ABQ FaithWorks to Honor World Refugee Day with Campaign to help Asylum Seekers

Why are we honoring World Refugee Day? 

You may already be familiar with one of our 3 flagship programs that supports people who have come to the United States seeking asylum. They are fleeing persecution and danger, but do not actually have the protection of asylee status until they work their way through the court system to prove that they would, in fact, be in danger if they returned to their home country. Sadly, this legal process can take years, during which time asylum seekers risk deportation, and face obstacles in their search for work, housing, food, and other basic essentials. But fortunately, with the help of our volunteer family liaisons and generous donors, asylum seekers in our program have emotional, practical, and financial support during this waiting period. We celebrate World Refugee Day to honor all those who have safely found asylum and refuge, and to give our clients hope that they will find safety and belonging here.  

Your support between now and June 20th will help ABQ FaithWorks in our ongoing efforts to walk with Asylum Seekers’ journeys toward official asylum protection. And the best news is, up to $3000 will be matched by our Board of Directors. That means your gift will be doubled, dollar for dollar. 

Give today to make sure your gift is matched, and keep checking back to see how close we are to our goal of $10,000. You can share our fundraising page on social media, or even start your own fundraising page! By sharing this cause that means so much to you with your friends and family, we can all help welcome the newcomer. 

About World Refugee Day

World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honor refugees around the globe. It falls each year on 20 June and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. 

Celebrating Dora, two years with ABQ FaithWorks!

This week, we celebrate Dora Gallegos, on her two year anniversary with ABQ FaithWorks. Dora is our Bookkeeper and has been an instrumental part of our team. She has helped the work at ABQ FaithWorks move effectively and efficiently. One of the compliments we hear about Dora, is her ability to respond quickly to help others. This is only possible because of the diligence and hard work that she brings to ABQ FaithWorks.

Dora was key in helping our Valentine's Day fundraiser come alive and succeed. Every day, Dora brings her compassionate spirit and heart to work. We are a better team because of the daily work and spirit she brings to our office. We are thankful for her dedication to ABQ FaithWorks.

ABQ FaithWorks Meets ALICE at United Way

We met ALICE today at United Way of North Central New Mexico, and discovered that we already know them! ALICE stands for "Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed" and they are our neighbors, teachers, and essential workers who are struggling to make ends meet. Kiran Gaudioso CEO of United Way of Northern New Jersey and President, United for ALICE gave an excellent introduction. We also heard from Randy Prunty, CEO, United Way of North Central New Mexico; Cathryn Abeyta, Executive Director, San Juan United Way; Amanda Morales, CEO, United Way of Southwest New Mexico; and Will Simmons, a dedicated father and advocate for ALICE in NM.

We learned from Kiran how states across the nation have been supporting ALICE through changes to benefits based on restrictive Federal Poverty Limits (FPL). ALICE are people who don't meet those limits, but who are just one paycheck, one flat tire, one medical bill, one life event away from homelessness and poverty.

It made us proud of our eviction prevention program, where every day we are helping people stay housed and get through tough times on limited incomes - and who have no where else to turn because they don't meet the FPL for benefits. We look forward to staying tuned into New Mexico's momentum toward greater support for ALICE.