Blog

From Contributor, Ann Richmond (Idaho Community Programs Coordinator):

"And while you cook, I hope you read a small part of their story, and that you let that in, as well..."

The story of Resettlement is a shared experience of belonging. As true today as it was for our Forefathers: Their story IS our story. When newcomers feel like they belong, we all thrive.

TSOS was honored to be a guest on the ECDC African Community Center DC Metro's podcast "Resettlement: A Human Journey" to discuss the role of storytelling in the resettlement process. You can listen to the 45-minute Episode 2 on the ECDC ACC-DC Resettlement: A Human Journey website or by searching for their podcast Podbean.

Mini-documentary of Leonard Bagalwa's story of seeking refugee. His journey from being kidnapped in the Congo to finding a safe place to integrate and contribute to his new community in Utah.

Cristobal and Martha are a power couple, dedicating so much of their time and energy to helping anyone who needs a little extra help. The words and actions behind the work that we witnessed from Martha and Cristobal are absolutely reflected in the name of their Church and non-profit organization - Helping With All My Heart.

I have so many questions: how do we decide who deserves refuge and who doesn’t? Have we ever needed refuge, or even imagined what circumstances would send us thousands of miles by foot to beg for refuge? But it comes down to one: “who would I give shelter to?”... I lie awake at night wondering what I can possibly say to help people understand what I’ve come to know for myself.

Six weeks almost to the day from when we were officially recognized as an on-campus organization, we held our first event as the newly-formed pilot chapter of TSOS.

Everyone can do something to drown out hate with love. We can all go to the places where newcomers are settling in our own communities and cheer louder.

In concert with World Refugee Day celebrations, One Journey Festival, whose mission is to amplify refugee voices and enhance public awareness of refugee talents and contributions, hosted its 2nd annual event at the National Cathedral at the end of June drawing more than 5,000 participants. TSOS was there along with 200+ businesses and refugee support organizations for the day-long festival featured music, dance, storytelling, soccer, a take action tent, virtual reality, speakers, refugee-owned food trucks, a robust marketplace, unity parade, and more.

Are you feeling helpless and wish you knew who and how to help? While in Arizona, we met and interviewed many organizations that are on the ground, in the trenches, meeting the immediate and urgent needs of those coming directly from ICE detention centers.