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!
Official Statement for World Refugee Day 2025
The U.S. Healthcare Workforce Shortage Is Growing — But So Is The Solution
Virginia is short 770 primary care physicians today — and that number will near 1,000 by 2035. The strain is real: longer wait times, physician burnout, and limited care, especially in rural and underserved communities.
There’s a solution hiding in plain sight: International Medical Graduates (IMGs).
IMGs are highly trained professionals with deep clinical experience and a commitment to primary care. Studies show they perform as well as or better than U.S.-trained doctors in managing chronic conditions and improving patient outcomes — especially for diverse and immigrant populations.
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