I've been blessed to meet some of the people the Center for New Americans has helped and I admire their optimism and fortitude. I will write 30 poems for these and other individuals.
I will write in honor of the little girl who spent a decade, her entire life, in a refugee camp before coming to the United States. I will write for the young mother who didn’t know how to read or write in her own language as she struggled to learn English. I will write poems for the Afghan family who welcomed me into their home and offered food even while they had very little. They taught me more than they know and I am grateful.
Immigrants are the heart of America. They are our nurses, doctors, farmers, teachers, construction workers, delivery drivers, neighbors, friends, family and so much more! They nourish and sustain our communities. They lift up our nation economically and contribute to the ever evolving identity of the United States. We are a nation of immigrants and we should treat each other respectfully and compassionately.
The Center for New Americans provides free English classes, legal services, and other resources to help the valley's newest residents adjust to their environment and become self-sufficient. They are doing the work that America is known for: embracing the tired and poor from distant lands. You can be part of that American spirit by donating to the Center and being part of a welcoming committee that has existed for decades. Thank you for your kindness!
