Written on: April 10, 2014
The Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart are one of nine Congregations of women religious who support the Asylee Women Enterprise (AWE). Following is information from their latest email:
Please pass this on to anyone you think may be interested in this enterprise!
United Nations releases 2013 data regarding asylum seekers
A report released on March 26, 2014 by the United Nations High Commission of Refugees (UNHCR) reports the second largest number of asylum seekers in 20 years.. Some interesting facts from the data include:
With ever growing civil unrest in many countries like Syria and the Central African Republic the number of asylum seekers and refugees does not look to decrease in 2014. Now more than ever our voices are needed to speak out for the voiceless and protect those that are not able to protect themselves. Click here to read the report
When an asylum seeker comes to AWE we realize that our journey together will be long. We often talk about the day they will get asylum, the day they will be reunited with their family or the day they move out of AWE housing and into their own place. The last step, moving out into their own place, is often bittersweet for all of us in the AWE community. We are so happy that they are ready to move on but sad to see them leave. One of the wonderful things about building community is that if someone is part of the community they can move their location but their relationship to the community will continue.
In the next couple of months two asylees will be moving. They will be moving into their first apartments here in the U.S. Fortunately, both have had the opportunity to build a community of support, find employment that pays a living wage and save money so they can buy a car and take care of themselves and their family. Because the focus for them has been to thrive and not merely survive they move forward with confidence and self-empowerment. They are not reliant on government subsidies but are self-sufficient! We are excited for them and know that they will succeed and thrive here in their new home. They will be part of the AWE community forever and for that we are grateful.
Did you know that last year AWE provided services to 76 asylum seekers, asylees and refugees? We have seen a huge increase in the number of individuals that are in need of assistance, not just with housing, but with community and companionship.
Although our services has increased from 12 -76 in just two and a half years our budget has not kept pace. We need your support! This work cannot happen without you.
Please consider becoming a monthly donor. We are hoping that 20 people will join our Ubuntu Circle. Your monthly donation can be any level that you choose from $5 a month to $500 a month. DONATE NOW!