Wow, it has been such a long time since our last post. Other matters (many new arrivals) throughout November and December have left little time for blogging. Hope to be better about this as things die down for the holidays.
The volunteer program will begin training new 2010 volunteers in early January. The agency is specifically looking for pre-existing social groups (church teams, community groups, circles of friends) to work in teams with assigned refugee families as part of the "Community Circle" volunteer program. Circles typically consist of 3-4 people and work with refugee families for an average of 6-8 months.
If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering with a refugee family,
please contact Abigail @ (603) 224-8111 x2260 to ask questions, obtain an application and schedule an interview.
We want to hear from you!
A few neat tid-bits:
Laconia Daily Sun featured an article about Bhutanese refugees in an early November issue (okay, it is a tad outdated but still worth noting!).
New Concord CAT bus schedule.
The Somali Diaspora: A Journey Away (photography and essays produced by the Somali Documentary Project).
Cultural Portraits (resource book covering 72 countries).
Donations:
The agency is still collecting warm blankets for new refugees and will continue to do so throughout the winter. We can't believe how cold it has been over the last few weeks and can only imagine what a shock this weather must be to our new clients (many who come from climates significantly warmer than NH!).
Please call Abigail @ (603) 224-8111 x2260 to contribute!
Last but not least:
Thank you to all of the volunteers and donors who were so faithful to the refugee program during the very busy fall months. Our staff could not have done the work at hand without your support- you are truly one of a kind and very much appreciated by the entire program.
Thank you so much for your tireless efforts!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
New staff, resources updates and donations galore!
A note from the office:
We would like to welcome two new staff members to New American Services, Elaine and Christina! Please stay tuned to learn more about them . . . they're truly fabulous additions to our team.
We also have some major apartment set-ups in the near future. NAS is looking to get our hands on any extra couches, beds (box springs/mattresses) and other basic household furniture to place in new apartments for refugee clients. Call Abby at 603.224.8111 if you're interested in donating- we pick up if you're in the Concord area!
New (or new to you) resource links:
Twitter, twitter, twitter- keep up to date by the minute with our tweets!
H1N1 information- make sure to check out the sidebar on the right of the screen.
The Laconia Daily Sun just featured an article about Bhutanese refugee families resettling in NH!
Refugee Parents in Their Own Words: a BRYCS list of helpful resources.
Documentary that "explores the journey of resettlement with a small group of Kunama refugees from Eritrea and how they reestablish their sense of community in their new home in America."
Children of Immigrants: National and State Characteristics
Donations:
New American Services is in need of personal care products to stock our donations closet. We would like to be able to store extra supplies, not only for our new arrivals, but for our clients who are struggling with finances during these tough economic times. If you're interested in donating, please see the list below:
Shampoo
Bar soap
Toilet paper
Clothing detergent
As always, feel free to call Abby at 603.224.8111 or email her at astoutimore@lssne.org with any questions regarding donations and/or volunteering opportunities.
Thank you for your continued support!!!
We would like to welcome two new staff members to New American Services, Elaine and Christina! Please stay tuned to learn more about them . . . they're truly fabulous additions to our team.
We also have some major apartment set-ups in the near future. NAS is looking to get our hands on any extra couches, beds (box springs/mattresses) and other basic household furniture to place in new apartments for refugee clients. Call Abby at 603.224.8111 if you're interested in donating- we pick up if you're in the Concord area!
New (or new to you) resource links:
Twitter, twitter, twitter- keep up to date by the minute with our tweets!
H1N1 information- make sure to check out the sidebar on the right of the screen.
The Laconia Daily Sun just featured an article about Bhutanese refugee families resettling in NH!
Refugee Parents in Their Own Words: a BRYCS list of helpful resources.
Documentary that "explores the journey of resettlement with a small group of Kunama refugees from Eritrea and how they reestablish their sense of community in their new home in America."
Children of Immigrants: National and State Characteristics
Donations:
New American Services is in need of personal care products to stock our donations closet. We would like to be able to store extra supplies, not only for our new arrivals, but for our clients who are struggling with finances during these tough economic times. If you're interested in donating, please see the list below:
Shampoo
Bar soap
Toilet paper
Clothing detergent
As always, feel free to call Abby at 603.224.8111 or email her at astoutimore@lssne.org with any questions regarding donations and/or volunteering opportunities.
Thank you for your continued support!!!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Reading list and donations
One Day the Soldiers Came by Charles London- author interviewed refugee children and their caretakers from 8 countries to learn. They share their experiences of war.
