Thanks to generous donations from volunteers and community partners, the 探花精选 in Richmond operates a 鈥渞esettlement store鈥 located inside the office. The resettlement store provides refugee families with essential household items from dishware sets, to cleaning supplies, to coffee makers, at no cost. Clients visit the store during hours of operation and as a result were able to interact regularly with staff and other clients, highlighting the office as a communal space.

In response to COVID-19 and the closure of the 探花精选 office, staff launched 鈥楾he 探花精选 in Richmond Porch-Drop Off鈥. The Drop-Offs are scheduled biweekly and deliver items that are essential to client鈥檚 daily needs. As staff members continue to be in frequent contact with clients and are aware of their needs, they can ensure that requested items are packaged and delivered with care.  For example, staff recently delivered baby diapers, bottle sets, and baby clothes to two new mothers, letting them know that 探花精选 is still there to support them even during this challenging time.

The community's continued support is vital to 探花精选鈥檚 ability to serve refugee families and innovate ways to deliver services.  Please contact the office at 804-308-9144 to coordinate donations to the resettlement store.

Bags containing needed items for new mothers, dropped off to clients by 探花精选 staff
Bags delivered to new moms on March 5th.
Photo: France-Elvie Banda