A $1,000 donation from Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage of Branford has been donated to assist Helping Families Settle (HFS), the Branford refugee resettlement project. HFS is collaborating with Integrated Refugee & Immigration Services (IRIS) to bring a refugee family from Afghanistan to the Branford community. HFS leader and coordinator Laura Noe said the group will soon be welcoming a family that's part of the Turquoise Mountain artisan group to Branford.

HFS is made up of more 50 volunteers on 17 committees. To help with the effort, non-profit Branford Microfund recently partnered with HFS to establish temporary fiduciary support.  Now, HFS has met its financial goal.

HFS is also receiving community support in response to requests of physical donations, including clothing and home furnishings. As the family includes children, donations of new school supplies, books, and educational toys are also appreciated.

A tax-deductible donation can be made by check to Helping Families Settle (include Branford Refugee Resettlement in the memo line) sent to: Laura Noe, 38 Waverly Park Road, Branford CT 06405. Those with clothing or home furnishings to donate can call or email Noe at 203-500-9495 or noemarketing@yahoo.com.