Meet a Refugee

Eih Meh and her family lived peacefully in a small village in Burma up until a few years ago.  Their life was destroyed when war broke out in the country and their home was burned to the ground. Eih Meh, her husband, and daughter were forced to move to a refugee camp where conditions were unbearable.   “I cannot even explain the hardship that we went through,” said Eih Meh.  “I try not to dwell on the past.  I am so lucky to be here in Houston and thankful to IM for helping my family.”  

With limited knowledge of English, Eih Meh found it difficult to find a job.  But soon after moving to Houston, Eih Meh learned about the Community Cloth, a microenterprise initiative empowering refugee women.  Eih Meh and other refugee women weave items like scarves and bags and sell them at various venues in Houston.  “I would like to have a steadier job,” she said, “but for now, this helps me earn a living and I feel like I’m part of a community again.” 

Learn more about IM's refugee program here. 

Learn more about IM's refugee program here. 

Tuesday Memo - Helping Build a Better World

Greetings!

So did you expect that we would have a record-breaking heat wave this summer? The previous record, at 14 consecutive days, was broken last week and who knows where it will stop. I marvel at the tenacity of IM's staff. Through thick and thin they are out in this heat welcoming refugees and helping them find jobs, delivering meals to thousands of seniors every weekday and following up with case assessment visits. And they do more than just deliver a meal or welcome a stranger, they are checking up on their clients - with an attentive smile and an open heart.

So I want to give out a big THANK YOU to our dedicated staff who brave the heat to make sure that no senior goes hungry and that our refugees are "warmly" welcomed. It is hard work and I so appreciate their positive attitude even in these scorching temperatures.

While the extreme heat continues, more fans are needed for our elderly Meals on Wheels clients. Fans do not solve the problem, but they are an economical step in helping a bit. So if you are able, please consider dropping off a fan or two at our offices (3217 Montrose Blvd) or through our new wish list site here.

A THOUGHT TO PONDER

Things changed on a fateful day almost ten years ago. I was on a Southwest flight out of Dallas to Houston for an interview with the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston. Upon landing, we all learned that two airplanes had hit the Twin Towers.

It was a surreal day. I was interviewed with everyone's eyes on a TV that had been wheeled into the room. Somehow we made it through the process and since I could not catch the return flight, we all sat around watching the events unfold. As we became aware of the enormity of the tragedy, it was clear to all of us that a "new normal" was to come about.

That new normal led America into a series of wars, new security institutions and years of doubt.

Now ten years later, in just a few short weeks, there will be many community-wide events and certainly a lot of soul-searching. I have written a small prayer for us all, and it goes something like this:

I pray that men and women of all races, creeds and religion learn that we have the power to destroy and to build. May we understand that though it is easy to rationalize our power to destroy, it is more important to find the strength to build. If our highest aspiration is to reflect the Divine in the world, may we be taught how to love our brothers and sisters, and even those whom we do not know. Show us how to overcome anger and grief and turn our weapons into plowshares. May we be guided to build safe, healthy communities of respect, kindness and compassion. Help us to turn outward to find partners for peace.

My friends I hope that each of us use the memory of this terrible anniversary for good. Look for and participate in the many community activities that will be taking place (you will find a number of them on IM's webpage on the Community Calendar). Learn about a new coordinating body called Compassionate Houston that is being launched to recognize the many wonderful collaborative works being done throughout our city and region (you can visit www.compassionatehouston.org).

My guess is we will see more 9/11s in our lifetime. I also know that we will also see great outpourings of kindness when the next tsunami hits. We have a choice - we can bemoan the state of the world or we can choose to come together to help build a better world. I choose the latter. Join me, please.

Talk to you in two weeks.


Elliot Gershenson

President and CEO

Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston

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

RASP Program

One of IM's newest refugee service is RASP (Refugee After-School Program).  It equips refugee students with the tools they need to succeed by creating a challenging and positive environment that promotes self-empowerment, respect, academic accomplishment, and an enriched world view.

The students in RASP attend Las Americas Middle School.  The goal of RASP is to improve the lives refugee families by helping students feel more connected to their environment, leading to success in school and future careers.

I spoke with the RASP director Carey Reagan about how the program is making a difference.

1. Why is it important for these refugee students to have an after school program?

After-School programs are important especially for refugees because of their limited English proficiency and many times they also have gaps in their education. I am sure you can imagine that when a family with children must flee for their lives or relocate due to persecution (which is what constitutes a refugee) then education is no longer a top priority.

Additionally, many of the children that arrive here with their parents come from impoverished nations or conditions in camps where formal education was scant or non-existent. Then the child arrives in the U.S. where unfortunately children are placed in a grade based on their age.

