As we step into 2025, we take a moment to reflect on the remarkable progress made in 2024. With your support, FaithAction International continued to provide critical resources and foster connections that empower immigrant and refugee families across North Carolina. Together, we’ve created lasting impact and laid the groundwork for an even brighter future.

2024 Highlights

• Health and Wellness
  FaithAction connected hundreds of families to essential health resources through workshops, mobile clinics, and on-site nursing support.
• FaithAction ID Program
  More than 400 individuals received FaithAction IDs in 2024, providing access to healthcare, education, and community services.
• Community Building
  From our Unity Walk to Multicultural Thanksgiving, we celebrated cultural diversity and strengthened connections across communities.
• Advocacy and Research
  Partnering with Camino Research Institute, we gathered over 300 survey responses to better understand the needs of the Latine community and advocate for health equity.

Read more about our 2024 journey below.

Our Journey Into 2025 

While we’re proud of all that was accomplished last year, we know there’s more work to be done. This year, we aim to expand our services, deepen our advocacy, and strengthen our community partnerships to ensure that every neighbor has access to the opportunities they need to thrive.

Your continued support is essential in making this vision a reality. Together, we can create healthier, more inclusive neighborhoods for all.

Join Us in Building the Future: https://faithaction.org/healthy/

Download here

The post Healthy Starts Here: A Look Back at 2024 and Our Vision for 2025 appeared first on FaithAction International.

As the year draws to a close, we look back on the impact of our past FaithAction Toy Drive and Health Fair 2024 with gratitude and joy. Families were able to access free health services, resources and information. FaithAction facilitated over 250 health services and distributed toys to about 650 children! Thanks to all of our donors, partners, volunteers, and all of our community members from the moment we began collecting donations, it was clear that our community was determined to make this holiday season special for all children possible. Together we were able to spread joy and magic this holiday! 

 

Our Toy Drive wasn’t just about distributing toys or informing about health—it was about creating lasting memories. Sponsors intentionally picked out gifts with care and volunteers worked tirelessly to organize the toys, ensuring that every child received something special. For many, it was a reminder that there is a community that cares, and that they are not alone during difficult times.

 

We are incredibly proud of the success of our Toy Drive and we know that there is always more work to be done. As we look ahead to next year’s event, we are committed to keep supporting our immigrant and refugee communities. With each passing year, our community continues to grow stronger, and we are excited to see how we can expand our outreach and bring support to our families.

 

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A medida que el año se acerca a su fin, recordamos con gratitud y alegría el impacto en la entrega de juguetes y de la Feria de la Salud de FaithAction 2024. Las familias pudieron acceder a servicios de salud gratuitos, recursos e información. FaithAction facilitó más de 250 servicios de salud y pudo distribuir juguetes a aproximadamente 650 niños. Gracias a todos nuestros donantes, socios, voluntarios y a todos los miembros de nuestra comunidad desde el momento en que empezamos a recoger donaciones, estaba claro que nuestra comunidad estaba decidida a hacer posible que estas fiestas fueran especiales para todos los niños posibles. ¡Juntos pudimos repartir alegría y magia estas fiestas!

Nuestro evento de entrega de juguetes y Feria de Salud no consistía sólo en distribuir juguetes o informar sobre la salud, sino también en crear recuerdos duraderos para nuestra comunidad. Los padrinos escogieron regalitos con cuidado y los voluntarios trabajaron incansablemente para organizar los juguetes, asegurándose de que cada niño recibiera algo especial. Para muchos, fue un recordatorio de que hay una comunidad que se preocupa y de que no están solos en los momentos difíciles.

Estamos increíblemente orgullosos de la entrega de juguetes este año y sabemos que siempre queda trabajo por hacer. Y viendo al próximo año, nos comprometemos a seguir apoyando a nuestras comunidades inmigrantes y refugiados. Cada año que pasa, nuestra comunidad se hace más fuerte y nos entusiasma ver cómo podemos ampliar nuestro alcance y ayudar a nuestras familias. 

The post Celebrating a Successful Toy Drive this Holiday Season​ appeared first on FaithAction International.

Check out photos from the Annual Multicultural Thanksgiving below!

 

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Grandparents Day was September 8 so in honor of it, our Golden Age Group, led by Lidia Martinez, threw a party! While the grandchildren could not be present, thanks to all who came to celebrate as a big FaithAction family!
Interested in joining the Golden Age Group? Contact Lidia at lidia@faithaction.org.

See our photos below!

The post Near, Far, Wherever You Are appeared first on FaithAction International.

On September 20th, we hosted the 2024 Strangers to Neighbors Retreat at the beautiful Quaker Lake Camp to continue our efforts in expanding the relationship amongst communities of faith while addressing the needs of immigrants and refugees. Activities included workshops (on immigration myths, interfaith sensitivity, and others), a yoga session, and a panel discussion with Strangers to Neighbors program alumni on their experiences and insights having participated in our collaborative, interfaith EAB programming.

If you are interested in getting your community of faith involved, contact Brandon Dockery at brandon@faithaction.org.

See our photos below!