Brothers in Hope: The Story of the Lost Boys of Sudan by Mary Williams- illustrated book chronicles the journey of an 8 year old boy.
Translated H1N1 information
National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week is Oct 4-10
Items we're collecting:
Heavy blankets, quilts and comforters (new or gently used)
Toilet paper
Shampoo (please no conditioner)
Bar soap
Toothpaste
Dish washing liquid
Remember- donations are tax deductible!
Please contact Abigail at 603.224.8111 for more information.
Brothers in Hope: The Story of the Lost Boys of Sudan by Mary Williams- illustrated book chronicles the journey of an 8 year old boy.
Translated H1N1 information
National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week is Oct 4-10
Items we're collecting:
Heavy blankets, quilts and comforters (new or gently used)
Toilet paper
Shampoo (please no conditioner)
Bar soap
Toothpaste
Dish washing liquid
Remember- donations are tax deductible!
Please contact Abigail at 603.224.8111 for more information.
Friday, October 2, 2009
We're back!
Apologies to all for such a long absence!
As many already know, the agency experienced a bulge in arrivals during the final two months of FY09 (hence our lack in postings). We had over 100 people come to New Hampshire in August and September!
Here are some updates- hope you enjoy and share!
Wonderful story about NH refugees featured on NECN
IRC's updated list of books and films about refugees and U.S. resettlement
President Obama signs Presidential Determination
"Cover Your Cough" poster in Nepali, Somali, Arabic, French . . .
Concerned about bed bugs? FAQ, photos and other helpful information at this site
Many Bhutanese clients from Nepal just observed Dashain . . . learn more here
New American Services is also looking for preexisting social groups who are willing to be trained as volunteers and work with refugee families. If you're interested in giving your time to help a new refugee family through the resettlement experience, please contact Abigail at (603) 224.8111 or at astoutimore@lssne.org.
Also, the blanket drive has been extended through the end of October. Please consider donating new or gently-used, heavy blankets, comforters and quilts to the refugee resettlement program.
Did you take a fun trip with refugee clients this summer? To the park or beach? Did you try something new together? If so, send in your pictures for a future post to astoutimore@lssne.org.
As always, we appreciate your reading and sharing these resources and tales with your friends, family and others who care about our refugee friends. Help us share the story!
As many already know, the agency experienced a bulge in arrivals during the final two months of FY09 (hence our lack in postings). We had over 100 people come to New Hampshire in August and September!
Here are some updates- hope you enjoy and share!
Wonderful story about NH refugees featured on NECN
IRC's updated list of books and films about refugees and U.S. resettlement
President Obama signs Presidential Determination
"Cover Your Cough" poster in Nepali, Somali, Arabic, French . . .
Concerned about bed bugs? FAQ, photos and other helpful information at this site
Many Bhutanese clients from Nepal just observed Dashain . . . learn more here
New American Services is also looking for preexisting social groups who are willing to be trained as volunteers and work with refugee families. If you're interested in giving your time to help a new refugee family through the resettlement experience, please contact Abigail at (603) 224.8111 or at astoutimore@lssne.org.
Also, the blanket drive has been extended through the end of October. Please consider donating new or gently-used, heavy blankets, comforters and quilts to the refugee resettlement program.
Did you take a fun trip with refugee clients this summer? To the park or beach? Did you try something new together? If so, send in your pictures for a future post to astoutimore@lssne.org.
As always, we appreciate your reading and sharing these resources and tales with your friends, family and others who care about our refugee friends. Help us share the story!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Up-and-coming NH events!
New American Services is proud to be participating in two community events within the next few weeks. These festivals are wonderful activities to attend while volunteering with refugee families. We strongly encourage volunteers and clients to go for great music, food and dancing!
08/29/09: People Fest- Manchester, NH
09/12/09: Laconia Multicultural Market Day- Laconia, NH
Please feel free to stop by the Lutheran Social Services information booth and say hello!
08/29/09: People Fest- Manchester, NH
09/12/09: Laconia Multicultural Market Day- Laconia, NH
Please feel free to stop by the Lutheran Social Services information booth and say hello!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Apartment set-up help needed!
Have an eye for design and decorating?
Long to release your inner interior designer?
Need a good workout without a gym membership?
New American Services needs volunteers who are available during the late morning and early afternoon hours to help set up apartments for new refugees!
Join us as we trek across Concord in the U-Haul to pick up and move donated furniture, stock groceries, make beds and hang shower curtains!
