Friends of Refugees

Community Liaisons - 2024

Through Embrace, Friends of Refugees' birth support service, Community Liaisons use experience, wisdom, and common culture and language to connect authentically with other refugee mothers. Many of these staff experienced the support of the Embrace program when they themselves were pregnant. This dynamic creates a familiar environment that empowers clients and promotes healing from trauma. This gift funds the cost of two part-time Community Liaisons.

Enhanced Safety Support - 2024

Four Friends of Refugees locations are in great need of security improvements. These locations have been subject to vandalism, theft, and violence, while also dealing with overwhelmed and under-responsive local police departments. This gift funds the purchase and installation of extra security measures such as enhanced exterior lighting, security cameras, and exterior door and locking system replacements. These measures protect staff, volunteers, and refugees with histories of violence, persecution, and instability.

Emergency Training - 2024

Friends of Refugees recognizes that their community members may be targets of extremist groups. To ensure a safe environment, they look to make sure all staff are prepared to handle any emergencies they may face. This funding standardizes accident and violence preparedness across the organization, and covers the costs for first aid kits for all sites and floors, tactical trauma and bleeding control kits, first aid classes for 30 staff, and active shooter group training.