Written by Garrett Gibbons
Kirsten helped her friend Ellin organize a small Thanksgiving dinner for the 40 Syrian refugees who they meet with on a regular basis.
"It’s great to do something a little bigger than myself."
She made a little post on Facebook, asking if anyone wanted to donate food, and it lead to a huge response. More than 25 people donated cash, raising over $1000 for this event; more than 50 people donated food and drinks, and a few dozen more came and helped prepare and serve the food. Seeing that the event was growing, Impact Hub donated their large and beautiful space in downtown Seattle to fit all of the people involved.
Kirsten is overwhelmed at the outpouring of goodness from so many people, and is thankful for the people who were once strangers to these refugees who came to meet them and share a meal together.
When the meal was over, the remaining food was donated to the Union Gospel Mission homeless shelter across the street, who estimated that it would provide for 1500 meals over the coming days. Truly an outpouring of generosity throughout the community!
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.
Reclaiming Lost Traditions
Holidays are an important time to include newcomers. Newcomers are often aching for the traditions and holiday magic they knew at home - and the connections with family and friends. The Garcias* came from a strong family and community that knew generous and giving holiday traditions. I knew, when I met our new friends from Venezuela, the rich bond we would have; this was a kindred spirit family. Even though we have been bad at communicating (Google Translate is such a false hope), it was easy to find connections that helped us love each other.