The Episcopal Church
A Difference Form of Thanksgiving

It's a common narrative associated with refugee resettlement: New Americans come to our country fleeing oppression and give thanks for the opportunity and freedom found here. But in a season of thanks, a different group is expressing gratitude for the presence of newcomers in our neighborhoods.

A number of employers in various communities have told Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) in recent weeks of their appreciation for their refugee employees.

In fact, as the nation reflects on the story of Thanksgiving, one of hospitality and new possibility, employers like Darlene Everett (featured below) and other new neighbors say that their companies and communities benefit just as much from the resettlement program as refugees themselves.

To find out how refugees and welcoming supporters are creating cause for thanks in your community, connect with one of EMM's affiliate partners today!

Manager Thankful for Refugee Employees

Like everybody, Darlene Everett has bad days. But because of her relationship with the former refugees who work for her, Everett has a hard time staying down for long.

“It’s very fulfilling working with them. I can come in feeling sad and just talking to them for a few minutes, my spirits are lifted and it turns my day around,” Everett said.

Everett is the executive housekeeper at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Knoxville, Tennessee. For the last five years she’s been working with Bridge Refugee Services, EMM’s affiliate partner in Knoxville, to find hard-working employees for her staff.

Everett said the positive attitudes her refugee employees show despite facing hardship and upheaval  have a serious impact on her own outlook. She’s thankful that her relationship with Bridge has helped her find employees who are not only reliable, but also inspiring.

“The refugee employees have been the greatest,” Everett said. “They’re very dependable, very hardworking. I have all good things to say about them.”

CLICK HERE TO HEAR FROM EVERETT'S EMPLOYEES

Young refugee thankful for job, education opportunities

Upesh Sharma came to the United States in 2009 after growing up in a Nepalese refugee camp. As a young man living in a new country, Upesh was faced with the challenge of navigating a new system while also embracing the educational and employment opportunities in front of him. In three years since arriving, he's made the most of those opportunities. In this post, Upesh tells, in his own words, how his hard work in a Nepalese refugee camp and the opportunity to come to the United States have brought his dreams within reach.

TO READ UPESH'S STORY IN HIS WORDS, CLICK HERE

Anniversaries Offer Chance to Reflect on EMM's Ministry

Churches and refugee advocates have been working to aid vulnerable migrants for many decades, and a number of EMM's affiliates are celebrating big anniversaries this year, milestones that put into context the magnitude of the good work done over many years through refugee resettlement.

EMM's affiliate partner in North Carolina, Interfaith Refugee Ministry, is celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 2012, and Bridge Refugee Services, a long-standing EMM affiliate in Tennessee is marking 30 years of service. And next year, 2013, EMM will celebrate its own 25th anniversary as a separate ministry of the Episcopal Church.

Of course, many of these milestones reflect the history of the U.S. Resettlement Program more broadly. The program was created by the Refugee Act of 1980, which serves as the legal foundation upon which this life-saving effort is built.

As these anniversaries demonstrate, EMM and it's network of affiliates have been an integral part of this work throughout the program's history. That's certainly a reason to celebrate.

Refugees in the News

The Wilmington Star Tribute ran this story as the latest in a series of wonderful features on a Burmese family assisted by Interfaith Refugee Ministry, EMM's affiliate in Wilmington, North Carolina.

The Syracuse Post Standard reported on the efforts of a group of refugees to transform a vacant lot into an urban farm. Interfaith Works of Central New York assists newcomers in Syracuse in partnership with EMM.

And CNN.com ran a beautiful gallery of photos sharing the experiences of the Bhutanese community in Austin, Texas, where EMM's affiliate partners at Refugee Services of Texas serve many refugees.

Episcopal Migration Ministries
815 2nd Ave.
New York, NY 10017

2012 Arrivals Summary

EMM's new fiscal year began on October 1, 2012, offering a final view of the refugees EMM welcomed in 2012.

EMM and its network of affiliates welcomed 4,225 refugees from 28 countries, offering an opportunity for safety, peace, and freedom. That figure includes new Americans from the following regions:

Europe and Central Asia: 42 refugees

Africa: 896 refugees

Near East: 1189 refugees

South Asia: 1023 refugees

East Asia: 927 refugees

Latin America and the Caribbean: 148 refugees

Acknowledgments

EMM's work is supported by grants from the U.S. Dept. of State, the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, and by contributions from The Episcopal Church, parishes and community groups around the country.