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Since launching our COVID-19 Crisis Prevention Fund last month, community members from all over the state have donated to help the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ extend a safety net to our newest neighbors.

Thank you all so much for your generous response to our Crisis Prevention Fund. In just six weeks, more than 40 individuals and organizations have donated $5,934 to support refugee families, survivors of human trafficking and other vulnerable populations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in Florida.

Many of the people we serve are not eligible for government stimulus relief and are just beginning to rebuild their lives in their new homes. Our clients have already reported layoffs and reduced hours, and while our staff is working diligently to help people regain employment, the long-term implications are becoming clear as this pandemic rapidly develops. Thanks to your generous support, 16 families have received assistance to maintain housing stability through our Crisis Prevention Fund so far.

In case you missed it, this month, along with the stories of two of our hard-working refugee clients whose families have been impacted by layoffs and reduced hours. ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ client Rachel Uwamahoro spoke with The Democrat about her experience: “I was happy and excited to work in the U.S. It was my first work here. I feel bad because I’m sitting and the bills can’t stop — they’re still coming." The article also features ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ client Freddy Ntambwe, who at 19-years-old is now supporting his family—and serving the Tallahassee community—through his job at . A must read!

The ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ in Tallahassee team left a socially distanced surprise gift to thank Freddy for sharing his story—featured on the front page of The Tallahassee Democrat!

Photo: ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡

Earlier this month, our Development Director, Marian Dickson, interviewed Una Bilic, Site Manager for the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ in Tallahassee and Caridad Mas-Batchelor, Interim Deputy Director of the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ in Miami on how we are adapting our programming to serve refugee families, survivors of human trafficking and other vulnerable populations remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic, and about the amazing response we’ve seen from our community supporters! The interview is available to watch (don’t forget to subscribe!)

Please save the date for #GivingTuesdayNow—May 5, 2020—and if you’re able pledge a portion of your stimulus check to the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ in Florida’s COVID-19 Crisis Prevention Fund! #GivingTuesdayNow is a global day of giving and unity in response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. Help us reach our goal of raising $10,000, so that we can extend a safety net for our newest neighbors as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact our communities. No donation amount is too small! .

To learn more about the work of the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ in Florida and for information on how you can get involved with the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ as a or volunteer, please contact Development Manager, JC Torres, at [email protected] or 786-325-6257.

Stay connected to the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ in Florida! for announcements and upcoming events!