Afghan Refugee Clinic Launch and November Updates
Hello lightkeepers,
Tuesday, November 2nd was LIA’s 6th birthday, and our team took a moment to breathe, light some candles, and enjoy a slice (or two) of tres leches.
This Wednesday was the opening day of the Operation Afghan Refuge Clinic (OAR). Our office was full of new arrivals from Afghanistan. Our expanded hospitality space provided a comfortable environment, and volunteers shared tea and snacks with our guests and clients.
A young boy and girl from one of the new families spent their time waiting by playing with toys in our children’s area, and even perused some young reader’s books. I think we’re going to need more. I overheard a volunteer reciting the alphabet with of the children. It was joyful.
The parents and adults met with volunteers, navigating the language divide with telephone interpretation between Pashto or Dari and English. Our team did what they do best - to use every available resource to assist our newest clients as they move forward, resettling in West Michigan. We chatted with volunteers from Bethany Christian Services, who served by providing transportation for our clients. What a community!
In some ways, it felt like any other day in our law office and advocacy center - a space filled with a mix of languages and nationalities, an energy of entering into the unknown, and the anticipation of relationships being built, of a desire to do whatever, however we can to be of service.
This is going to be a long haul, and we wouldn’t consider entering into a project like this without the support of our community. Thank you for your help in making West Michigan a credible destination for Afghan refugees in 2021.
We have a couple updates below, but I wanted to take a moment to share our gratitude for everyone that's stepped up to assist with this clinic, including dozens of volunteers, and local supporters that have dropped off supplies for this clinic in the last couple days.
Thanks for keeping the light with us.
Warmest regards,
David Lee, Development & Communications Officer
Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates's OAR Refugee Clinic is up and running - and thanks to your help - we've secured ALL of the supplies we need! Thank you for your support!
We posted a job opening for a full time Administrative Assistant:
The administrative assistant’s job is to assure the efficient operation of the office. Projects may vary and will support all teams in the organization.
- Starting $15/hour (plus health insurance benefit), with overtime at time-and-a-half.
- The Admin must possess an extraordinary commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Must be bilingual (English/Spanish)
- Candidates must possess strong organizational and information-management skills
Giving Tuesday is coming. This year's campaign will build awareness and raise funds for the OAR Clinic. If you're interested in helping with this year's campaign, please contact David Lee: dlee@lia-michigan.org
Your financial support at the end of this year is critical to bring stability to West Michigan families. Please consider making a year end gift to support our legal services, advocacy, and education, and finding out if your employer would match that gift on Charity Navigator, a quick and easy way to increase your impact!