Bridge to Self Reliance 2000 refugees San Diego CA

She stood in the doorway, a pile of household goods placed skillfully on her head, her face lit by a huge smile.  Central treasure in the pile was a blue enamel stock pot.  Spotless and gleaming it represented for her, the right kind of evening meal. 

"Now everyone in my family will share the pieces of chicken and the fresh vegetables", she said to our staff member.  A communal meal - a return to what had been the glue that held the family together - that was what she had yearned for most of all.

For the families still arriving from Africa and the Middle East, some semblance of what the parents think of as "normal" is difficult to achieve in a community that has different norms and expectations. 

With the added stress that comes from having escaped wars and many years in refugee camps, refugees need frequent interaction with new "friends", who can explain, coach and look for ways to provide the stock pot, or the clothes for a job interview. Someone who can speak their language can raise the spirits; and maintain hope, that is the essential ingredient in succeeding, in this new environment. That is where you, the donors who support this project, play such an integral role.   Your donations make it possible to keep our vehicles on the road collecting and delivering items that are part of each refugee's dream.  That stock pot is a catalyst. It is one wish come true.  It is a symbol that things may turn out well after all. Its arrival will be a special memory on which hope for the future depends. 

Thank you all, for your generous support of our project.  Please consider reminding your friends and colleagues about the satisfaction you receive from knowing about the many successes that your donations have brought about.  The refugees in San Diego County still need our combined efforts to achieve dream after dream. And when we hear of the job offer, or the medical problem resolved, we can all share in that joy.

With much appreciation,

Elaine McLevie