There are about 500 refugees resettling in Pittsburgh each year. Housing, health care, employment, child care and transportation are things that most Americans worry about at one time or another. But imagine having to take that all on at once as well as learning a whole new culture and maybe even a new language. That's what refugees from countries like Bhutan, Nepal, and the Congo do when they arrive in Pittsburgh. Luckily, there are organiza- tions like AJAPO (Acculturation for Justice Access and Peace Outreach) that help refugees navigate such hurdles as finding housing and jobs and setting up medical care, child care, school enrollment and transportation Upon arrival to the US, AJAPO provides the families with welcome bags full of everyday items such as blankets, pillows, and toiletries. For several weeks the members of Bower Hill Community Church in Mt. Leb anon donated these items and one Sunday after wor ship put together 30 welcome bags for the refugees AJAPO helps Alison Treaster, former director of AJAPO, came to talk to the group before they began. She was happy to hear that the children of the church made wel- come cards to be included in the bags. Treaster spoke about the importance of the personal touch. "Having those pic- tures from kids and seeing 'we're glad to have you here' notes-those things really make an impact on families. It's important that these families feel wel- comed and supported in their new country Sunday Worship 9:30am Adult Discussion 10:45am Growing together...n Faith... Reason .. Service...and Love Mission projects like the Welcome Bags for Refugees are just one of the many ways the congregation at Bower Hill Church serves Bower Hill Community the community. To learn more visit bowerhillchurch.org. Church (Presbyterian USA) 70 Moffett Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15243 Just off Bower Hill Road in Mt. Lebanon 412 561 4114 bowerhillchurch.org To learn more about AJAPO visit ajapopittsburgh.org