World Refugee Day: Safety through Service

World Refugee Day offers an opportunity to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of the refugee community. Their courage and contributions are a reminder of their resilience, and helps the world to build empathy towards their experiences. Through EMBARC’s refugee staff and volunteers, the organization strives to make every refugee and immigrant feel safe in their new homes.

“A safe home to me is somewhere that you can be yourself without violence or discrimination,” said Lal Muani, Lead Parent Navigator at EMBARC.

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Meet Our Volunteers: Deb Timmons

Every Wednesday, you can find Deborah Timmons at EMBARC’s Access Center at 4801 Franklin Avenue in Des Moines. Since October 2021, Deb has volunteered at the Access Center to support the refugee and immigrant community.

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Success story: Sui Par

Central Iowa resident Sui Par is a mother of three. After moving to Iowa, Sui joined EMBARC’s Community-Based English Classes (CBESL), held in partnership with Lutheran Services of Iowa, and soon connected with other services through Burma Family Focus at EMBARC. Today, Sui is a co-teacher for CBESL, and a mentor/advocate in Burma Family Focus’ IT Navigator and Parent Navigator programs.

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IN THE NEWS: EMBARC continues to hold vaccination clinics as COVID-19 cases remain high

Child hospitalizations for COVID-19 remain high, leading one metro organization to host their first vaccination clinic that includes kids, while another plans to distribute information differently than before, We Are Iowa Channel 5 reported this week.

This month, a record number of children were hospitalized across the country due to the virus. …

Allison Pleasant, EMBARC's vaccine access program manager, said they have held three vaccination clinics since November and worked to get as many kids vaccinated as possible.

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In the news: EMBARC demonstrates a new approach to justice, funder says

The Northwest Area Foundation announced a new grantmaking approach centered on justice and prosperity - and holds up EMBARC’s work as an example of building power locally.

“EMBARC’s constellation of programs — language classes, a multilingual helpline, a legal navigator, youth services, and more — support refuges’ efforts to build more inclusive communities that better meet their needs,” NWAF wrote in their announcement.

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Severe weather alerts: BFF Access Center closed today, December 15

We have severe weather forecasts for this afternoon, and some school districts are releasing classes early for safety. Today's wind storm may cause wind speeds of up to 75 miles per hour, which is the same speed as last year's derecho storm in Des Moines. This storm can cause damage. The Burma Family Focus Access Center will be CLOSED today, Wednesday December 15, 2021.

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Min Tun accepts 2021 Outstanding Immigrant Business Award

After years of hard work, Iowa business owner Min Tun and his family can celebrate two major accomplishments.

Min received the 2021 Outstanding Immigrant Business Award at the Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit, held in Ankeny on Nov. 20. The honor recognizes Min’s determination, charisma and leadership as a local business owner.

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Three easy ways to support refugee families in Iowa

This #BlackFriday and #GivingTuesday, join our mission by giving! Your generosity supports essential refugee-led programs and services that expand opportunities for refugees in Iowa.

Donations to EMBARC will support our ongoing advocacy efforts against systemic barriers that hold families back from reaching their full potential as friends, neighbors and community leaders. Your support is a gift to each individual we support.

Giving to EMBARC is easy! Find three options right from your device.

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Mental health support group trains refugees to cope with stress and support their community

Over seven weeks in June and July of 2021, a group of eight refugee moms met each week at Franklin Junior High School to discuss anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, the brain, domestic violence, and similar topics. Ethnic Minorities of Burma Advocacy and Resource Center’s (EMBARC) mental health support group focused on the importance of mental health and prepared participants to bring mental health information to others in their community.

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What should I know about voting?

Every four years, presidential elections dominate the news. But U.S. communities hold elections each year. This November 2, vote for your city council, school board, and municipal (city-level) positions. You can make a huge impact in your community by voting and by telling friends and family about voting.

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