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February 9, 2017
Dear Friends,
Thank you to the nearly 200 individuals who attended my February 1 conversation about programs and resources for refugees and recent immigrants at the Center for Educational partnership. I know that dozens more were unable to make it but are eager to learn more. This email is dedicated to sharing contact information, links, and "wish lists" from the organizations that joined us last Wednesday.
At the event we learned that more refugees are resettled in Prince George's County than other jurisdictions in the metro region. We are just behind Baltimore City in the total number resettled. We also learned that the US overall accepts fewer refugees than Canada and other nations. This is partially due to our extremely rigorous screening process.
In the HTML version of this email, all the underlined words and phrases are links to websites or email addresses. Each logo is also hyper-linked to the organization's website.
Thank you in advance for reaching out directly to these service providers and also for understanding that many of them are currently overwhelmed with work due to the confusion created by the Executive Order and the generosity of individuals like you who want to help. They want to hear from you but also appreciate your patience!
Top Donation Requests: Bedding (s
heet sets, pillowcases, pillows, comforters, blankets), Kitchen items (pots/pans, dish and silverware s
ets), Toiletries (soap bars, shampoo, deodorant, towels), Electronics (computers/laptops, GPS), Cards (pre-loaded SmarTrip cards, VISA cards/cash that can be used to school supplies/uniforms, Monetary donations for e
mergency housing expenses.
Volunteers needs: interpreters, outreach specialists, donations for families and students. If you wish to volunteer, please obtain your
fingerprinting and background clearance. Once you have done this, please contact Nora Morales or Toni Mejias and they will help direct you to the right place for your special skills.
Donate: Call Yenny Lucero or Shannon Ledbetter at 301-772-8420 or
Danitza Simpson or Alyson Jacobson at 301-431-6210.
Top Requests: Donations of diapers, baby supplies such as pack-n-plays, infant strollers, formula, baby wipes; volunteer English tutors, mentors, workshop facilitators for participants, yoga instructors, donations for summer educational activities, menial office labor, etc.
It was wonderful to meet and hear from refugees who have settled in Riverdale. Read more about them and Pastor Eric So in this
Washington Post article.
As always, don't hesitate to reach out directly to my staff or me if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for all you do.
Together Strengthening our Community,
P.S. I share news and updates daily on social media. If you are active on social media, too, please engage with me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter.
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