̽»¨¾«Ñ¡

This is a time for fresh starts, starting over and new beginnings. We here at the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ in Missoula have been fortunate to be with so many families while they experience new beginnings and so many "firsts."

Chantal was among the first arrivals to Missoula in the fall of 2016. Along with her husband and four boys they navigated their first house, first jobs, first days at school, first snow, first car and so much more. In the winter of 2018, baby Rachelle was born, the first Congolese baby (for the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Missoula refugee community) and first American citizen for this family. After the flurry of appointments and classes during the first year of resettlement the family returned to the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ office to begin the process of applying for their permanent residence, or "Green card" status. Their next step is American citizenship and ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ in Missoula will be there to support them and others in this exciting endeavor.

We can't wait to see what 2019 brings for this family and all the other newcomers enjoying their "firsts."