UUSS Refugee Support Team Update
September – December 2024 
Gratefully our team has good news to share. From our fall events to additional generous outreach from so many of you! We have achieved the following goals:

* Our goal to expand our students’ understanding of English and to enjoy a learning environment, were broadly met and joyfully reported by both students and eleven tutors.

* Our two successful fall events: The World Music Concert and the Winter Coat and Cash for Shoes drive have  brought in nearly enough to provide all our families with needed items,  and your cash donations have brought us near to our goal of applying for a matching grant from UUA to further our work.

* All of our families have their own fully furnished rental housing; all breadwinners have part-time or temporary employment while pursuing  employment searches.  One dad has achieved full employment as staff analyst with the State of California.  Each family owns a vehicle and has obtained at least one California driving license. All but two families have been granted asylum, granted visas and a path to citizenship.

What is needed now! 

* Ongoing one to one tutoring for our families. Please contact our tutor coordinator, Margo Marvin at refugeesupport@uuss.org  if you are interested in volunteering one hour per week.

* Jobs for gents!  While our mothers  all have young children at home, most of our breadwinners  can do various types of day work including  house and yard work, translations to/from Farsi, Dari and Pashto languages, car detailing, care-giving, help with moving, etc.

* Two families have had their Asylum hearing pushed farther out to 2025 and beyond and are anxiously awaiting results that will allow them to remain in the US. Donations for asylum attorneys and other expenses critical to advancement in their immigration process are needed.

If you missed the opportunity to donate to our Fall Clothing drive, we continue to have  NEED FOR 8 BOYS WINTER JACKETS; GRADES K TO 9; SIZES 6 TO 14—OR CASH FOR US TO USE TO COMPLETE THIS PROCESS. You may bring items to church Justice table on Nov 24 or Dec 1.
Donations online https://uuss.breezechms.com/give/online or by check to UUSS with Refugee Team in the note line.

The photos are children enjoying their new shoes!

We are extremely grateful for the caring responses we have received from many of over 200 folks on our mailing list.  It is so worth these efforts. Thank you again and again!!

WE CAN DO THIS AS A VILLAGE