USA for UNHCR’s Original Stories

Stacie is former police officer who changed careers and is now helping refugee students make America feel like home. “I teach first-year refugee students, so many have just arrived a few months ago. I get to watch that first year of growth and it is amazing.”

Basma Alawee is a former refugee from Iraq who became a citizen of the United States 2016. She’s a refugee advocate and community organizer in Florida. In 2020, she helped organize voter registration and new voter turnout in Florida.

Dauda is a former refugee who finds strength in his faith and through carrying on family Ramadan traditions. “It is a legacy I am still doing on behalf of my late father.”

The coronavirus pandemic challenged all communities and families but it also providing opportunities to find new inspiration and sources of hope. Learn more about how the Westfield Fun Club and refugee volunteers stepped up for their New Jersey community.

When the opportunity to help during the COVID-19 crisis presented itself, Lubab, a refugee from Iraq and certified pathologist assistant jumped right in. “If you can help, if you have the capability, please do it because the help is needed.”

Edafe fled his home to escape violence and persecution that threatened his life as a gay man in Nigeria. Now, he’s the Executive Director of the RDJ Shelter in NYC helping refugees resettle.

Personal Trainer and fitness expert Andre Belibi took on the incredible challenge of running 2,800 miles across the U.S. to raise funds and awareness for refugee children’s education.

Mustafa, a former refugee, took to social media to rally his community to help vulnerable neighbors during the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). With some help from friends and local businesses, Mustafa organized grocery deliveries for local families.

Fatima arrived to the U.S. at 14 not knowing the language but determined to succeed no matter the odds. She joined GirlForward, gained her confidence and met her mentor, Wajiha. Fatima has found her voice and is working hard to prepare for her future.

Growing up in the DR Congo, Wandaka’s passion for farming developed at a very young age. In 2020, he stepped up to help feed his Austin, Texas community during the coronavirus pandemic.

Miranda Bennett Studio, an ethical women’s apparel brand based in Austin, TX pays fair wages across its supply chain and has a history of providing meaningful work opportunities for newly resettled refugees.

Lead by Maria Vung, a former refugee form Myanmar, a group of resettled refugees is collectively produced nearly 1000 masks a week that were donated to hospitals and healthcare workers.

A former refugee from Somalia, Fatima has dedicated her life to empowering others in her community. In Salt Lake City, she is leading efforts to amplify the voices of refugees and to help them create meaningful bonds with their new American neighbors.

Fiston Mwesige is a former refugee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who became a citizen of the United States in June 2020. He is college student, founder of a non-profit and voted for the first time in the 2020 election.

The Barobi children have experienced unimaginable pain in their lives – they witnessed their mother, father and youngest sister die in the DRC, barely escaping with their lives. After years of persevering, the Barobi’s found safety, a home and chance to restart in Utah.

The Why I Give series provided donors like Regina T. an opportunity to share why they support refugees and offer encouragement for other compassionate Americans to join them.

The Why I Give series provides donors like Christine S. an opportunity to share why they support refugees and offer encouragement for other compassionate Americans to join them.

The Why I Give series provides donors like Elisa K. an opportunity to share why they support refugees and offer encouragement for other compassionate Americans to join them.