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August 2009 - Volume 3, Issue 5

Project Boaz 2009Project Boaz provides bikes to refugees
 For the second year, New American Services has been benefited by the generosity and supreme volunteerism of local congregations.  Project Boaz is coordinated through Shiloh, Salem and Bethel Evangelical Free congregations, and this year was joined by Olivet Lutheran Church.

The members of these four congregations gathered 80 used bicycles during spring cleanup week and through donations; cleaned, repaired and delivered them to New American Services for distribution to refugee clients. 
 
Refugees came to LSS of ND, received a safety orientation, were given a helmet and lock and finally a bike.  Both adults and children were properly fitted for their bike by volunteers from the F-M Community Bike Workshop, who brought their tools to the site to assist.  Referral forms to the FMCBW were provided to refugees who were unable to receive a bike that evening.  Following the fitting, each bicycle was registered by either the Fargo or West Fargo Police Department.  The bikes were loaded on trailers, and delivered to the client's homes by still more volunteers. 
 
Richard Fredine, who organized the volunteers of the give-away, wrote, "Wasn't that a good evening!  We share your sense of pleasure that together we created opportunities for many new Americans.  A special dimension of our satisfaction is the fact that none of the partners could have done it alone: we succeeded together.  We value partnering with LSS/NAS , the FMCBW, the Fargo Police, the West Fargo Police, the child safety group, Grace School (back up location) and the other churches."
 World Refugee Day 2009
New American Services Observes
2009 World Refugee Day
On June 18th, a celebration of refugees in our area, and an observance of the refugee crisis worldwide was held on the grounds of Lutheran Social Services.
 
It was a beautiful, sunny afternoon as over 150 people gathered to share with New Americans the stories of their experiences, food and entertainment. 
 
The United Nations General Assembly designated 20 June 2000 as World Refugee Day to recognize and celebrate the contribution of refugees throughout the world. Since then, World Refugee Day has become an annual commemoration marked by a variety of events in over a hundred countries.  The theme for 2009 is "Real People, Real Needs".
 
Special music was provided by Ricco Aladin, of Haiti.  Dance was shared by members of the Bhutanese community and the Burundi community.  Paul Aladin from Haiti, Tika Acharya from Bhutan, and James Grupee from Liberia brought greetings, thanks, and reminders of the continuing needs of refugees from their countries to the gathering. 
 
The event was sponsored by Hornbachers, Cashwise Foods, Walmart, Sam's Club, Sunmart, Asian American Grocery, Bosnian Grocery,  Lutheran Social Services of ND and individual donors. 
 
Special thanks to the committee of staff of New American Services, and Jody Claus from the Village for an excellent afternoon.
Pangea - Cultivate Our Cultures
November 14, 2009
10 AM to 4 PM
Heritage Hjemkomst Center
201 1st Avenue N.
Moorhead, MN
You are invited to celebrate our community's traditions and cultures with this local, multi-ethnic showcase of music, dance, culinary arts, and children's activities. Handmade items and ethnic foods are available for sale.
 
Annually, hundreds of people gather at the "Heritage Center" to celebrate those who immigrated to this area in the past 200 some years, as well as those who were here earlier.  This event is planned by Cultural Diversity Resources, The Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County, LSS - ND New American Services , and Mujeres Unidas.  There is no entrance fee, so it's easy to bring the entire family to enjoy the music, dancing, games and costumes.  You can also purchase items from several bazaar vendors selling fair trade items from around the world.  And one of the favorite activities is purchasing ethnic foods from around the world to taste and enjoy. 
 
If you are interested in displaying information about your culture, bringing items for sale or simply volunteering to help out on November 14th, please call Darci at 701-235-7341 or email at [email protected].  
 
LSS Vertical 125x125 logo
 
 
New Amercian Services is a program of
Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota

Sinisa Milovanovic, Director
(701) 271-1636 [email protected] 
Darci Asche, Community Support Supervior
(701) 271-1604 [email protected]
Arrival Statistics
New American Services has resettled the following refugees since the beginning of the Federal Fiscal Year 2009 through the end of June.
 
Refugees have arrived from:
Afghanistan - 3 (1%)
Bhutan - 186 (52%)
Burma - 24 (7%)
Burundi - 14 (4%)
Congo - 13 (4%) 
Iran - 1 
Iraq - 81 (22%)
Somalia - 30 (8%)
Sudan -9 (2%) 
Total - 361
 
Have you heard about URM?
War and persecution often force children to flee their homes and seek sanctuary in refugee camps.  In the process, families of these children are either lost, imprisoned or killed.  An unaccompanied refugee minor is a refugee youth, age 18 or younger, who arrives in the United States without a parent or legal guardian.  These minors, who are not eligible for adoption, are placed in foster care until they can be reunited with family or reach the age when they can live independently.
 
The Unaccompanied Refugee Minor (URM) Program staff provide case management, teach independent living skills, facilitate academic tutoring and provide foster care by recruiting, training and supporting foster parents who provide these youth with shelter, food, daily supervision and a nurturing home.  There are currently 30 URMs receiving services from New American Services.
 
Refugee minors come from around the world, including countries such as Iraq, Sudan, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.    The children are generally school-age.  (Once a URM reaches the age of 18, they are allowed to continue in the program to age 21, provided they are attending school).
 
Foster parents can be single or married, rent a home or own a home.  They must be at least 21 years of age and financially stable.  The most important requirement is the ability to provide a nurturing, stable environment to the foster child.  Licensure is required to become a foster parent.  The process involves filling out an application and participating in a home study, and attending appropriate training. 
 
There are many more refugee children hoping for a caring and nurturing foster home to live in.  If you think you would like to make a positive difference in the lives of these children, please call Beth Warner, Foster Care Specialist, at 701-235-7341, or email her at [email protected].  
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Guided by God's love and grace, Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota brings healing, help and hope.