To our dear friends and partners, Thank you for helping create an Idaho where people seeking refuge can find hope and belonging. Our community’s support has been so important during the past few months of turmoil in Afghanistan, where people like you and me suddenly found themselves torn away from their homes, livelihoods and loved ones. It breaks our hearts to see anyone have to flee their country. Together, we can support their transition to Idaho and create opportunities for all of us to thrive. After years of record low admissions nationally, Idaho is back on track to welcome more than a thousand women, men and children from around the world in the coming year. We’re thankful for this growth and know there is work to do. As you consider your year-end giving, we ask that you keep us in mind during this critical time. The Idaho Office for Refugees coordinates Idaho’s resettlement efforts and builds strong partnerships to better serve people from refugee backgrounds. We recently partnered with City of Good in Boise, which delivers warm meals from local restaurants three times a week to families from Afghanistan staying in temporary housing. We're also working closely with Glocal Community Partners to organize outings so newly arrived families and individuals don't feel isolated in an unfamiliar place. After a day of food and games in the park, one man messaged saying: I have a special thanks for your group. It was an amazing day for me. It was a long time ago that I went to a picnic. Even I forgot the time. We spent a really good day. At a time when one’s life has been turned upside down, gathering with new friends and enjoying some fresh air and a meal that’s reminiscent of home can bring a powerful sense of comfort and community. When we come together, Idahoans old and new connect in meaningful ways. We invite you to continue being a part of this life-changing work with a year-end financial gift to the Idaho Office for Refugees. Your generosity is deeply felt. You can donate online at idahorefugees.org. Thank you for being here with us. Tara Wolfson Director & State Refugee Coordinator, Idaho Office for Refugees OUR PROGRAMS:
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Early Bird Registration for the 14th annual Idaho Conference on Refugees - Belonging Begins with Us is now open! The conference will be held at Boise State University Feb. 28 - March 1. The Early Bird rate is only $90 but ends Jan. 21. Don’t delay! Learn more here! Workshops: The conference offers workshops that provide new skills and best practices in health, education, cross-cultural communication, self-sufficiency, and more. A list of workshops will be available in the coming weeks. In addition to workshops and strategy sessions, the conference will feature multiple panels and plenaries, an acclaimed keynote speaker, and an evening reception. Don't miss out on Early Bird registration! For more information, click here. *We care about the health and safety of our community. Detailed COVID policies are available on the conference website and will be updated as the COVID situation changes. Here's an exciting announcement from our partners at the Catholic Charities of Idaho: A new community partnership in eastern Idaho will help resettle a small number of Afghan allies and refugees who have arrived in the U.S. seeking safety from the Taliban as part of Operation Allies Welcome. Catholic Charities of Idaho, as part of its mission to support human well-being and in partnership with the Idaho Office for Refugees, is leading a community partnership program in Pocatello that will resettle a small number of Afghan refugees in this time of urgent need. The program is prepared to welcome up to 25 Afghan refugees to the Pocatello area in the coming months. The Pocatello program has welcomed 7 arrivals so far in December. Catholic Charities of Idaho, or CCI, is an affiliate of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, one of nine agencies nationwide that collaborates with the State Department to resettle refugees in the United States. CCI is working closely with eastern Idaho community groups, faith congregations, businesses, nonprofits and local leaders to respond to this call for help. Local employers have indicated that they will assist with current job openings. “We’re honored, ready and willing to assist with this effort, even in a modest way, by responding to this call and showing compassion to families and individuals in great need,” said Doug Alles, Catholic Charities of Idaho Executive Director. Scott Pearhill, who serves as a deacon at the Pocatello parish, noted that the Afghans are “our allies who have supported our national security with their very lives, making deep personal sacrifices, who now need our help.” Deacon Pearhill said it is an honor for the community to “be asked to support these brave men, women and children who are trying to make a new life in our country and in our city. I’m proud of Pocatello for its openness and generosity.” The Refugee Speakers Bureau is excited to present Holiday Memories From Around the Globe, featuring different perspectives on how holidays are celebrated in other parts of the world. Join us virtually from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17, 2021. Click here to register for free through Eventbrite. Hear from our engaging speakers who grew up in another part of the world and are now living in Idaho:
The Refugee Speakers Bureau is a program of the Idaho Office for Refugees with the mission to bridge cultures through storytelling. This special holiday event is supported by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and StoryCenter. |
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November 2024
Author: Holly BeechIdaho Office for Refugees Communications Manager Thank you to the generous organizations who
support our outreach: |