When the Decatur Education Foundation (DEF) asked students at Decatur High School what they wanted out of a student center, the message came back loud and clear: a safe place. Somewhere to get away from the demands of school, take a break with friends, or even reach out for help.

It’s safe to say that during 2020 we’ve all faced unexpected challenges: canceled plans, job difficulties, or homeschooling. We have all faced the unexpected. Our nonprofit partner, Our House, is not immune to the unexpected challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused.

Meet Dareen. Dareen is a translator working with Friends of Refugees. She’s a part of their Embrace program, which helps guide refugee mothers through the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience.