Dear Friend of Refugee Transitions,

Recently I received a letter from Feibi Wu, one of Refugee Transitions' students in San Francisco, and was thrilled to learn that she was recently accepted to UCLA. We are so proud of her and honored to work every day with similarly hard-working students. Please consider supporting these inspirational students by attending one of our fall benefit events.

Personally this fall, I will be taking maternity leave to welcome my second child. In my absence, Tenley Harrison will be serving as Interim Executive Director. Tenley knows the organization and staff well, having been involved with Refugee Transitions for over a decade as a volunteer, board member and chair, development and program consultant, and also as Interim Executive Director when I had my first child. I will be returning to the office in January 2012. 

Thank you as always to our wonderful supporters, and to our clients, like Feibi, who continue to inspire us every day. 

With gratitude for your support,

Laura Vaudreuil

Executive Director

We are excited to announce the dates for our World of Difference benefit events! Annually, these two events - one in the South Bay and one in San Francisco - are attended by over 300 guests. 

• Hear from clients and volunteers about the positive impact Refugee Transitions has made in their lives.
• Have the opportunity to support or renew support for Refugee Transitions (with no obligation to donate).

If you are a looking to learn about and assist refugee and immigrant communities here in the Bay Area, we encourage you to attend!

October 27 - World of Difference Benefit Dinner

Enjoy a complimentary three-course dinner at the beautiful Adobe Lodge at Santa Clara University. 

Time: 6:30 - 8 pm

Location: Adobe Lodge, Santa Clara University (see map)

RSVP: Online or call 415-989-2151

November 11 - World of Difference Benefit Luncheon

Enjoy a complimentary three-course lunch at The City Club, a San Francisco landmark. 

Time: 12 - 1 pm

Location: The City Club of San Francisco (see map)

Feibi (left) and LeeLee

Refugee Transitions gives me a hope in the future. Time goes fast; I still cannot forget the first time when I landed on the United States from my country. I was looking forward an equal living environment to fit my disability difficulty, a congenital muscular dystrophy. Soon after I arrived, I underwent many culture shocks such as language, custom and schooling. Due to lack of friends and relatives, my family and I had to learn everything hard by ourselves. Fortunately, we met the Refugee Transitions through another community associations referred. When they recognized my struggles, I was invited to join their English tutoring program regularly at home...  

In my mind, my English tutor is the role model on behavior and knowledge of mind. Ms. Brown is my English tutor from the Refugee Transitions, and we would love to call her LeeLee...If I had question, she would explain it in simplest way or draw some pictures to inspire my mind. Sometime, Ms. Brown would give my family a ride to museums, parks, restaurants, and even taught us how to make cupcakes...

In the May of this year, I received admissions from University of California...We were happy to hear this news because it was the achievement between Ms. Brown and me. In conclusion, I appreciate every Refugee Transitions staff's encouragement thoughtfulness. Without them, I would not meet Ms. Brown or have a chance to continue my educational goal. After I graduate, I would like to be a volunteer in the Refugee Transitions to help people in need.