Be a part of the most basic of services to newcomers by establishing their first homes in the United States. Call Abby at 603.224.8111 if you're interested!
Long to release your inner interior designer?
Need a good workout without a gym membership?
New American Services needs volunteers who are available during the late morning and early afternoon hours to help set up apartments for new refugees!
Join us as we trek across Concord in the U-Haul to pick up and move donated furniture, stock groceries, make beds and hang shower curtains!
Be a part of the most basic of services to newcomers by establishing their first homes in the United States. Call Abby at 603.224.8111 if you're interested!
Check out our new resource list!
A guide to Cultural Orientation for Children with Refugee Backgrounds.
A report on Iraqi refugees from the International Rescue Committee.
Backgrounders on different refugee populations.
Stories from refugees and immigrants collected by New American Services.
A report on Iraqi refugees from the International Rescue Committee.
Backgrounders on different refugee populations.
Stories from refugees and immigrants collected by New American Services.
Monday, August 3, 2009
It's time for Back-to-School!
We are collecting school supplies!Please consider donating the following to New American Services for refugee children who are starting their first year of school in the United States:
1) backpacks
2) notebooks/writing tablets
3) pens/pencils
4) erasers
5) pencil sharpeners
2) notebooks/writing tablets
3) pens/pencils
4) erasers
5) pencil sharpeners
Call Abigail at 603.224.8111 if you have questions or wish to donate!
Volunteers- You're Invited!
You’re Cordially Invitedto September’s
Quarterly Volunteer Potluck
~
Lutheran Social Services
261 Sheep Davis Rd. Suite A-1
Concord, NH 03301
2nd Floor Conference Room
~
Wednesday
September 23, 2009
6:30-8:30 PM
~
RSVP at (603) 224-8111.
Please bring a dish to share!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Health education information and resources
NEWS: NH Healthy Kids Silver premiums increasing as of October 1, 2009.
Refugee Health Information Network- go here for health information in multiple languages and information about health services for refugees.
Also see Multi-Cultural Resources for Health Information. Cultural competency to laws, policies and standards. Provides online translation tool links.
Looking for something to help you talk to a refugee family about preparing for emergencies? Try Capital Area Prepares. Scroll to the bottom for Non-English Speakers. Languages include Arabic, Kirundi, Kurdish, Nepali and Somali!
Flashcards in a number of different languages that focus on health vocabulary and education.
Helping refugee youth reduce their chances of engaging in crime.
Refugee Health Information Network- go here for health information in multiple languages and information about health services for refugees.
Also see Multi-Cultural Resources for Health Information. Cultural competency to laws, policies and standards. Provides online translation tool links.
Looking for something to help you talk to a refugee family about preparing for emergencies? Try Capital Area Prepares. Scroll to the bottom for Non-English Speakers. Languages include Arabic, Kirundi, Kurdish, Nepali and Somali!
Flashcards in a number of different languages that focus on health vocabulary and education.
Helping refugee youth reduce their chances of engaging in crime.
URGENT ADVOCACY NEEDED!
From the Director of Public Policy & Advocacy at Lutheran Social Services of New England:
In the next few days, the US Senate Sub-Committee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Committee will focus on funding the US Refugee Resettlement programs. New Hampshire Senator Judd Gregg is a member of this committee. It is imperative that as many New Hampshire residents as possible contact him about this matter AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. You can do this by either sending a message through his web site http://gregg.senate.gov, (click on "contact") or by phone (202) 224-3324. I think everyone is aware of the financial struggles associated with trying to do an adequate job of refugee resettlement. Now is the time to send a strong message to our federal policy makers that it is time to finally support this program at a reasonable level.
The "sticking point" seems to be an impression that last year's congressional appropriation was $633.4 mil, thus the President's request for $740.7 mil appears to be too large a jump. But this is NOT the case. The actual budget for refugee resettlement last year was $706.1 mil due to a carry-over from unspent funds which accumulated during a time of low numbers of arriving refugees.
Copied below is the message I recently sent to Sen. Gregg. However, use your own words when writing or calling.
"Dear Senator Gregg: I am writing to you as a citizen of New Hampshire and also as an employee of an organization which contracts with the federal government to resettle refugees in New Hampshire (Lutheran Social Services). As a member of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Sub-Committee, you will soon be addressing the part pertaining to the funding for “Refugee and Entrant Assistant” in the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). You need only look at a few articles in the Union Leader or Concord Monitor to realize that this program has been faced with significant challenges in New Hampshire, as it has been all over our country. The funding provided to agencies like Lutheran Social Services to accomplish this job has been grossly inadequate for many years. As a result, volunteer efforts and donated funds have been used to fill the gap. That capacity has now been mostly depleted and the local communities are becoming increasingly stressed by the need to find ways to assist these new arrivals. Accusations of “dumping refugees” are frequently seen in the press and heard on the streets. This is a federally mandated program and the federal government must provide adequate resources to do the job.
