What
Needs Does Second Chance Bikes Address?
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Refugees
need bikes!
Working poor need
bikes!
Homeless need bikes!
Kids love bikes!
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Various refugee
resettletment agencies do a wonderful job
getting refugees from many countries settled
in their new homes in the western suburbs of Chicago; they
provide ongoing support such as job
training, English classes; counseling,
and much more. They receive donations of
furniture and other
much-needed items to set up apartments for the
newcomers. Other agencies provide
assistance to non-refugees in need - food pantries, job search
help, donated clothing, etc.
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We have learned from work
volunteering with both types of agencies that
refugees take VERY seriously the terms
and conditions they agreed to for placement in the US. They
want jobs, and will take whatever they can find. These are
typically minimum-wage due to language
barriers, even if the individual
has some skills
such as mechanic, electrician, etc. Many non-refugees who have
hit hard times are just the same - looking for any work they can get. |
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| Transportation can be a big
challenge for newcomers who do not yet have a car
or driver's license. Oftentimes a job
opportunity is too
far to walk to and not
accessible via public transportation. Case workers and
volunteers help people to learn and
utilize what public transportation is available.
Volunteers provide help with transportation, particularly for
critical issues like doctor appointments but also for ESL classes, even
for shopping. But getting people to work on a daily basis is
typically out of scope for what volunteers can support. In these situations a
bicycle
can be a huge enabler. |
And of course a bike is usually a youngster's prize possession! Most
come here with little more than the clothes they are wearing, and
family incomes are strained just to cover rent and food. Getting a bike
for a youngster to ride around the
apartment complex or for a teenager to visit friends is
valuable to the entire family as they adjust to life in their new
surroundings.
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