humane process for meeting the need.  Private sponsors can apply to welcome individuals already known to them, or they can be matched with individuals seeking sponsors through programs such as the WelcomeCorps.  

Terry Diggory, panel moderator, is co-coordinator of the Saratoga Immigration Coalition. Panelists include Yasmeen Isaaq – who was born in Afghanistan and first came to the U.S. in 2008 , and Jennifer Moak – Director of Resettlement for North America for Ukraine. 

The program is free and open to the public and is organized by the Saratoga Immigration Coalition and offered in observance of YMCA Welcoming Week and Saratoga Peace Week.  

Questions may be directed to saratogaimmigration@gmail.com; 518-306-1313.