This means that a 12 year old who may have never gone to school is now required to know how to read, write, and speak English at a 6th grade level as well as know science, math up to algebra, etc. You can see how this would create a difficult situation for a child who has already been through some very difficult events and is also learning how to live in a new country/culture.

After-school offers a chance for these refugees to receive additional help and input that will hopefully bring them closer to the mark that they should reach to achieve the next grade.

2. What is the most challenging thing you face with the  RASP students?

It is a particular challenge to keep students interested in a lesson when they are exhausted from an 8 hour school day. So, it is important to make the lessons fun, non-threatening and offer additional incentive that they may not get from a typical teacher/lesson.


3. What kind of activities have you done with the students?

I have taught them lessons in social studies (US symbols), life science (taxonomy and animal characteristics) and English. We play games like Pictionary and charades. Coming up soon, I am taking them to the zoo.
4. Where do you see RASP in 5 years?

I hope that RASP continues to grow and improve to better reach its goal of helping newly arrived refugee students to succeed in school.

If you are interested in more information or volunteering with RASP, please contact Carey Reagan.

Tuesday Memo - Volunteerism and Values

Greetings,

You may know that last week was national Volunteer Appreciation Week and here at IM we celebrate volunteers all throughout April - well actually all year long.  We are proud that so many folks choose to volunteer at IM and elsewhere.  Volunteering really makes a big difference for non-profits, as all the hours donated make our services that much more affordable.

But in truth, I believe that volunteering adds another important component to the work we and others do.  When someone volunteers he or she is served along with the clients they help.  Most of us have a desire to serve - to give back for the blessings we have.  One way is to give money - and yes every non-profit needs money to pay for the goods and services they provide.  But giving back through volunteerism fills a spiritual need that many of us have - to do God's work here on Earth.  A component of all of our great faith traditions is to be Holy - and when one volunteers one gets to taste a bit of heaven here on Earth.

So thank you for volunteering - whether it is for IM or elsewhere.  Every act of kindness you do touches someone in need.  This is a classic "win-win" where the recipient and the giver get an equal dose of love.  We at IM are thankful to the hundreds of volunteers who help us with feeding seniors and their pets; welcoming refugees to Houston; assuring that folks are helped during disasters; bringing people together for meaningful dialogue; and helping IM make good decisions.  We are very appreciative to all those who serve on our Board of Directors, committees and task forces.  We would not be a great organization without all of your support.

THINGS ARE HOPPING AT IM

• For our refugees, we are sponsoring a "Second Hand for a Second Chance" donation drive April 29^th and 30^th here at IM. We need clothing, kitchen items, furniture and other housewares.  Click here to find out how you can help.
• The next Women's Spiritual Gathering is scheduled for April 28^th hosted by Zoroastrian community.  These gatherings are very special and provide a unique experience for women who are seeking to learn about women of many faiths.  There is no charge and you can register by clicking here.
• The Tapestry Gala is scheduled for May 3^rd and there are still a few seats left to purchase.  The Gala is exactly two weeks away and if you've never attended let me make one promise:  you will be amazed at the diversity of people and music that makes this evening so magical.  If you'd like to attend click here for more information.
  

A THOUGHT TO PONDER

Every so often I find a cartoon that not only strikes my funny-bone, but hits a chord.  I was actually saddened by this cartoon even as I laughed a bit.  IM's tag-line is the strengths of shared beliefs - it could easily be the strength of shared values.  We are in our 42^nd year and it is my hope that we haven't been jaded by time, which is ever so easy to have happen.

How many of us wonder if we still have any of the enthusiasm and hopes of our youth?  How many of us have been beaten down by the real world?  I am guessing most of us experience some moments when we ask ourselves where our optimism has gone.

Seniors and Refugee Families get Holiday Gifts

We hope you had happy holidays and New Year!  Each December, Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston delivers donated gifts to home-bound seniors and newly arrived refugee families.  Blankets, toys, household goods, toys and hundreds of other donations were brought to our clients through community donations.  Thank you to everyone who donated and adopted families this year.  We couldn’t have done it without you!   Take a look at our recent photos and media coverage about the holiday season. 

Dinner Dialogues Tuesday Memo

 November 9, 2010

Greetings!

Let me begin by thanking all of the hosts, moderators and participants that made this past week's 4^th Annual Amazing Faiths Dinner Dialogues such a great success.  I bumped into folks this weekend that participated and based on what I heard it seems that we have had another fine experience.  We've had many thousands of people participate over the years and we do hope that there are now many new friendships.  We believe that through the simple act of breaking bread with folks we don't know that there is hope that we can come to know one another in new and deeply meaningful ways.  We owe a special debt of gratitude to IM's Manager of Interfaith Relations, Lauren Santerre, and to Iesa Galloway, IM's IR Program Coordinator, for their tenacity, flexibility and just plain hard work to make sure everyone had a great home to visit.

