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Many Idahoans moved by compassion by what's happening in Afghanistan have reached out seeking ways to help. We are deeply grateful! Here are some ideas on how you can be involved in refugee resettlement in Idaho: 1. VOLUNTEER If you would like to volunteer, be a mentor, rent out housing or provide transportation to refugees, we invite you to fill out our Volunteer Form so we know how to reach you and how you would like to be involved. Your answers will only be seen by the Idaho Office for Refugees and our partners at the three resettlement agencies in Idaho. 2. DONATE & SUPPORT Idaho's three resettlement agencies are:
The Idaho Office for Refugees partners with these agencies and administers refugee assistance and services statewide, including English classes and cultural orientation, farming assistance, peer support and career mentorship.
Beyond donations, expressing your compassion and support for welcoming people who are fleeing violence does make a difference on social media and in your circles. 3. ATTEND AN EVENT Make new friends and learn from other cultural perspectives at one of the many community events hosted by former refugees and/or the resettlement community. From virtual cooking classes to dance performances to evenings of storytelling, there are so many fun ways to get connected. Follow along with our Community Calendar and keep in touch by subscribing to our newsletter.
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 Veteran Robert Holmes of Kuna served in Afghanistan during his 24-year career in the Marine Corps. UPDATE: You can watch a recording of the webinar here. Over the past few weeks, Idahoans have shown support and compassion for our allies and other vulnerable people, including children, from Afghanistan.
To connect our community and provide updates, Idaho’s resettlement agencies and partners will host a virtual panel detailing our state's role in this situation and giving people a chance to hear from Idahoans who have been directly impacted.  The work of artist Luma Jasim, who came to Idaho through refugee resettlement, is on display at Boise State University through Oct. 3. Find features on Luma in the Idaho Statesman and the Boise Weekly. Catch Luma's performance at Treefort:
Luma, born in Iraq, has lived through three wars, an economic blockade and the U.S. invasion of Iraq. She relocated to Istanbul in 2006 and to Boise two years later. She earned an art degree from Boise State University in 2013 and now displays her work internationally. Luma's exhibit, Long Term Vision, explores the continuous scenario of refugees in places of conflict where higher powers play a role in keeping the conflict going.  Picture by Sami Edge, Idaho Education News Last week, Idaho Education News reporter Sami Edge spent some time with REACH program students and organizers during a field trip to the Boise Library's Collister branch and a back-to-school Q&A. Find Sami's great photos and story here. The REACH program (Refugees Empowered to Achieve) is supported by a collaborative of local partners to provide youth mentorship and tutoring. Kids in the REACH summer program this week got an opportunity to canoe and paddleboard, set up tents and interact with nature at Esther Simplot Park in Boise. We had the joy of partnering with Ellis Nanney, executive director of Grow Outdoor Access. Ellis provided the outdoor gear and expertise. For some of the kids in the REACH program (Refugees Empowered to Achieve), it was their first time setting up a tent or riding a paddleboard.
The U.S. State Department is calling for the intimidation and attacks in Ethiopia's Tigray region to stop, Reuters reports.
"We are deeply concerned about credible reports of attacks by military forces affiliated with the Tigray People's Liberation Front and the Tigrayan militias against Eritrean refugees in the Tigray region," State Department spokeswoman Jalina Porter told reporters. 
Reshma Kamal, center, celebrating Eid with friends. Reshma is the humanitarian and outreach director with the Islamic Center of Boise.
Reshma Kamal is planning out which dishes she'll have ready on July 20. There’s biryani, a rice dish. It’s her mom’s recipe — “and it’s spicy,” she said. There is korma, a meat and gravy dish. Don’t forget the naan, beef and chicken kabobs, and sweet dishes.
“It’s a festival,” Reshma said. “People are coming to your home, and they want variety.” Eid al-Adha, one of the two main holidays celebrated by Muslims, starts on Tuesday, July 20, this year. Because only 1% of Idahoans are Muslim (an estimated 18,300 residents), the broader population, including many employers, might not realize the significance of this holiday. 
Please join us in welcoming Jose Martinez as the new project manager for Global Talent. Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, Jose has an extensive international business background and first-hand experience navigating Idaho’s job market.
Global Talent, a program of the Idaho Office for Refugees, helps college-educated new Americans reclaim their professional careers in Idaho. Through the program, job seekers have access to personalized training and career coaching, and Idaho employers are connected to a larger pool of skilled workers. This week there are two events in downtown Boise to help you beat the heat and expand your cultural perspectives.
Thank you to everyone who made World Refugee Day Boise so special this year! The community came together at four traveling block parties throughout Boise on Saturday.
We enjoyed Nepalese and Peruvian food and Liberian and Bosnian dance performances. We laughed, ate ice cream, found shade wherever possible and enjoyed each other’s company after a year of not getting to gather in person for the annual event. “It means a lot for advocacy and reconnecting with the community and celebrating what new community members that we have," emcee and Boise State student Halima Hamud told Idaho News 6. |
Author: Holly BeechHolly is the communication specialist for the Idaho Office for Refugees. Contact her at hbeech@idahorefugees.org. Archives
September 2021
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