"In FYI 09, Congress allocated $633.4 mil, to which was added a carry-over of $72.7 mil for a total operating budget last year of $706.1 mil. For 2010, the President has requested $740.7 mil, a less than 5% increase. Some interpret this (INCORRECTLY) as a larger percentage increase based on the $633.4 mil congressional appropriation in 2009, leaving out the fact that $72.7 mil was then added from un-obligated prior year funds (which accrued due to fewer than budgeted refugee arrivals).
"I urge you to please advocate within the committee the need to fund Refugee Resettlement at the modest level increase requested by the President, $740.7 mil for FY 2010."
In the next few days, the US Senate Sub-Committee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Committee will focus on funding the US Refugee Resettlement programs. New Hampshire Senator Judd Gregg is a member of this committee. It is imperative that as many New Hampshire residents as possible contact him about this matter AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. You can do this by either sending a message through his web site http://gregg.senate.gov, (click on "contact") or by phone (202) 224-3324. I think everyone is aware of the financial struggles associated with trying to do an adequate job of refugee resettlement. Now is the time to send a strong message to our federal policy makers that it is time to finally support this program at a reasonable level.
The "sticking point" seems to be an impression that last year's congressional appropriation was $633.4 mil, thus the President's request for $740.7 mil appears to be too large a jump. But this is NOT the case. The actual budget for refugee resettlement last year was $706.1 mil due to a carry-over from unspent funds which accumulated during a time of low numbers of arriving refugees.
Copied below is the message I recently sent to Sen. Gregg. However, use your own words when writing or calling.
"Dear Senator Gregg: I am writing to you as a citizen of New Hampshire and also as an employee of an organization which contracts with the federal government to resettle refugees in New Hampshire (Lutheran Social Services). As a member of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Sub-Committee, you will soon be addressing the part pertaining to the funding for “Refugee and Entrant Assistant” in the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). You need only look at a few articles in the Union Leader or Concord Monitor to realize that this program has been faced with significant challenges in New Hampshire, as it has been all over our country. The funding provided to agencies like Lutheran Social Services to accomplish this job has been grossly inadequate for many years. As a result, volunteer efforts and donated funds have been used to fill the gap. That capacity has now been mostly depleted and the local communities are becoming increasingly stressed by the need to find ways to assist these new arrivals. Accusations of “dumping refugees” are frequently seen in the press and heard on the streets. This is a federally mandated program and the federal government must provide adequate resources to do the job.
"In FYI 09, Congress allocated $633.4 mil, to which was added a carry-over of $72.7 mil for a total operating budget last year of $706.1 mil. For 2010, the President has requested $740.7 mil, a less than 5% increase. Some interpret this (INCORRECTLY) as a larger percentage increase based on the $633.4 mil congressional appropriation in 2009, leaving out the fact that $72.7 mil was then added from un-obligated prior year funds (which accrued due to fewer than budgeted refugee arrivals).
"I urge you to please advocate within the committee the need to fund Refugee Resettlement at the modest level increase requested by the President, $740.7 mil for FY 2010."
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Building connections as a volunteer
The following is a contribution from Dick, LSS Volunteer:
When I began volunteering with New American Services at Lutheran Social Services, I helped setting up apartments for new arrivals as well as driving refugees to doctor appointments. I did not need to do anything but show up ready to help.
After about a month, LSS asked me if I would like a tough assignment working with a family struggling to adapt to the American lifestyle. I accepted and entered the world of the refugee family in America.
Refugee needs and wants are pretty much the same as ours but more dramatic and time critical due to the challenges of culture, language and lack of money. Add health issues to these challenges and you have a very stressful environment for new arrivals.
Volunteers can help families by providing support to ease these stresses. Some resources I have used with my refugee family to help make the transition easier include:
GoogleTranslator
This is not to be relied upon for exact translations but can get you out of a pickle!
ESOL Programs:
LSS classes at First Congregational Church
Project Second Start
Immaculate Heart of Mary for NH Catholic Charities
(Project Second Start lent me several English Primers and I began regular English lessons in the refugee home using these as a basis for designing my own classes. But this doesn’t replace in class learning and, by itself, will not be successful.)
