Kids Donate to aniMeals on Wheels

Thanks to Alexa Spain and Nate Gifford of Jennie Reid Elementary School Student Council. 
They brought in a donation for aniMeals on Wheels. 
To learn more about aniMeals on Wheels, click here.

World Refugee Day Reflections

Lizeth Zava (Right)

The 2011 Houston World Refugee Day took place at the Baker-Ripley Neighborhood Center on Saturday, June 25 from 1-5pm. Although it was a hot summer day, participating resettlement agencies and non-profit organizations as well as refugees and volunteers came out to enjoy a day of cultural performances, children’s activities, artisan market and art exhibits.

Among the various talented dancers and musicians were dance groups from Bhutan, Burma, Rwanda and Sudan. Children enjoyed a range of activities from arts and crafts to a moon jump and athletic games. Attendants were also able to enjoy the “Share the Journey” Exhibit, a set of videos from UNHCR and other entities that were shown to educate the mainstream community about the refugees in the U.S. In addition, Christopher Weeden a photography student at University of Houston displayed some of his work about the Karen community.

The Resource Fair was a big success and it granted the opportunity for all attendants to learn about the different organizations and services available. Another popular spot was the artisan market where original artwork from Iraqi artist Mohammed Baro, indigenous arts and crafts from the Community Cloth and jewelry from the Sudanese Community were displayed for sale.

Overall, it was a beautiful array of ethnicities, colors and activities. A special recognition goes to all the Volunteers who made this event possible. The Houston World Refugee Day Committee is already looking forward to the 2012 celebration!

- Lizeth Zavala
Program Assistant
Interfaith Ministries Refugee Services
Co-chair, Houston World Refugee Day
http://refugeedayhouston.wordpress.com
http://twitter.com/WRDHouston
http://www.facebook.com/HoustonWRD

The following is an e-mail by one of our volunteers:
Volunteering for World Refugee Day was a unique experience for me. Living in Houston it's easy to see the variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds which live in our city, but understanding how some have come to our city has raised my awareness and appreciation for the road to getting here. I heard different languages, styles of dress, music, dancing and enjoyed it very much. At the same time, I saw the children laughing and playing as any child would, people smiling and coming together as one to celebrate the occasion just like any American would do for a holiday. I left there impressed and richer in the knowledge that we all aren't so different after all.

Thank you for the chance to be a part of the celebration.

Len Casarez.

Summertime Volunteering for Kids and Families

School is out, temperatures are rising, and the every parent is beginning to hear the troubling words "I'm Bored!!!"

That means Summer time is here.  This is a perfect time to gather as a family and volunteer to help others in need.  Not only will your kids have fun, but they'll lean the value of helping other people who are less fortunate.

There are lots of volunteer opportunities in your own community.  Plan a day to clean your up your block, help beautify a senior’s home, community center, or a park. More volunteer opportunities for Houston are listed here.

No matter how you volunteer, start with a plan, and have a goal in mind.  Take Aiden for example.  He is a second grader who had a goal to deliver Meals on Wheels to seniors.

Aiden and his family learned about Meals on Wheels through a family friend. His father Karim decided to go on a Meals on Wheels delivery route and took Aiden along, giving warm meals to seniors in need.  “It made me feel good to see the people happy and smile when I gave them the meal,” Aiden said.  They had such a great time that Aiden and his father decided to do a fundraiser for IM’s Meals on Wheels for Greater Houston.  Aiden sent handwritten notes to friends, family and neighbors explaining he wanted to help raise money for Meals on Wheels.  “I thought for sure I could raise $500 and I raised more, about $570,”Aiden added proudly.   

Would you like to work as a family to help IM this summer?  Here are more great volunteer opportunities, especially for youth. 

·         Volunteer with your family or youth group to deliver pet food to our Meals on Wheels seniors with pets each month.

·         Assist with ESL classes or provide homework help to refugee youth.

·         Join a group to clean up a senior’s yard, paint a porch or help with indoor projects.

·         Volunteer at Meals on Wheels’ Central Site helping count, pack and load meals with drivers and deliver pre-packaged hot meals to homebound seniors during midday hours.

Contact Rina Chandarana John rcjohn@imgh.org for more information: 713-533-4948