As this year draws to an end, we are humbled by another year of serving and empowering resettled families. The individual stories of our resettled neighbors remind us that the process of rebuilding extends far beyond the initial months after a family first arrives.

We have seen meaningful impact in the lives of hundreds of families this year, and are continuously reminded of our gratitude for our community that makes this work possible.

• Refugees Served: 340 Households
  This year, our work served nearly 1,400 people from 340 households, providing both critical relief and long-term care. While the majority of families arrived from Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Ukraine, our work extended to those from more than 30 countries. From the launch of our Restock Kits Program, to Family and Youth Mentorship, to grocery gift cards and other forms of immediate assistance, we continue to be moved by how our community has responded in such tangible ways.

  Countries Represented: Afghanistan, Armenia, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Columbia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Moldova, Myanmar, Pakistan, Peru, Poland, Rwanda, Russia, Senegal, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Uganda, Ukraine, Venezuela, Zambia

• Restart Kits Distributed: 1,243
  As the vast majority of resettled families arrived with only a couple suitcases or backpacks, we were able to respond with the essential household items they needed. These kits were filled with brand new household items – pots and pans, bedding, bath towels, and much more – not only filling an initial need, but sending a powerful message of welcome and care.

• Launch of Restock Kits: 44 Families
  Our Restock Kits Program launched successfully, bringing essential staples to 44 resettled families. Restock Kits included personal care items, cleaning supplies, diapers for new moms, and grocery gift cards, delivered each quarter to the doorsteps of larger families, single parent households, and those experiencing significant hardship for a season.

• Expanding Mentorship Programs: 98 New Mentors
  In 2023, our Mentorship Programs continued to empower families and individuals to be self-sufficient through wraparound volunteer support. Our Youth Mentorship program paired mentors with 24 junior high and high school students to bring academic assistance, cultural orientation, guidance, and friendship. Meanwhile, our Family Mentorship Program grew by 35 households (over 165 people served), providing job assistance, English language learning, connection with community resources, and a missing sense of community to resettled families working to rebuild their lives.

• Meeting Food Insecurity Needs: Over 70 Families
  This year, we responded to meet food insecurity needs for families with demonstrated needs. For those experiencing loss of employment, a medical crisis, or another difficult circumstance, grocery gift cards proved to be a meaningful way of providing needed support. In addition, we partnered with Mora Mora Farms to provide weekly produce boxes to 26 resettled families for several months.

• Housing Assistance: 60 Households
  Through our partnership with Oregon Department of Human Services, we provided critical support for 60 Afghan and Ukrainian households who were at risk of eviction. For these families, housing assistance made all the difference.

In 2024, we are expecting to see between 900-1,200 people resettled in Oregon. We are planning to serve 320 resettled households through our Immediate Assistance Programs, 75 families through Family Mentorship, and 40 youth in Youth Mentorship. We are grateful for the opportunity to come alongside resettled families who have experienced war, violence, and displacement.

The generous financial support from our community is the essential foundation that we rely on to continue this work. We are deeply grateful for your support.

As you consider your final gifts of the year, we invite you again into this ongoing story of coming alongside those who are working to rebuild their lives. Give a one-time gift here.

Wishing you and your family a joyful holiday season.

Megan Cegla, Founder & Executive Director
Refugee Care Collective

• • • • •

Through financial gifts or in-kind donations, we are grateful for the work made possible through the support of:

26 West Church, A Jesus Church, BBG Real Estate Services, Beaverton Foursquare, Berkshire Hathaway Lake Oswego, Bishops’ Storehouse, Bombas, Bridgetown Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Colored Organics, Counterculture Church, Dave’s Killer Bread, Dirty Labs, Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, Earth Breeze, First Covenant Church, First Unitarian Church Portland, HDR, Imago Dei Community, insureQ Credit Union, JustServe Community, La-Z-Boy Furniture, Lake Grove Presbyterian Church, Lewis & Clark College, New Hope Community Church, New Seasons Market, Olive & Crate, OnPoint Community Credit Union, Oregon Community Foundation, Oregon Department of Human Services, Oregon Episcopal School, Pine & Palm Home, Portland Alumnae Chapter – Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Portland Clinic Foundation, Portland Thorns, Quilts Beyond Borders Oregon, Raymond Family Foundation, Ridwell, River West Church, Saatva, St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, The Starbucks Foundation, Twin Peaks Foundation, U-Haul

A special thanks to our Monthly Giving Community for their ongoing support of our refugee neighbors, as well as those who have given a one-time contribution to come alongside refugee families. We are so grateful.