We are so grateful for everyone who joined us at the 2019 Annual Review to celebrate a year of community impact and service. We had two incredible guest speakers and an amazing volunteer who shared their experiences and stories with us. A big thank you to Mayor Elorza, Sandra Martin, and Ubah Kahiye.

“I feel deeply connected to the work of this institute. ... I always have associated with the immigrant community, because I grew up in an immigrant household. ... [My parents] came to this country not knowing what to expect but knowing that there would be hardship. ... My family has struggled, just as families throughout the city struggle. But no matter how hard or how bad it got ... what my family always had was hope ... and the only reason we had that was because we were surrounded by a community that supported my family and lifted us up when we were down. ... And that’s the exact role that Dorcas International has played for generations of families that have come and settled here in Providence, and right here in Rhode Island.” – Mayor Elorza

During the 2019 Fiscal Year (FY), we assisted more than 450 immigrants in applying for naturalization, and 96% of our clients achieved legal status. 

Sandra Martin also shared her story. She and her family started at Dorcas International as mentors to newly arrived refugees, and later Sandra volunteered her time at the agency to conduct cultural orientations with refugee families. And it was during her time volunteering that she met Youssef Akhtarini, his wife Reem, and their children in 2016; they were Syrian refugees resettling in Providence. Since then, she has really gotten to know the family and assisted Youssef in opening up the nationally recognized eatery Aleppo Sweets. Youssef now makes baklava, a craft he’s been honing since he was a teenager, and Syrian cuisine right here in Providence. He has hired 16 Syrian refugees to work with him, and the bakery has become a haven for other Syrians who miss their home country.

“My first interaction with Dorcas International was born out of a simple desire to love my neighbor.” — Sandra Martin

During FY 19, our Refugee Resettlement and Case Management team helped more than 970 individuals from 60 countries and resettled 96 newly arrived refugees from Burundi, Congo, Rwanda, Syria and Ukraine.

We could not help as many individuals as we do without the support of our dedicated donors, advocates, volunteers, staff, and Board members who believe in changing lives. To learn more about our community impact during FY 19 and to read about Ubah Kahiye’s story, review our 2019 Annual Report.

If you were unable to attend but would still like to contribute, consider giving a gift and make your impact! Give today, and change someone’s life tomorrow. Make a contribution here.