Jobs:
It’s a tough job market out there. No kidding! But jobs can be found.
Volunteers can help but should always coordinate job searching with the Job Developer at LSS
(tel. 224.8111).
In addition to staying connected to LSS, volunteers can become acquainted with the resources at:
NH Employment Security on West Street (tel. 228.411 )
Labor Ready at 49 South Main Street in Concord (tel. 226.3102)
The information summarized above is intended to provide a basis for identifying some of the agencies and people serving the refugee/needy community. It is certainly not complete and Lutheran Social Services would welcome information/additions from you regarding other resources that the Concord community has to offer to improve the lives of our new neighbors.
I am “totally impressed” with what New Hampshire (that means all of us) are doing to support those in need!!! The challenge is to join in supporting our neighbors-in-need. Won’t you help?
~Dick
LSS Volunteer
When I began volunteering with New American Services at Lutheran Social Services, I helped setting up apartments for new arrivals as well as driving refugees to doctor appointments. I did not need to do anything but show up ready to help.
After about a month, LSS asked me if I would like a tough assignment working with a family struggling to adapt to the American lifestyle. I accepted and entered the world of the refugee family in America.
Refugee needs and wants are pretty much the same as ours but more dramatic and time critical due to the challenges of culture, language and lack of money. Add health issues to these challenges and you have a very stressful environment for new arrivals.
Volunteers can help families by providing support to ease these stresses. Some resources I have used with my refugee family to help make the transition easier include:
GoogleTranslator
This is not to be relied upon for exact translations but can get you out of a pickle!
ESOL Programs:
LSS classes at First Congregational Church
Project Second Start
Immaculate Heart of Mary for NH Catholic Charities
(Project Second Start lent me several English Primers and I began regular English lessons in the refugee home using these as a basis for designing my own classes. But this doesn’t replace in class learning and, by itself, will not be successful.)
Jobs:
It’s a tough job market out there. No kidding! But jobs can be found.
Volunteers can help but should always coordinate job searching with the Job Developer at LSS
(tel. 224.8111).
In addition to staying connected to LSS, volunteers can become acquainted with the resources at:
NH Employment Security on West Street (tel. 228.411 )
Labor Ready at 49 South Main Street in Concord (tel. 226.3102)
The information summarized above is intended to provide a basis for identifying some of the agencies and people serving the refugee/needy community. It is certainly not complete and Lutheran Social Services would welcome information/additions from you regarding other resources that the Concord community has to offer to improve the lives of our new neighbors.
I am “totally impressed” with what New Hampshire (that means all of us) are doing to support those in need!!! The challenge is to join in supporting our neighbors-in-need. Won’t you help?
~Dick
LSS Volunteer
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Resources!
Greetings!
Take a look at this wonderful site- an online NH homelessness resource.
Thanks to our colleagues as NH DHHS for sending it along to us!
Also, a NH Young Adult Resource Guide.
Interesting stats from Homeland Security.
Flashcards for Naturalization Test.
And an online Guide to Naturalization.
Enjoy!
Take a look at this wonderful site- an online NH homelessness resource.
Thanks to our colleagues as NH DHHS for sending it along to us!
Also, a NH Young Adult Resource Guide.
Interesting stats from Homeland Security.
Flashcards for Naturalization Test.
And an online Guide to Naturalization.
Enjoy!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Welcome and please follow us!
Dear colleagues, volunteers, community members and fellow refugee advocates,
Share the Story is a forum to post helpful resources, needs of the refugee community and the tales we all have and hear during our work with refugees in NH. We want to build support for the refugee community through building connections, educating one another and empowering refugees to suceed as they join us in NH. Please check us out frequently for new postings!
If you wish to contribute to the content of Share the Story, please email me at astoutimore@lssne.org. We do accept and screen submissions- your ideas, knowledge and experience are key to supporting refugees resettled in NH. Welcome to our network!
~Abigail (Volunteer/Donation/Community Education Coordinator- New American Services)
Share the Story is a forum to post helpful resources, needs of the refugee community and the tales we all have and hear during our work with refugees in NH. We want to build support for the refugee community through building connections, educating one another and empowering refugees to suceed as they join us in NH. Please check us out frequently for new postings!
If you wish to contribute to the content of Share the Story, please email me at astoutimore@lssne.org. We do accept and screen submissions- your ideas, knowledge and experience are key to supporting refugees resettled in NH. Welcome to our network!
~Abigail (Volunteer/Donation/Community Education Coordinator- New American Services)
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