Hearts and Homes for Refugees year in review

Hearts+and+Homes+for+Refugees+year+in+review

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Hearts and Homes for Refugees.

Many of you are familiar with one of our biggest accomplishments of 2018: the creation of the Westchester Refugee Initiative (WRI). This network, coordinated by Hearts and Homes for Refugees, brings together the two resettlement agencies, ten co-sponsorship groups, dozens of faith and community groups, and committed funding and private sector partners working across the county and region to support and advocate for refugees, asylees and SIVs.

And here are some highlights from what else we’ve been up to over the past year…

Refugee Support:

  • Final six months of co-sponsorship support to a Syrian refugee family. Support of transition to full independence and move to Syracuse, including crowd-funding a minivan for this family of six.
  • Creation and launch of the Helping Hands program which taps into individuals, families, and groups for short-term support of refugees. Five cases successfully assisted, and new assignments in the works.
  • Coordination of winter drive for refugees/asylees in Westchester, the Bronx and Connecticut: coats and warm clothing, boots, toys, toiletries, backpacks, and toys. Over 400 refugees received support.

Advocacy and Community Outreach:

  • Five-day email campaign around World Refugee Day (readings, actions, and local news).
  • Four-month advocacy campaign: over 3,000 postcards and nearly 300 petition signatures in favor of increased admissions for refugees and SIVs, and a fair and humane immigration process for those seeking asylum.
  • Coordination of Welcoming Week in September: 17 events across the county; 15 organizations and groups participating; 5 elected officials issue proclamations in support of welcoming all residents; thousands of individuals show their support for a welcoming America.
  • Presentation of Refugee Sunday, hosted by St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mamaroneck, a community lunch with presentations by WRI Ambassador Joan Morgan, elected officials Tom Murphy and George Latimer, and special talks by a Syrian refugee and an Afghan SIV.
  • Raising awareness and advocating for SIVs, including a screening of The Interpreters.
  • Participation in community events to raise awareness about refugees (Pelham Junior League Roundtable, Columbia University Migration Symposium, Summer Heritage Festivals – Polish, Hispanic, Italian and Jewish – at Kensico Dam, presentations to Pelham and White Plains Rotary, Iona College Week of the Peacemaker).

Coalition Building:

  • Monthly newsletter with updates from around the Westchester Refugee Initiative.
  • Resource-sharing throughout the year across the WRI, connecting other refugee co-sponsorship groups and volunteers with housing, employment, household goods and more for the refugee cases they support. (See this newsletter for details on two recent car donations!)
  • Promotion of the Sarah Lawrence College summer program for refugee families.
  • Financial contribution to Catholic Charities for its work with refugees in Westchester.

In addition, volunteers contributed hundreds of hours, organizing direct support, advocacy and coordination efforts.

Letter from the founder

Dear friends,

Right now is my favorite time of the year.

From giving thanks at the end of November to the joy of giving during Hanukkah and Christmas, now is a time when the spirit of giving and thankfulness permeates the air.

Thanks to you, over 85 refugees have been resettled in Westchester over the past two years.

Thanks to you, 400 refugees are warm this winter with new coats, boots, pajamas and more.

This year, Hearts and Homes for Refugees spearheaded a county-wide coalition of support for refugees, called the Westchester Refugee Initiative (WRI). The WRI is made up of volunteers who generously give their time, talents and support. Together, we spoke to new audiences, engaged new volunteers, looked for and found new ways to help refugees. From two supporters who gave cars to refugees to the hundreds of friends who made sure that every refugee in need of a coat, a pair of boots or a toothbrush received it through the winter drive, together we made a difference in the lives of countless refugees.

And now, I would like to ask you again for your help.

Would you be willing to make a special year-end donation of $25, $50, $100 or whatever you can afford to help us support refugees and build a welcoming Westchester?

It is your contributions of time, talents and funds that make our work possible. In addition to continuing our programs from 2018, here are a few ideas we have percolating for 2019, all based on our four core goals:

1) Welcome

Multiplying our support of refugees with an expansion of the Helping Hands program.

2) Advocate

Growing our advocacy efforts, including with Congressional visits.

3) Convene

Motivating the WRI coalition with improved communications and resource sharing.

4) Educate

Expanding our community outreach, including a school-based refugee literature program.

With your contribution, we can continue to foster the welcoming spirit that is embodied in the Westchester Refugee Initiative.

Please, click here to make your donation now. Your support makes a real, lasting impact on the lives of refugees as they strive to make a new home in America.

Thank you for your continued support and friendship.

With gratitude,

Kathie O’Callaghan

Founder and President

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