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Supporters of unjust immigrant policies are often deeply uninformed and simply repeat anti-immigrant messaging that they’ve heard through media and other sources. Sometimes those echoing such sentiments are closer to us than we know, but luckily, they know you and you’ve got the opportunity to engage with them and share the truth about who we are. 

We developed handy, downloadable cards with the below stats and facts that can better inform those who need a clearer understanding of the impact immigrants and refugees make in North Carolina. Also, we have information for your allies on the legislation that they should support or oppose if they stand with you!

Share the Truth About Immigrant & Refugee North Carolinians

ECONOMIC IMPACT
Immigrants make up 11.1% of North Carolina’s labor force and support the state’s economy in many ways.

• Immigrants account for 14.4% of the state’s entrepreneurs,17.2% of STEM workers, and 7.8% of nurses in North Carolina
• 11% of state taxes are paid by immigrants ($9.8 billion)
• Immigrants spend nearly $30 billion in North Carolina each year
• Immigrant entrepreneurs contribute $1.6 billion to the state economy
• Immigrant workers fuel many of the state’s top industries: construction, agriculture, professional services, manufacturing, and general services
• An estimated 2.8 percent of North Carolina’s population is undocumented and pays nearly $900 million in taxes with a spending power of $7.1 billion.
• North Carolina’s more than 50,000 refugees pay nearly $400 million in taxes and spend $1.3 billion across the state.

SAFETY
Immigrants and refugees make our North Carolina communities safer and stronger for everyone.

• A 2017 study in the Journal of Migration and Human Security found that immigrants, particularly undocumented ones, are less likely to commit crimes than their native-born counterparts.
• A 2015 Migration Policy Institute study (“The Relationship Between Immigration and Crime: A Review of the Evidence”) suggests that areas with significant immigrant populations are likely to have lower crime rates.
• There is no research proving any direct causal link between synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and immigration.

For the 2024 election, help our communities by taking a stand on two pieces of state-wide legislation:

Vote FOR HB 1013 (House Bill 1013)
which will allow immigrant and refugee teachers to obtain a license to teach in North Carolina as well as mandate that the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) provide materials in Arabic, Chinese, Dari, French, Hindi, Pashto, Spanish, Swahili, and Tegulu.

Vote AGAINST HB 10 (House Bill 10)

which would require local law enforcement to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and mandate that it investigate the immigration status of anyone brought to a North Carolina jail, regardless of whether or not they have been charged with a crime. This can subject undocumented North Carolinians to greater surveillance, detention, and deportation.

Vote FOR candidates who support:

• DACA
• Rational voter ID laws
• Pathways to citizenship
• Funding for refugee resettlement

Your choice for every candidate—from president to city leaders—makes an impact on immigrant and refugee livelihoods. The only vote that doesn’t count is the one not made!

The post Know Who We Are appeared first on FaithAction International.

Unity Walk 2024 saw its largest number of participants marching in downtown Greensboro. Together with our organizing partners New Arrivals Institute, Church World Service, North Carolina African Services Coalition, UNCG’s Center for New North Carolinians, Every Campus A Refuge at Guilford College, and Reading Connections, as well as community supporters, we peacefully took to the streets to create visibility for immigrant and refugee North Carolinians. Flags brightly and gloriously colored our contingent, reflecting the diversity of communities in Guilford and other nearby counties. United we marched while advocating for just immigration policies for our state!

After the walk, we enjoyed outdoor activities at LeBauer Park, including fitness, music, and dance performances by Duo Dos Lliguis, Proxevita, Zumba with Velmy, Boone Folkloric Dance Group, Vietnamese rappers Amos, C-Mpang, and G-Konse, Mambo Ruby’s Salsa Dancing with Aja Jefferson, among others!

We’re also grateful to Newcomers School, Greensboro Housing Coalition, Ancora Compassionate Care, Legal Aid, Montagard Association, Kellin Foundation, and Raleigh Immigration Law Firm for showing up to connect with the community.

See the beauty of our immigrant and refugee communities together in solidarity!

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Does the parent of five children who has a solid job but was injured and out of work for four months need our support? Or should we allocate it to the domestic violence survivor who has no children? Or will the money do more good by buying food for our pantry? Who has the most need? Who deserves our support? Will there come someone tomorrow who has a worse situation?

These questions are impossible to answer, yet they are the questions that I must grapple with each day at FaithAction International. We are honored that we have gained the trust of the immigrant and refugee communities in Greensboro. With this trust, comes also the honor of holding space as they share their stories with us, let their guards down, and ask for help. As a trained chaplain, these vulnerable moments reflect to me our shared humanity. While I want to do everything possible to alleviate an unjust situation, I also know our resources are limited.

Two values in the Immigrant Assistance Center that guide our financial assistance decision making are empowerment and responsibility. A psychological concept, “learned helplessness” describes when someone faces an traumatic event or remains in a situation over which they have no control to affect change. There are a lot of elements in our clients lives over which they have no direct control, but we want to point them to all the avenues where they can exercise agency. Instead of simply giving money, which perpetuates such learned helplessness, we brainstorm with clients the resources that they have available. These resources may be financial, interpersonal relationships, or opportunities like payment plans. By requiring clients to engage their own resources, our case management approach empowers clients to take control of their futures.

