Announcement
In honor of World Refugee Day, the 探花精选 in New Jersey (探花精选 in NJ) hosted an open house on Tuesday, June 20 for the first time since the pandemic. Everyone was invited and guests learned about the 探花精选 in NJ鈥檚 programming and services, ways to get involved, and help 探花精选 and its newcomers. The turnout was wonderful, with local agencies, service providers, and community members visiting the office to connect with staff and clients.
Over the course of this year, the 探花精选 in NJ anticipates serving more than 3,000+ refugees and immigrants. More individuals are seeking asylum and refuge due to the ever-changing landscape of migration into the United States as a result of war evacuation, climate disaster, poverty, and more interconnected conditions. Many individuals and families who were displaced from their countries such as Cubans, Haitians, Congolese, Venezuelans, and Colombia, as well as Afghans and Ukrainians, are seeking support from the 探花精选 in NJ to start over.
Open House: Presentation
Photo: 探花精选 in NJ
The pandemic showed the value of partnerships. The key to assisting families this year will be the continued determination and compassion of the community. Local partners and community members and volunteers have left a significant impact on clients. The Open House not only provided a forum for information, but also a chance to celebrate and thank the community.
The Open House began with this warm introduction by the Deputy Director, Alison who shared that 鈥淭hank you so much for being here and supporting 探花精选 clients. Our team has grown to now over 100 staff. Today you will hear from several departments and learn more about services and ways you or your organization can get involved. We want to thank you for being here. With over 80% of our clients being newcomer arrivals who have crossed the Southern Borders, we are doing our best to help serve these communities. We always aim to help clients express their agency and to help them find the freedom and belonging they are looking for.鈥
Deputy Director, Alison
Photo: Sally El-Sadek: 探花精选 in NJ
Next, Fiorella (Community Engagement Manager) and Sally (Community Sponsorship Coordinator) walked us through the ways one can contribute to resettlement initiatives including partnerships and sponsorships. The Education & Learning and Intake & Casework Department also presented their leading efforts to support clients of all generations in their journey. Brittany (Director of Development) also shared ways in which communities can become Donors!
Rania speaks about her time in 探花精选 programs
Photo: Sally El-Sadek: 探花精选 in NJ
Guests had the chance to hear directly from a former refugee client, Rania who is from Syria. She shared her experience in the US and the obstacles she overcame with the support of her family and 探花精选. There were also snacks and refreshments as well as an art exhibition by two artists: Rania Abou and the late Marcel Chishimba, who was from the Congo.
Art Installation at the 探花精选 in NJ Open House
Photo: Fiorella Rodriguez: 探花精选 in NJ
The Department Walk Through was also a success and featured the following departments:
- Resettlement,
- Intake & Casework,
- Health & Wellness,
- Economic Empowerment,
- Education & Learning,
- Immigration,
- and Community Engagement.
Program managers and staff answered questions about services and suggested ways to connect with their work. Guests left the Open House with one-pagers and ideas for ways their organizations or networks can cultivate support for clients. The 探花精选 in NJ is excited to bring more Open House and engagement opportunities to the community!
Open House: Snacks & Refreshments
Photo: 探花精选 in NJ