Refugee Council’s Post

Indiana is a welcoming state. To receive those from other regions of the country and the world is part of who we are. At different times in our state’s history, communities have found their way here, knowing there would be a place to live, a community to be part of, a sense of welcome. Granted, the landscape of our history is not without its shadows. There were times when we failed at welcoming those who weren’t like us. Differences were sometimes disastrous and even diabolical. But Indiana is in the middle of a movement that could be called monumental, even historical. Cultures and communities are moving here in growing numbers. The patchwork of our city is becoming an increasingly vivid testimony to the beauty of diversity. Now, Patchwork Indy is transitioning into a new way of welcoming with the Private Sponsorship program of the Welcome Corps. This exciting program is giving people all over the state a new vision of how to support and encourage some of the 117 million displaced around the world in 2023. This new program could open up numerous avenues and locations for Hoosiers to bring refugees into all parts of our state. It has the potential to expand and transform the Indiana workforce and develop new and exciting communities. As we work with groups of individuals all over Indiana who have chosen to sponsor refugees and refugee families, Patchwork Indy is confident and proud that, in a new way, Indiana is once again being seen as a welcoming state. Bruce Garrison, Chief Executive Officer

Let's join forces to empower refugees and underserved communities through opportunities. By providing education, job training, and vital resources, we can catalyze transformation and build brighter futures. Join the movement for positive change today. https://lnkd.in/dfkNhwu7. #Refugees #PositiveChange #MakingTheDifference

I truly believe in standing by each other, not just lending a hand. We all need someone in our corner, cheering us on and helping us reach our dreams. It's about more than just helping – it's about supporting by believing in each other's abilities and giving each other the support we need to succeed. Read more about my thoughts and my last talk at 2024 Refugee Conference!! https://lnkd.in/dMENJBGd

In the spirit of the Jesuit tradition, we are all called to be active participants in a world that urgently needs compassion and understanding. 🌍 The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) doesn’t just accompany and serve displaced persons and refugees; it also transforms the lives of those who serve, helping them discover deeper compassion and a renewed sense of purpose. It's no wonder many Jesuits complete their regency with JRS — it's a path that leads to profound personal growth and a deeper understanding of what it means to be truly human. Through their work with refugees, they experience the profound impact of making room for tenderness, compassion and generosity. In other words, they learn to love deeply. https://bit.ly/3B1w1CR 🤝 ❤️ ➡️ Curious about how you can accompany refugees and make a difference? 📘 Download JRS’s new guide, ON THE MOVE, and learn how you can advocate for marginalized communities and foster real change: https://bit.ly/3Tjc8NY

At Empower People, we believe in hope and growth. Just like planting a tree symbolizes new beginnings and a brighter future. We are committed to uplifting marginalized communities. Refugees are not merely displaced individuals; they are resilient and hopeful contributors to our shared tapestry of humanity. Through their journeys, they enrich our communities with tales of courage, perseverance, and renewal. On World Refugee Day, let’s celebrate their invaluable contributions and advocate for a world where everyone’s voice can be heard. Together, we can build a world where everyone, regardless of their background, can succeed. Let's sow seeds of understanding, acceptance, and empowerment. #WorldRefugeeDay #HopeAndGrowth #refugeerights #MarginalizedVoices

I'm thrilled to moderate our upcoming virtual World Refugee Day panel discussion, "Enhancing Refugee Economic Inclusion: Best Practices and Success Strategies" on June 19th. Please join me and our esteemed panelists, representing employers, newcomers, and Jumpstart. Details and registration link below. #WorldRefugeeDay #RefugeeEmployment #Inclusion

🏡 Home is where the heart is… RIGHT? But what if your heart is shattered and your new neighbours turn their backs? Today is #WorldRefugeeDay. The theme for the Refugee Week Festival this year is “Our Home.” https://lnkd.in/eGE8uvme Think about what home means to you. Home isn't just a physical space—it's a feeling. It’s a sense of community and belonging. For too many refugees, the journey to find a new home is fraught with challenges, heartache, and trauma. These journeys get increasingly perilous the longer time goes on. We know how treacherous the journey can be for refugees across the world— remember that’s not a life choice decision. So imagine the brutality they are trying to escape to even consider these horrific experiences. 🚨 The UN has cited that we are living in the WORST TIME IN HISTORY FOR HUMANITY: 120 million people have been forcibly displaced globally. This includes refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced people. ❗We need to be better global citizens; open our community doors and wrap our arms around this vulnerable population to help them create a new sense of home. ❤️ Home is not defined by walls but by the warmth, safety and acceptance we extend to one another. 🤟🏼 We need to create a healthier version of "Our Home" into reality, one small act of kindness at a time. The illustration below from World Refugee week is a cool place to start. 🌍 We need to do a lot better. 👉🏼 Start now. #Community #BetterTogether #TheHumanDifference _______________ ALT text embedded in image

Join us for 'Embracing Adversity Journey – Refugee Voices – Part #4,' a deep dive into the often harrowing yet hopeful journeys of refugees seeking safety in the US. 🕊️ Discover the resilience of those who have fled war, violence, and persecution, enduring perilous travels and harsh conditions to find a new beginning. Upon arrival, their struggles continue as they face the challenges of finding housing, securing employment, and overcoming discrimination. It’s more crucial than ever to extend compassion and support to help these brave individuals rebuild their lives. Let’s come together to create welcoming and inclusive communities where refugees can heal and prosper. Tune in, be moved, and inspired to act. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of many. #RefugeeStoriesOfResilience #EmbracingAdversity #RefugeeVoices

New Episode Alert: 'Embracing Adversity Journey - Refugee Voices - Part 8: Resettling Together: Community Support for Refugees' In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of community support in the resettlement process of refugees. Learn how a nurturing community can provide more than just basic necessities—it can foster a sense of belonging, empower growth, and build resilience, making a significant impact on the lives of those seeking a new beginning. Join us as we explore how opening our hearts and communities to refugees not only aids their journey but also enriches our own lives with increased inclusivity and understanding. Tune in now to see how we can all contribute to building a brighter future together. #CommunitySupportForRefugees #BuildingResilience #Inclusivity #Empowerment

Let’s take a moment to reflect on our perceptions of refugees in the context of unconscious bias. Often, we perceive refugees as individuals stripped of power, facing severe poverty and emotional distress while desperately seeking safety in new lands. We tend to focus on their deficiencies—language barriers, unfamiliarity with the new culture, and lack of access to necessities—and strive to support them. Sometimes, in our efforts to help, we may offer more assistance than they need. But are we recognizing their incredible resilience? Consider this: these individuals have endured unimaginable hardships and risked their lives to escape dangerous situations, sometimes even crossing borders illegally. They have fought to find refuge in unfamiliar countries, fully aware that they must learn a new language, rebuild their lives from scratch, adapt to a different environment, and provide for their families while instilling hope in their children. These individuals embody true resilience. Often, what appears to be human vulnerability serves as fertile ground for empowerment. Only the strongest can rise from such challenges and soar high, like birds taking flight.