Page 4 - Samaritas Fall/Winter Our Hands 2022

NEW AMERICANS

Detroit Refugee Network Cookout
De tr oit R e fugee N e tw ork Cook out

e caught up with advocates, friends, and Said has stepped up to become a leader for other
developers of the Detroit Refugee Network Afghan refugees throughout the building.
W(DRN) in September as this coalition is It was a reunion for many of the developers, funders,
fueling a vibrant community in the heart of the city. and creators of the DRN, including its co-chairs Kelli
A landlord appreciation cookout at the West Park Dobner of Samaritas, the Dr. Sonia Hassan " The
Apartments was the perfect time to chat with residents First Lady of Detroit", the City of Detroit, and Rocket
and recipients of DRN assistance. The festivities were Community Fund. It was a heartwarming experience
hosted by West Park Apartments’ Landlord Mike and for all involved.
Said, one of the hundreds of Afghan refugees Samaritas Visit Samaritas.org/Detroit-Refugee-Network to get
helped resettle in this community, who now works at involved today!
the West Park complex in maintenance.

V olun t eer Experienc e o f a Lif e time
Volunteer Experience of a Lifetime

“A young mom arrived into our care this summer, and
expressed a lot of concern about being on her own. Our team
quickly recognized the importance for her to build community
here, and wanted to empower her to build strong relationships
with other recently resettled women. She was very excited
for the opportunity to participate in the Women’s Yoga
class as part of our Creative Therapies program, and soon
learned that her next door neighbor had enrolled as well. The
women travelled to the sessions together, and got to share the
experience of community-building in a culturally appropriate,
women-centered setting. After attending a few sessions, our
young mom branched out and began to join other community
groups and classes, creating a network of local women to bond
with. It was beautiful to witness these Afghan women pouring
into each other and growing together.”

- Liz Bendure, LPC - Program Manager, New Americans

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