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The Good People Fund

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Refugees

New Neighbors Partnership

Refugees arrive in the US from all over the world, for a variety of reasons, but what they are all seeking is a safer life for themselves and their children. Founded by Shoshana Akabas Barzel, New Neighbors Partnership has welcomed families from more than 32 different countries, including Afghanistan and Ukraine. Newly arrived families are matched with local “partner families” with slightly older children that share 2-3 clothing “hand-me-down” packages per year, creating a long-standing personal relationship between families. And through the Summer Book Project each child in their program (more than 400) received a new book to read over the summer.

Our matching funds are directed to the salary for additional staff.

Refugee Assistance Alliance

With nine moves in 15 years, Kristen Bloom says: “dislocation is my middle name.” So when she came to know individuals and families in South Florida’s Syrian refugee community — and their struggles adjusting to new lives — she was moved to act. She founded Refugee Assistance Alliance in 2017 to help new Americans from Middle Eastern, African and Asian countries.

RAA places a high priority on teaching English, but has established a holistic approach to resettlement, recognizing that friendships and community are just as essential to successful integration. “People are just people, yearning for connections. Our ultimate goal is to build peace and understanding among the people of South Florida. It’s harder to hate up close.”

Our grant supports pandemic-response initiatives, and a matching grant covers some administrative costs.

International Neighbors

Their stories echo the stories of so many of our own family members who came to America with hopes for a better life. They come from Syria, Afghanistan, Bhutan and beyond, and comprise about 4% of the population in and around Charlottesville, VA. Many arrived with Special Immigrant Visas, having worked overseas on behalf of the US government. All are grateful to founder Kari Miller, who recognized the need for a better way to welcome these newcomers (more than 300 families to date) when she founded IN in 2015. “Great Neighbor Guides” are local residents who volunteer as advocates and friends and provide a critical connection to the community. In the words of one of Kari’s aspiring Americans, “IN really cares about us and gives us the respect that we deserve.”

Our funds underwrite a new staff position as well as provide for numerous Covid-related needs such as rental assistance.