Happy Holidays from Refugee Transitions!

December 2008

Dear Friend of RT,

2008 was an exciting year for Refugee Transitions. Under the direction of Executive Director Laura Vaudreuil and with the support of a strong and consistent Board of Directors, RT was able to serve more clients, and to serve them better. We were able to do so with increased funding, the help of new staff members and an expansion to the South Bay. The organization looks forward to continuing its good work in 2009 as we strive to meet the needs of our local refugee and immigrant communities. 
In This Issue
Third Annual World of Difference Luncheon
Congratulations to Laura and Welcome, Tenley!
Staff Changes
RT Expands to the South Bay
Stay Connected with RT!

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Third Annual World of Difference Luncheon
Laura Vaudreuil and speaker Richard Bakheit
On November 20, 2008, we hosted our 3rd Annual World of Difference Lunch at the City Club in downtown San Francisco. At the event, over 200 guests heard inspirational stories from our clients (including Richard Bakheit, pictured to the left), enjoyed a traditional Burmese dance performance, and learned about the successful programs RT offers throughout the Bay Area. Many also met some of our inspiring clients, staff, directors and volunteers, who inspire us to continue this important work. The event was a wonderful celebration of RT's progress and vision, and we thank all of our generous supporters who made this year's event our most successful yet. On behalf of our clients, we are very thankful for the continued support of RT! For more photos from the event, please visit our album.
 
Congratulations to Laura, Welcome to Tenley!

Laura Vaudreuil, our Executive Director since 2003, is the proud new mother of Samantha Jaqueline Vaudreuil Pedigo, born December 16. While Laura is out on maternity leave, long-time RT volunteer, board member, and consultant Tenley Harrison is honored to fill in as Interim ED.
 
RT Welcomes New Employees...and Says Good-Bye to One

With strengthened financial position, RT has been able to expand its staff and services for clients. In the latter part of 2008, we welcomed Grace Lau, Program Associate; Elsa Amboy, Volunteer Coordinator for the South Bay; Nandi Kyaw Min, Family Advocate for the South Bay; and Lauren Markam, Volunteer Coordinator. For full biographies, please visit our web page.


Long-time employee and Volunteer Coordinator Muhamed Tokmic left his position at RT at the end of November in order to return to Bosnia. We want to thank Muhamed for his 8 years of hard work, dedication, and humor, and wish him the best of luck in his new adventures!

RT Expands to the South Bay
RT is very proud to announce the opening of a Sunnyvale, California office to support refugees settling in the San Jose area. We thank the Refugee Outreach Partnership, a growing network of local faith and community organizations in  the San Jose area, for their previous work and continued support assisting the refugee community. In particular, we thank the Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church for providing the necessary funding and office space for the expansion.
 
In the San Jose area, neighboring faith and community organizations have been working together to build awareness of the local and global refugee issues; help recruit volunteers; collect household goods and provide monetary support to refugees who are fleeing war and persecution. The refugees (about 400 per year) come from many countries including Iraq,  Burma and Bhutan. "We are excited about the opportunity for our church to respond to our commitment to outreach programs which directly serve the needs of our community" said Steve Wilde, Sr. Associate Pastor of Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church.
Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year from Refugee Transitions Staff and Board of Directors!


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Event Calendar

RT Generous Supporters

World of Difference Luncheon Photos!


 
Get Involved
Become involved with Refugee Transitions and help support the refugee and immigrant communities in the Bay Area!  Please come to a one-hour session and learn more about the agency's history, programs, and clients. We are holding these monthly sessions to introduce people to the work our organization is doing, whether they are interested in volunteering, helping with financial support, or just finding out more about our mission and programming.

RT has long waitlists for refugees and immigrants who need our services. If you'd like to volunteer, please contact Lauren at 415-989-2151 or reftrans@reftrans.org,  or visit our website at www.reftrans.org and submit an application.

Please Support RT

If you haven't done so already, please consider an end-of-the-year gift to Refugee Transitions. Thank you for your support!