Human Trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery in which traffickers use force, fraud, or coercion to exploit human beings for the purposes of commercial sex or forced labor. Every year, millions of individuals are trafficked worldwide – including right here in the United States. It can happen in any community and victims can be of any age, race, gender, or nationality. Vulnerable populations, including undocumented immigrants and refugees, are susceptible to trafficking situations.

In December, Opening Doors hosted our First Annual Staff Retreat, bringing us together in person for the first time since the COVID-19 Pandemic. In 2023, Opening Doors' staff grew from 50 to 77, giving all staff an opportunity to get to know each other better while deepening our understanding of effective cross-cultural communication and the values that are the foundation of the work of welcome; Rising Together, Honoring Dignity, Embracing Courage, and Seeking Joy.

The retreat also provided us the opportunity to recognize two staff members for their exceptional years of service. Neptoune Nilofar Amin, Refugee Program Manager, who has been with Opening Doors for 7 years; and Mohammed Al Salloom, Senior Loan Officer, who has been with Opening Doors for 12 years. We applaud their commitment to the work of welcome.

We also extend our thanks to Sacramento Taiko Dan for performing for our staff and allowing us to share in their culture.

Last month, Opening Doors hosted the final Community Engagement Dinner of 2023. This dinner provided our donors, volunteers, partners, and board members an opportunity to learn about our Economic Prosperity Program and the economic contributions of immigrants and refugees in our communities.

We look forward to hosting more Community Engagement Dinners in 2024 and the opportunity to connect with our community of welcome on a deeper level.

If you are interested in attending a Community Engagement Dinner, please contact our External Affairs Coordinator, Jazmin Aguilar Rangel.

We're thrilled to announce that, thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we raised over $70k in support of the work of welcome! Thank you to all of our new and continued donors. Your support is the heartbeat of our community of welcome, and we are profoundly grateful for your commitment. Together, we're not just raising funds; we're walking alongside refugees, immigrants, and survivors of trafficking on the path to stability, self-sufficiency, and belonging. 

To continue making an impact in the new year, consider establishing a monthly donation today.