LIBERTY QUEST CAMPAIGN
Support the Journeys of Refugees to Pittsburgh
The Democratic Republic of Congo has experienced civil unrest and violence for several years, impacting millions of Congolese who have had to flee their homes and even the country. This year, there were 4.5 million internally displaced Congolese throughout the country and 735,000 Congolese refugees throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Most of these refugees are living in camps in Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and other east African countries.
Most Congolese refugees spend several years, if not decades, in temporary housing in surrounding countries and refugee camps. There, they are separated from their home country and families--all while waiting to be offered permanent settlement in another country. Once Congolese refugees are identified for US resettlement, they must undergo rigorous vetting, waiting several more years before approval. The final leg of their quest for liberty in the US is 7,325 miles from home.
In the past few years, NAMS Community Assistance & Refugee Resettlement has welcomed and resettled many Congolese refugees in the Pittsburgh area. They have embraced their lives as new Americans--learning English, educating their children in school, becoming employed, and contributing to a more prosperous Pittsburgh.
With your help, we can ensure that Congolese refugees making the Liberty Quest receive the services and support they need. Please help us improve the lives of Pittsburgh's resettled refugees!
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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: Gerri
Making a Difference One Life at a Time
Over a year ago, NAMS started a Life Skills In-Home Volunteer program to help refugees adjust to life in the US through navigating systems, understanding the language and culture, and learning important skills. Volunteers are paired with a family and go through a Life Skills Assessment to determine priority areas and build a “lesson plan.” Then, over the course of several months, the volunteer works with the family to help them learn new skills and gain knowledge about how systems in our city work.
Gerri is one of our many volunteers who agreed to share about her experience working with a Congolese mom and her children.
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Top photo by Emmai Alaquiva. Other photos by Ben Filio.
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WORLD REFUGEE DAY PITTSBURGH 2018
Celebrating Our City's Refugee & Immigrant Communities
On June 20 in Market Square Downtown Pittsburgh, hundreds of people came to celebrate the refugee and immigrant communities in Pittsburgh through our World Refugee Day Pittsburgh event. Hosted by Giselle Fetterman, the event featured speakers like Victor, a refugee from Namibia, Fazly, a Special Immigrant Visa recipient from Afghanistan, and more. In addition to a drum group and dance groups, attendees also witnessed 10 former refugees becoming citizens. Vendors sold craft items, art, and food from countries around the world. It was an amazing day showcasing the diversity and vibrancy of our city! Thank you to all who participated and attended. Click the button below to see more photos from this fun event!
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REFUGEE & IMMIGRANT HEALTH AND WELLNESS FAIR 2018
Resource Fair Provides Information, Education, & Connections for Immigrants and Refugees
Over 200 refugees and immigrants were in attendance to the 3rd annual Refugee & Immigrant Health and Wellness Fair! Over 40 vendors were represented, giving health demonstrations and providing information on various resources available throughout the city. Children were entertained with balloon animals, face painting, coloring, and a show from a local entertainment artist. Food was provided by several local restaurants, including Choolaah, Salem's Market & Grill, BreadWorks, and Ali Baba Restaurant. Thank you to all who made this a successful event! To see more pictures from the day, click the button below!
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NAMS EVENTS
Liberty Quest Campaign | Goal to reach $36,625
See above for more about this campaign. Donate $5 per mile to help us reach our goal of 7,325 miles--the distance it takes Congolese refugees in Kenya to reach our home city. Donations go to housing, utilities, food, clothing, furniture, transportation, and more as they build their new lives here in Pittsburgh. Donate through our website.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
July 28 | Hello Neighbor Potluck in the Park | 3PM-6PM | Schenley Park Anderson Shelter
Hello Neighbor invites you to their 2nd Annual Potluck In The Park happening this Saturday afternoon in Schenley Park. Join in for an afternoon full of food, outdoor fun, and spending time with friends including refugee and immigrant families new to Pittsburgh. The event is free but Hello Neighbor appreciates your donations. Please RSVP through Eventbrite. Find more information on Facebook.
August 1 | SHIM Bean Project - Family Volunteer Opportunity | 5:30PM-7PM | SHIM, 5301 Park Ave.
Help South Hills Interfaith Movement expand to serve a growing number of foreign-born families in the area. Their most critical need is more food, specifically an ongoing source of dried beans and other legumes that for many are a staple at every meal. SHIM is calling on caring South Hills families to volunteer to pack the product and prepare it for distribution in the food pantries. Join us to learn more about SHIM and volunteer together. Check out Facebook for more details and contact info to RSVP.
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WISH LIST
Gift Cards
Gift cards help our clients with items like food, bus trips, baby items, and more. You can donate Connect Cards or cards to places like Aldi, Giant Eagle, and Walmart. For more info, contact refugee@namsc.com.
Donate
Your giving allows us to expand our programs and reach more refugees and immigrants around the city. Just $50 will provide groceries for a refugee family during their first few days in the United States. Click here to give.
ESL Tutors
We need in-home ESL tutors to help learners who aren't able to make it to classes due to family commitments, work schedules, and disabilities. If you're interested, please email refugee@namsc.com or call 412-781-1175 ext. 2214.
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UPDATES
Eats N' Beats Success!
Thanks to all who came out to join in on our Eats N' Beats food truck fundraiser! Because of your generous support, we were able to raise over $4000 that will go directly to client services, helping refugees with housing, food, utility bills, transportation, medical bills, and more. Follow us on Facebook for event highlights and ways to get involved!
Social Venture Partners Full Circle Program
In June, we completed the SVP Full Circle Program with a program proposal pitch to dozens of nonprofit staff, corporate sponsors, and community leaders. NAMS is grateful to have participated in this program, and we're continuing to implement the skills and principles we learned!
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Newsletter Contributors: Allison Reefer
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