Building Connections
German, Syrian, Iranian, American...these labels evaporate when we reach out with our hands and with our hearts...and we become brothers and sisters supporting each other.
Olaf devotes many hours and lots of brain time to helping and supporting the 150 refugees just across the park from his home. A wonderful, quiet man, he brought all of his fellow-volunteers roses the first time I met him!
Connecting with Afghan Youth through Art
Slam the Islamophobia
The Emerald Project is a Utah-based organization that carefully designs dialogues to engage with non-Muslims to make Salt Lake Valley a more welcoming home to Muslims. As many of our refugee friends belong to the Muslim faith, we applaud opportunities that foster understanding and were pleased to support The Emerald Project’s 3rd annual “Slam the Islamophobia” event on February 15th.
Invisible Barriers and Battles: The Mental Health Impact on Refugees
Refugees often risk their lives crossing deserts, jungles, and oceans all in the search for shelter, freedom, or happiness. Yet, even once they’ve reached physical safety, mental mountains emerge that make daily life an uphill climb. At the November 2022 conference for the Utah Chapter of the Society for Public Health Education (USOPHE), presenters Shurooq Al Jewari and Sasha Sloan discussed mental health and inclusion, focusing on immigrants and refugees.