"Let Me Tell You My Story" - Book of Refugee Stories, Available Soon
Have you heard the exciting news? Many of the stories of our displaced friends have been compiled into a book and will be coming out this Fall.
You can pre-order now on Amazon!
Our hope is to spread these stories to the four corners of the earth, for their voices to be heard, for walls to come crumbling down, for good things to come to the millions who need a safe place to call home.
Many of our friends featured in this book are currently still in the middle of unsettled circumstances and still in desperate need of help. We hope that this book makes a difference for them. We are honored that they have shared their stories with us and are committed to sharing them tirelessly to all who will listen and hear.
". . .the people inside this remarkable volume of exquisite photography and stories of resilience will teach you that the surest way to draw humans together begins with the words "I want to tell you my story . . ."
Many thanks to our publisher, @familiustalk, for supporting and catching the vision of the importance of spreading the stories of our courageous friends.
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.