As we come to the close of another year, there are many things that still need to be done.  Here's a quick look at some of them:

• Next week's For All Humanity Luncheon honoring Charles Foster in support of IM's Refugee Services Department is fast approaching.  There's still just a bit of room if you'd like to come.  The event is set for Monday, November 15^th at Noon at the Junior League.  If you'd like to attend, please click here. 
• Most of you who receive this bi-weekly email have received one of our year-end fundraising pieces (and may receive some more!).  Please respond - because we cannot feed 4,400 seniors each weekday; serve more than 550 refugees each year; be ready for the next disaster; and provide meaningful interfaith dialogue programming and services without your help.  Each year more than 4,000 folks have been donating to IM - we need every one of you to do so again this year.  My commitment is that we will use those dollars well - and play our distinct and unique role right here in Greater Houston.  If you have not received one of these pieces and want to make your year-end donation, all you need to do is click here.
• We also need continuing volunteer support.  On Thanksgiving Day we will be delivering a turkey dinner to about 2,800 seniors.  This has been a long tradition at IM - and a great family opportunity to make your holiday a bit more special.  It takes about two to three hours of your time and is perfect for folks of all ages.  Click here to register as a Thanksgiving Volunteer.  Also, we need your help providing holiday gifts to our seniors and refugees. You can help by adopting a family and buying gifts from their wish list or by donating needed items such as toiletries, hats, blankets and scarves.  Click here for more information.
• Lastly, a big thank you to board member Fatima Mawji for volunteering her time earlier this month and providing flu shots to our staff.

Let me end with special greetings to all of our friends from India and that region of the world with our warm wishes for a good Diwali which began this past Friday.  Diwali, popularly known as the festival of lights, is an important five-day festival in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, occurring between mid-October and mid-November. For Hindus, Diwali is the most important festival of the year and is celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together in their homes. Happy Diwali!

A THOUGHT TO PONDER

I was going to talk a bit about this past week's elections.  I think you all know that I am frustrated by the anger and partisanship has become a hallmark of each electoral season.  But I've decided not to do so.  Why?

Well, it's finally fall here in Houston and the weather is just too darn nice to do anything but smile.  I've been told as a relative newcomer to Houston (it's only been about 8 years) that there are two seasons here - summer and February!  Well this week is proving the skeptics wrong.  The change in weather just might make our spirits glow - and it is my hope that we take this pause from the heat to reflect on the many blessings we have.  We've come through another hurricane season unscathed!  We are turning the corner and the economy is coming back, ever so slowly.  And, it looks like this is going to be a mild flu season to boot.  I am not pressing my luck, just reflecting on our good fortune to be alive here in Houston.  No matter what our disagreements may be, it seems to me that on a beautiful fall day, we should just sit back and be thankful.  Not a bad way to welcome in the season of Thanksgiving and Joy.  

Talk to you in two weeks.

Elliot Gershenson

President and CEO

Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston

Please donate to Myanmar Cyclone Relief Fund – BAAT

Please donate to Myanmar Cyclone Relief Fund – BAAT
As many of you know, on May 2, 2008, Cyclone Nargis made landfall in the Irrawaddy division in Myanmar (Burma). The Cyclone pushed a wall of water as high as 12 feet, approximately 25 miles inland over a low-lying, densely populated delta region. The World Health Organization estimates casualty numbers in excess of 100,000 dead, 200,000 missing and 2.5 million (approximately 5% of the population of Burma) severely affected. A storm surge is reported to have destroyed the vast majority of domestic dwellings in seven townships, also causing severe storm and flood-damage to roads, communication links and other essential service infrastructure, especially water and power supplies.
Due to a unique social, economic and political situation, the humanitarian emergency in Myanmar has a potential to escalate into a disaster of severe magnitude. Millions of people in vulnerable communities are at risk of perishing not only due to the immediate aftermath but also due to the epidemics caused by a total lack of services. Your contribution will go directly to the victims who need it the most.
Your generous contribution will save many lives and help restore their economic situation. Your donation of $10, $20, $25, $50, $100, or more is desperately needed.

OPTIONS
Donations by Credit Cards. (Online donations are processed by a secure site)
Donations by phone, please call AAFS at 713-339-3688. (from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM)
Donations by cash/check, please mail to: Burmese American Association of Texas (BAAT)P. O. Box 3359Sugar Land, Texas 77487
Payable to: BAAT; Memo: Myanmar Cyclone Relief Fund

Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law.
Tax receipts will come from our Sponsors directly.

Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston resettles about 200 refugees mostly from war-torn countries each year.