Title
Briefing from World Relief
Recommended Action
Move to receive briefing from World Relief.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive briefing from World Relief.
Staff Contact:
Tobi Hill-Meyer, Social Justice and Equity Program Manager, 360.753.8285
Presenter(s):
Natalie Teaboo, World Relief
Background and Analysis:
Today, there are over 100 million people around the globe who have been forced, or made the painful choice, to leave their home. After years of fleeing violence, famine and extreme poverty, their greatest hope is that they’ll find a safe place to rebuild their lives and call home.
Sadly, this hope remains unattainable for many of our immigrant neighbors who feel marginalized, lonely and afraid. Rather than finding opportunities to flourish, many are losing hope as they struggle to overcome unexpected vulnerabilities and systemic barriers to integration.
For over forty years as an official partner of the U.S. Department of State, World Relief has been providing the expertise, services and relational connections our new neighbors need to flourish. This includes: housing, language classes, employment, services, transportation assistance, community connections, health & mental health counseling, financial guidance, school/youth/parenting groups, and immigration legal services.
This presentation will share basic background around your World Relief, what they do, and what it takes to support someone resettling. Including areas of unmet need, advocacy efforts, and what it will look like to support refugees coming to the area to resettle over the next several years.
Climate Analysis:
This item is not expected to have an impact on carbon emissions.
Equity Analysis:
Gaining a better understanding of the experiences of refugees resettling in our community, and the best ways to support and advocate for them, will allow commissioners to more effectively consider the impacts planning and policies may have on this population.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
People resettling into the Olympia area are our neighbors, and many community members volunteer to provide support, help build relationships, and welcome them into our community.
Options:
1. Receive a briefing on the Experiences of Discrimination Report.
2. Do not receive a briefing on the Experiences of Discrimination Report.
3. Receive the briefing at another time.
Financial Impact:
No financial impact.
Attachments:
None