For Immediate Release February 1, 2017

PRESS RELEASE

Clarity in the Midst of Confusion
-An Asha’s Refuge Perspective

Recent circumstances and new governmental requirements have created an environment where fear and confusion can rapidly increase. Many are asking what impact the recent temporary moratorium on immigration from certain countries will have on Asha’s Refuge and our ability to provide support for our refugee community.

 In short, very little!! Asha’s Refuge works with the refugee community to assist them as they become actively engaged in this confusing new society. Many refugees are not able to fully acclimate within the timeframe present governmental programs allow. We meet the refugee and their family where they are, beyond the governmental period, and help them continue to become active and contributing members of the American culture. As God has shown in His unconditional love toward us, so we reflect this grace as we welcome our new neighbors into our country.

 We say to our refugee population – we welcome you and please do not be afraid. We are glad to have you join our American family and we pray daily for you and your family. Please know we will not abandon you or forsake you. Rather, we celebrate your presence among us.

How can you help?
Volunteer with us. Come to our next Orientation Saturday, February 18, 2017 at 10:00 am at 1035 Winchester Blvd., Collierville, TN 38017 (inside Highpoint Church) to learn more about how Asha’s Refuge got started, our mission, future vision and how you can be involved. 

Offer support. Come to our Dinner and Auction Saturday, February 25th at 5:30 PM! Click here to find out more details and purchase a ticket. 
Encourage Others and Pray. Your prayers are sincerely appreciated as we seek to serve the least of the least of these in our city. Pray that fear and confusion dissolve as we share truth and love to those we serve, to those we serve along side of and to those who have sincere questions and concerns. 
Love never ever fails; let us first put on love. (1 Corinthians 13:8)

About Asha’s Refuge 

Inspired by the love of Christ, Asha’s Refuge exists to assist the most disadvantaged refugees in achieving a successful resettlement in the Memphis TN area. Asha’s Refuge has a heart to help fill the gaps experienced by the most disadvantaged or vulnerable refugees in their resettlement process. Many of the refugees we serve have a disability, an illness, are elderly, are parents with multiple children, are preschoolers in need of an educational head start, are uneducated, have no job skills, do not speak English, are young adults at risk for human trafficking or other crimes, are single parents and/or are widows. Refugees that face these challenges seem to take longer to achieve a successful resettlement. We are here to be a friend and a place of hope for refugees in our community.

We believe all people should be given the opportunity to be encouraged and educated which therefore builds character, self-esteem, allows for job success, helps to reduce crime, keeps individuals self-sufficient (not dependent upon government well-fare assistance programs) and overall offers hope to families which will lead generations forward on a victorious path of success. We provide instruction in a caring, safe and healthy learning environment, responsive to each student, in collaboration with families and the community. Our clients are taught to embrace diversity, act responsibly and contribute to their community.

We hope to accomplish our mission by being a consistent, encouraging presence among disadvantaged Memphis area refugees through a broad range of ongoing advocacy activities designed to address the specific needs of this group. By providing ongoing educational support, collaborating with other community agencies or organizations who assist this population, and by helping challenged individuals and families identify and access all available resources, Asha’s Refuge will work in every way to act on behalf of the refugees we seek to assist. 

Asha is the name of the young refugee lady that inspired us to begin our work serving disadvantaged refugees. When we met Asha, she faced many challenges that included being new to a country, not speaking English, having little to no education and having a crippling disability. The name “Asha” means “a place of hope”, “a future” or “life”. Asha’s Refuge will be our “place of hope”. It is here where we plan to bring a community of friends to offer encouragement, help and hope to disadvantaged refugees like Asha.