BCICRR is an all-volunteer organization made up of Christians, Jews, Muslims, and others who have come together to provide friendship, practical assistance, and financial support for refugee families newly arrived in the United States.  Inspired by the Jewish adage “whoever saves a single life is considered to have saved the whole world,” we began in 2016 with the modest ambition to help one refugee family to be securely settled in the Bucks County. 

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Our mission has turned out to be larger than one family.  By January 2017, BCICRR was sponsoring two Syrian families.  Then we found ourselves called to assist unaccompanied refugee minors, teenage young men who arrived in the U.S. without families who are in the care of a group home and a private family.  In February 2022 when the Syrians were well settled, we welcomed a family of Afghan refugees.  In March 2025 another Afghan family joined our BCICRR community.  Along the way we have become an extended family, supporting  and learning from one another, and weaving together a welcoming community. 

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All seven members of the two Syrian families have achieved U.S. citizenship.  This milestone gives them new security and the opportunity to travel, as well as the right to vote in U.S. elections. This achievement is a testimony to their diligence in learning English and acclimating to U.S. culture.  It is also an achievement for the many in the BCICRR community who have supported and cheered them along the way.

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The unaccompanied minors are one-by-one graduating from high school, entering college or the workforce, and becoming part of the fabric of the community.  The first Afghan family, now well settled and working toward citizenship, is now assisting the newly arrive Afghan family in finding their way in the U. S.