Additionally, we honor the funding that so many donors and grants have provided and strive to be good stewards of those resources. We assess each case to determine whether or not offering financial support is a responsible choice. If a client does not have any plan for the future and is at a high likelihood of being in the same financial need in the future, throwing money at the problem would just delay the inevitable, using up precious resources. Our case managers work with those clients to explore other solutions that are sustainable in the long term. 

In 2023, families requested $39,342 in emergency financial assistance. We were able to provide $2,470. Of the 198 families that needed our help, we were able to help 36 families. Unfortunately, that means that we had to deny 162 families assistance for their rent and utilities. Every decision offers a life-line, every decision excludes someone else.

Halfway through 2024, we’ve already received over $25,000 in requests for financial assistance. Thanks to community donations and a grant from the Riker Foundation, we’ve been able to support 43 families so far this year. But, our funds are running low! Especially with the winter months, when weather prohibits outdoor work and energy bills increase, our clients come to us for support. Will you be part of the safety net for these families?

Please help us assist our community by donating to our Network for Good.

Make an online contribution here, or mail a check to:

FaithAction International

2211 W Meadowview Rd

Suite 10

Greensboro NC 27407

Memo: IAC Emergency Financial Assistance

Thank you for your compassionate support!

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On Saturday June 15th, we held our first-ever Health Fair, “Kickoff to Wellness,” at the Hayes-Taylor Memorial YMCA in Greensboro. With the help of many community partners, we were able to support over 300 people through on-site wellness checks, free vision screenings, and vision vouchers for families. This initiative was in response to our survey from last year, which highlighted health disparities in the Latinx community, particularly in vision care.

We also organized a youth soccer tournament with PUMAS NC FC and other local teams to promote healthy habits among young people. Attendees enjoyed delicious hotdogs and burgers by the Greensboro Police Department and a demonstration from the City of Greensboro Fire Department. 

A special thanks to all our community partners and volunteers who came out and shared valuable resources and information with families: PUMAS NC FC, Hamilton Lakes Lions Club, Aracely Lopez (our congregational nurse), Alcohol and Drug Services – ADS, WIC Mobile Unit, Ancora Compassionate Care, Interactive Resource Center, Kellin Foundation, City of Greensboro Fire Department, Greensboro Police Department, Greensboro Housing Coalition, Guilford Community Care Network, NC A&T State University’s Try Healthy Food Market, Mustard Seed Community Health Clinic, Enrollment Assistance Program, and Community Health worker Julio Ruiz.

Thank you to everyone for making this event a success!

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FaithAction International’s annual gala, “Pursuing a Path to Action,” held at Greensboro’s Piedmont Hall, was a remarkable success, reflecting our commitment to community and advocacy.

With over 150 attendees, the evening was a celebration of our shared mission, featuring delicious food, vibrant entertainment, and an atmosphere of unity and support.

The gala was more than just an event; it was a testament to the hard work and dedication of our supporters and volunteers who have tirelessly contributed to our cause. We are immensely grateful to everyone who joined us that night to celebrate the progress we’ve made in serving our community, transforming strangers into neighbors, and advocating for newcomers with unwavering love and support.

The evening was enlivened by the incredible performances of the MDA Youth Branch, UNCG Ritmo Latino, and Oscar Band, whose entertainment added joy and energy to the festivities. Their talents helped create a memorable experience for all who attended, highlighting the rich cultural diversity that FaithAction International strives to embrace and promote. The night also included a recognition for our volunteers of the year! 

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors, whose generous support has been instrumental in furthering our impact. Our gratitude goes out to AJ Superior Painting, Burgos Law, Mountaire Farms, A Great Idea, McKinney Immigration Law, Triad Health Project, Cooperativa Latina Credit Union, First Lutheran Greensboro Church, Debeen Espresso High Point, YPTC, Piedmont Business Capital, MAJ Law Firm LLC, Greensboro Police Department, Self-Help Credit Union, Replacements LTD, Chapman & Roberts PA Immigration Law Firm, and Cone Health Foundation. Their contributions along with those of our many individual donors have enabled us to expand our programs and services, making a tangible difference in the lives of many.

Throughout the night, we reflected on the many accomplishments of the past year. From community outreach initiatives and educational programs to legal assistance and advocacy efforts, FaithAction International has worked diligently to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. The gala was a moment to honor these achievements and to recommit ourselves to the work that lies ahead.

We are proud of the progress we’ve made, but we recognize that our journey is ongoing. The support and involvement of our community members are crucial as we continue to pursue our mission. The gala was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when we come together with a shared vision of compassion, inclusion, and action.

Thank you to everyone who made the night a success, from our dedicated volunteers and talented performers to our generous sponsors and enthusiastic attendees. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive community, one that welcomes and supports all its members. We look forward to continuing this journey with you and making even greater strides in the year ahead.

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