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November 27, 2024
Community Outreach Committee of GM of Rochester
As we approach the holiday season and Thanksgiving, nearby organizations have kindly contributed to the gift of giving for our refugee clients.
This week, we were fortunate to welcome donations from the Community Outreach Committee of GM of Rochester. Kim Liebrand and her group worked diligently to prepare holiday food donations for our clients.
We feel proud to receive such kind contribution to our community this holiday season. We want to wish a happy Thanksgiving to our clients and to the local organizations and agencies that continue to care for our city’s people.
-RRRS Staff
November 20, 2024
First-Time Homebuyer
Paleh Meh is a proud first time home owner thanks to the Genesee Co-op Federal Credit Union First-Time Homebuyer program. Paleh has been living in Rochester for close to 15 years as a manufacturing worker and is excited to put down roots in the community with her family and is looking forward to a bright future in our great city.
Mike Coniff worked closely with Paleh on her journey and we at Rochester Refugee Resettlement Services couldn’t be more filled with absolute joy as Paleh takes this next step in pursuing new opportunities and a fulfilling life.
November 8, 2024
Another New House!
Yet another successful move-in took place this week. Agency case manager Zia (first from the right) connected with the recently arrived Afghan family, ensuring that they are oriented, and addressing any of their concerns. This was Zia’s second home visit with the family since their arrival, and the agenda for this meeting was to walkthrough the agency Healthy Home Book, which outlines steps and guides to maintaining a healthy home in the United States.
The family was happy to speak to Zia, and was curious of common happenings during their transition like receiving mail, and getting acquainted with local resources services. Most importantly, Zia reassured them that our agency will be with them every step of the way, as they navigate their new home in Rochester.
November 2024
A New House!
We are pleased to celebrate Bora and her family on their recent venture in buying their first home! Bora and her family came to Rochester in 2014 from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and has been living with us for 10 years. We are proud to have assisted with the purchase of a house in Maplewood and all of the hard work she has done to get here. With the support of our partnership with Genesee Co-op Federal Credit Union, a key source for First-Time Homebuyer grants, this milestone has been possible for families like Bora’s. The house needs a few repairs before it’s fit for occupancy, and RRRS is glad to oversee these renovations as the project’s contractor.
At RRRS, we believe in building a pathway to self-sufficiency for the refugee families who arrive in our community. At the center of our organization, we continue to rent out quality, affordable housing to new arrivals of refugees, and beyond this, the act of purchasing a home is a large milestone in achieving such independence. Owning a home not only provides a stable and permanent foundation but also grants a sense of belonging, pride, and investment in their new community.
Congrats to Bora and her family on this new venture!
October 2024
Syrian Community Event
On Saturday, October 5th, 2024 our team came together at the Church at the Ascension to host an inspiring gathering of community. The event attracted over 170 attendees from the Syrian refugee community here in Rochester, NY, and was a powerful testament to the resilience and unity of Rochester’s Syrian refugees
Our case manager, Berka Mou coordinated the event, but not without the help of the attendees themselves. Coordinating an event of that size is hard work, but the Syrian refugees were eager to help. From set up, to clean up, they were there to help as much as they were th their participation surpassed being present and enjoying to helping out with all matters from setting up, coordinating rides, picking up food, etc.
The event provided a space where families could connect, share stories, and build friendships. For many of these families, who have spent years or even decades in refugee camps, adjusting to life in a completely foreign culture can feel isolating. This event aimed to offer support by connecting them with others who share similar experiences.
While the children played and enjoyed their time together, the adults bonded over shared stories of struggle, adaptation, and perseverance. One of the most inspiring moments of the evening came from three young women—Rama, Aya, and Rusul—who are now enrolled at local colleges. They spoke of their journey through high school in the U.S., highlighting the challenges they faced and the unwavering support they received from RRRS and Rochester International Academy. Their stories of determination and success resonated deeply with everyone in the room, leaving both the younger children and adults inspired.
Following their speeches, Omar, the grandfather of one of the girls, delivered a moving address. He spoke passionately about the collective strength of the Syrian refugee community, reminding everyone that in times of difficulty, they can find strength in one another. His words underscored the importance of community and solidarity.
As the evening progressed, more people shared their own stories, poetry, and even songs, as the gathering turned into a celebration of unity, resilience, and culture. Plans were also made to form clubs for Syrian men and women, fostering further community engagement and support.
The event was a tremendous success, surpassing our expectations in every way. It was a powerful reminder of the strength of community and the importance of coming together. However, the true success of the event was made possible by the Syrian community itself. From spreading the word, inviting friends, and helping with logistics such as food, setup, and clean-up, their compassion and enthusiasm were at the heart of the event.
We look forward to hosting more events like this in the future, as we continue to build and strengthen the bonds within our refugee community.