For the next few weeks – with the help of our wonderful neighbors - we’re reaching out to refugees in our own backyard. We’re taking this opportunity to work with refugees in our own communities, to welcome, support, and get to know them in a way we don’t always get the chance to do. It comes as no surprise to us that when many refugees arrive in the Twin Cities, once they find their feet again, they’re off and running - starting businesses, becoming local leaders, and using their unique skills to contribute to the community. So for Day 46, we’re showing our support to one of those very businesses – Flamingo, a refugee-owned and operated restaurant in St. Paul, Minnesota. And, we’re thanking some of the people who make ARC possible – our dedicated volunteers – by treating them to an authentic East African meal. As soon as you walk into Flamingo, with its pink accents and inviting, home-cooked aromas, you can tell that the restaurant is a labor of love. “I wanted to work … [Read more...] about Breaking Bread

In Minnesota, ARC's hometown, there are so many amazing people already doing the doable for refugee families. From organizations and church groups that support refugees when they arrive in the U.S., to refugee entrepreneurs who invest in the community, to the folks at HAUS Salon who put their skills toward doing good,these are amazing people who make an impact every single day. One of our good friends is Green Card Voices. Through interviews, videos, and photos, Green Card Voices gives us a glimpse into the lives of our refugee and immigrant neighbors, helping us to understand their struggles – and their triumphs. On Day 45, we decided to help Green Card Voices do more. We sponsored the production of three incredible refugee stories, three individuals who come from very different places but have at least one thing in common - they call Minnesota home. Here is the first. Meet Rebecca David. Born in Uganda to parents who left South Sudan because of the Sudanese Civil … [Read more...] about Getting To Know Our Neighbors

An incredible thing happens when someone recognizes the unique gift they have to give to the world. When they identify what makes them tick and do something truly meaningful with it. On Day 44, we’re introducing you to a group of people who are doing just that – the team at HAUS Salon. With the skills and resources they have, they’re sharing their gifts many times over and inspiring others in the process. In Spring 2016, HAUS co-founder Charlie Brackney Love led a volunteer team of five HAUS stylists who traveled to Thailand. Their goal? To help train hairstylists in the Nu Po refugee camp in business skills and new haircutting techniques. The HAUS team had been inspired to help support ARC’s Cut It Out program that trains refugee hairdressers to spot signs of domestic violence and help survivors get help. The trip was life-changing for the team, and for the newly-trained hairdressers they equipped with new and powerful skills. On their return to Minnesota and inspired … [Read more...] about Local Talent

Over the past 42 days, we’ve shared one impact every day – all costing less than $500 each to make happen. The projects have taken us from Nakivale and Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlements in Uganda, to rural villages in Democratic Republic of Congo. These changes, while seemingly small, have made a big difference in the lives of people we work with around the globe. And now, we’re jumping to Minnesota where ARC is headquartered. We're taking this opportunity to work with refugees in our own communities - to welcome, support, and get to know them in a way we don't always get the chance to do. To kick things off, on Day 43 we’re welcoming one of our own – Kay Thi from Thailand. Originally from Myanmar, Kay Thi worked for ARC for three years on ARC's Protection team, bravely giving her support to survivors of violence and working with the community to promote peace. She always dreamed of being resettled in the U.S., but that dream came true for her husband and her two year old daughter … [Read more...] about Welcome to Minnesota

The villages in eastern Congo where Asili has grown roots have done so much to welcome, support, and invest in Asili’s success. Community leaders in those villages have been friends of Asili since the beginning, making it possible for our businesses to thrive. They’re working side by side with us to change the narrative in eastern Congo from one of conflict and tragedy to a future filled with hope. Put simply – Asili would not be possible without them. So on Day 42, we decided to show our deep appreciation for everything these communities have done for us – we decided to throw a party. Just like Asili, this party was a representation of forces joined together – this time in celebration. Not only were we celebrating the communities who have done so much to help make Asili happen, local leadership honored us as well, thanking the team for investing in their towns. Country Director Abraham Leno – Asili’s leader – was honored by the King of Kabare, who is the traditional … [Read more...] about A Celebration

Mama Salome is Asili’s brand ambassador. She goes out into the communities where we work, each and every day, and she answers people’s questions about Asili. She talks to them about our world-class quality healthcare, clean water, and agricultural cooperatives. And perhaps most importantly, she listens. She hears so many stories, lending her empathetic ear and warm heart. Throughout Mama Salome’s day she may meet dozens of people – mothers, fathers, and kids. Along with her partner in this work, Mama Josée, she’s both the voice of Asili and the voice of the community. She lets the rest of the Asili team know what its customers are thinking and feeling. One day Mama Salome expressed interest in capturing these lives, these people. “I want to tell their stories,” she said. So the team decided to give her the right tools to do just that – they decided to get her a camera. Right away, Mama Salome got to work. She’s already capturing powerful stories of individuals and … [Read more...] about A Rising Star

The Asili team on the ground spend their days figuring out how to make world-class quality businesses work in eastern Congo. After decades of war and instability in their country, they are dedicated to building a brighter future. It might be surprising to learn that even the staff members of the Asili team who live in the city have difficulty getting clean water to drink. And each day when they travel to the villages where Asili’s services are located – sometimes an hour or more away – they often go without water. Or if they do have water, they’ll bring plastic water bottles that don’t convey their trust in Asili water to the community. So on Day 40, we decided to do one thing to ensure that the Asili team had fresh, clean water to drink – especially when they’re doing the work to keep Asili going. Get them some Asili water bottles. Now, every team member on the ground in Congo has an Asili water bottle that they can bring with them everywhere they go – and fill with … [Read more...] about In It Together