Solidarity. Dictionary.com tells us it’s a “union or fellowship arising from common responsibilities and interests, as between members of a group or between classes, peoples, etc…” Today is World Refugee Day: an international day designated by the United Nations to honor refugees around the globe. And this year, the focus is “Solidarity with Refugees”. UNHCR
As we recognize World Refugee Day, I want to open my heart and share my journey not only as a staff member at City of Refuge, but as someone who once stood in the shoes of those we serve every day. I came to this country as a refugee, carrying more questions than answers. I
Did anyone else wake up this morning with the stunning realization that it’s almost June?? If you’re anything like me, the year has flown by in a blur. That’s certainly the case at City Preschool where it’s so easy to see the growth in three- four- and five-year-olds. They are taller, more articulate, and some
While it can feel like there’s plenty of bad news to share and dwell on (our future funding outlook still hasn’t changed), we have also had some incredibly exciting things happen that are worth celebrating! Check it out… And probably one of our most exciting announcements has been in the works for quite a while
In October 2024, Sarah Justice joined our team as our first ever Basic Needs Program Manager. For our entire history, City of Refuge has been meeting basic needs through a variety of ways and we are so excited that Sarah has been able to come in and focus specifically on growing these efforts. Read directly
What would compel you to join forces with 1,000 other community members to start giving $50/month to City of Refuge? We are looking to you. We are 166 days away from a significant reduction in federal financial support, and we are looking to you. Because, friends, you are the neighbors that drive by our refugee friends every
City of Refuge is rapidly building a plane in the air while it’s flying – fortunately, at every turn, we look around to see another perfect piece to the complicated puzzle (one that seems to get more complicated with time). The perfect pieces are really just what transpires when people give sacrificially of themselves to
“I’m encouraged.” It’s probably not a phrase you’re hearing a lot, or seeing in Facebook comments, or reading on headlines. So let me tell you why it’s true for me. I’m encouraged by what the last 3 months have proven. That the work we’re doing can go on, despite significant disruptions in the typical pathways.
Our promise to keep you informed amidst the ever-changing landscape of the refugee resettlement world has me in your inbox more frequently this season. Thank you for reading, for caring, for investing. Thank you to the many of you who have given financially, submitted volunteer applications, and are sharing social media posts/newsletters and advocating for
It was a jarring question to hear, asked by one of our refugee friends to a community partner organization. We have to do better. We have to change the rhetoric. We have to change the culture. Unfortunately, it’s not the work that only a few can do… it requires all of us. It requires all
