Community

Be Informed, Community, Connection, Inspiring Stories, Operation Welcome, Volunteers

150 Backpacks Given Out with School Supplies at Back to School Event

August 4, 2022by Migros Aid, Inc.Leave a Comment

We had our fourth Back to School Event in the community last week with an enormous turnout from the community. We gave out 150 backpacks filled with school supplies for the upcoming school year. Food was provided by friends from Somalia, Syria, the Karen & Mon people (from Myanmar region).

We met many new families who signed up for services. The students enjoyed face painting, corn hole, soccer, and table games! Free kids books were provided to each student who wanted to begin to build their own library.

Thank you for those who came to serve! It was a phenomenal, magical evening

Please contact us to stay updated on future community events.

Be Informed, Community, Connection, Empowerment, News & Announcements, Transformation, Video

Watch Our New 2022 Film: Migros Aid in Indianapolis: Providing Aid, Training, Service, and Empowerment

July 5, 2022July 5, 2022by Migros Aid, Inc.Leave a Comment

Click below to watch! We are grateful for our new short film in 2022 and all those who helped make it! Please watch to understand our vision and mission and why we exist!

Community, Empowerment, Inspiring Stories, Mentoring, Service, Volunteers

Hannah Bryant Shares Her Story of Being a Migros Mentor to a Refugee Family

April 29, 2022by Migros Aid, Inc.Leave a Comment

Bryant shares, “I’ve been volunteering with Migros Aid for a little over a year. I’ve had the privilege of being a mentor- which means being a friend to a refugee family. I got to help my African friends get settled into a new place in Indianapolis, get registered for school & navigate some of the language barriers experienced in every day life. We spent a lot of time last summer just hanging out and sharing meals together. I even learned how to make fufu! It has been the hugest blessing. My family has a greater understanding of what it means to be a refugee in the United States. We’ve had the privilege of experiencing other cultures & truly helping the least of these. I had no idea some of the challenges they face & I’m so grateful my family and I have been able to help.”

Many refugee families move to Indianapolis after living in other parts of the United States for a short period of time. They usually move to Indianapolis because of the good job market or they know someone who lives here, as the family did in this mentoring relationship. Families like this loose all their support from other groups serving them in the initial city they were settled in. Through the work of Migros Aid, this family was able to get help and support that was greatly needed.

There are other families in need and we are seeking more Migros Mentors like Hannah.

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Be Informed, Community, Inspiring Stories, Volunteers

Channel 8 Wishtv.com News Story on the Launch of the Migros Aid Ukraine Refugee Fund

March 5, 2022March 5, 2022by Migros Aid, Inc.Leave a Comment

Click here to make a donation to the Ukraine Refugee Fund and join local refugees to support Ukraine refugees fleeing for their lives in Ukraine.

Community, Education, News & Announcements, Service

Participate in our Cross-Cultural Immersion Experience in 2022 – A Spiritual Retreat

February 15, 2022April 16, 2022by Migros Aid, Inc.Leave a Comment

We are facilitating 3-hour spiritual retreats in the city of Indianapolis in 2022. It is a cross-cultural immersion experience that will open your eyes to the diversity in our city. it is a time of spiritual reflection, guided prayer, discovery, and exposure to the diverse cultures in Indianapolis and introducing people to the work of Migros Aid in the city.

Lacy Turnquist, Missions coordinator of Eagle Church in Whitestown, said, ‘ During our experience, my eyes were opened to the “International” area of Indy. I love that we can not only experience but engage with different cultures right here in our city.”

The Retreat Includes a meal, a stop at the international market to shop in groups, driving in the community, guided prayer, a visit to the apartment of a refugee family to hear their migration story, and the Migros Aid ministry center facility.

Sara Ford participated in the retreat and said, “Join Migros Aid for a day of delicious food, experiential learning, and thoughtful prayer as you immerse yourself into the many cultures represented in Indianapolis! Come with an open mind and heart prepared to learn about Migros Aid and its mission to love the nations right here in our city!”

Joe Garner said, “I witnessed generosity that we see very little in our current “US” culture.”

Please click on the dates below to sign up! Saturday – May 14, 11:30 – 2:30

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Aid, Community, Education, Inspiring Stories, Mentoring, Transformation

Empowering Refugee Students in College with Laptops

February 4, 2022by Migros Aid, Inc.Leave a Comment

James Cedric is in his sophomore year at Vincennes University, Indiana’s oldest college founded in 1801. He is studying robotics and on a track scholarship and possibly looking to continue his education and running track at Purdue Northwest in the future.

James was a recent recipient of a laptop computer through Migros Aid.

James said, “Thank you so much for this computer, as this will help me in my studies at college and follow my dreams!”

We met first James in 2016 when he moved to America from Malawi, where he and his family had lived for 15 years as refugees. He was very young when his family fled war-torn Burundi to Malawi.

We were both so happy when we met because I (Joel) got to speak Chichewa to him from traveling to Malawi many years ago. He graduated from Arsenal Tech High School and played on their soccer team. While in High School he was active in our English / CARE club and went to a camp with other students. Thank you for your gifts that allow us to empower young men like James to pursue their dreams!

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Community, Connection, Empowerment, Mentoring, Service, Transformation, Volunteers

Teaching Life Lessons in a Rock Climbing Gym

February 1, 2022February 1, 2022by Migros Aid, Inc.Leave a Comment

Younger immigrants can often find life in America challenging, even after being in America for three or four years. One of our efforts is to offer experiences for refugee teens and use the experiences to have conversation and lessons about life.

Zayd Vestal, a former Migros Aid summer intern, led a group of young guys in a rock climbing experience. It was their first time to go to a rock climbing gym.

Conversations about perseverance and goal setting were natural in the experience.

“When I got to the top i felt happy and feel like I accomplished something. This is what it is like in life.” said one participant.