Better Together-Support the Dream
Tax deductible
The Refugee Empowerment Center (REC) is a non-profit that assists refugees who are transitioning from their own culture to American life. We have been serving the Omaha community for over 20 years and we focus on helping Nebraska newcomers live and work productively, further their education, and achieve a better life for themselves and their children.
Due to cuts in federal funding (by over 50% in 2017) REC is in jeopardy of closing. The refugee admissions goal for next fiscal year is set at 30,000 - the lowest level in U.S. history. For nearly four decades, the average refugee admissions goal has been 95,000. To ensure we keep our doors open and serve our newfound neighbors, we need to raise $150,000 over the next few months.
Why is this important?
Refugees have come to America for one reason only – safety. These are mothers, fathers, children (more than half are children), all fleeing war and persecution. They can’t even grasp “the American dream.” They are in our country legally, looking for a safe haven. At this point, they need their basic needs met. And as good, kindhearted Nebraskans, we can help them.
Your donation can provide these newcomers with the tools they need to support themselves, give their children proper homes and warm meals, and have a chance at a better life. Everything you contribute adds up to a life saved. They’re not asking for a lot. Just a chance. And as Nebraskans, we pitch in and help our neighbors when they need it. We know that Nebraska is stronger is when everyone succeeds— together.
How will your funds help?
Nebraska newcomers will receive:
Cultural Orientation
• Supported integration into communities and school systems
• Help with housing and meals (basic needs), trips to doctor’s appointments
• An overview of American laws and procedures
Education classes
• Beginner to advanced English
• Conversational language and creative writing
• Budgeting
• Navigating public transportation
• Preparing for the written Driver’s test
Employment Readiness Training
• Resume writing
• Mock interviews
• Job shadowing
• Job etiquette
Employment Services and Job Placement
• Newcomers are matched with employers based on skills
• Connected to job fairs
• Job Upgrade program that provides additional training/classes high skilled employment
REC’s success is PROVEN
• 87% of refugees received jobs within 90 days of arrival
• Average wage was $11.79, $2.79 above Nebraska’s minimum wage.
• 92% of clients received full-time jobs with benefits
How will your funds work?
• If you give $5 it provides this: gas money to cover a ride to a job interview
• If you give $100 it provides this: clothes for job interviews, and meals for family of four
• If you give $500 it provides this: bus tickets for several refugees for a month, meals, job shadowing field trips
• If you give $2500 it provides this: the cost of one months rent, deposit, utilities and application fee for a refugee
We are committed to continue to serve these new members of our community because they are more than just refugees: they are our neighbors, our co-workers and our friends. Please share and help us meet our goal.
Every dollar helps. Thanks for making an impact!
Due to cuts in federal funding (by over 50% in 2017) REC is in jeopardy of closing. The refugee admissions goal for next fiscal year is set at 30,000 - the lowest level in U.S. history. For nearly four decades, the average refugee admissions goal has been 95,000. To ensure we keep our doors open and serve our newfound neighbors, we need to raise $150,000 over the next few months.
Why is this important?
Refugees have come to America for one reason only – safety. These are mothers, fathers, children (more than half are children), all fleeing war and persecution. They can’t even grasp “the American dream.” They are in our country legally, looking for a safe haven. At this point, they need their basic needs met. And as good, kindhearted Nebraskans, we can help them.
Your donation can provide these newcomers with the tools they need to support themselves, give their children proper homes and warm meals, and have a chance at a better life. Everything you contribute adds up to a life saved. They’re not asking for a lot. Just a chance. And as Nebraskans, we pitch in and help our neighbors when they need it. We know that Nebraska is stronger is when everyone succeeds— together.
How will your funds help?
Nebraska newcomers will receive:
Cultural Orientation
• Supported integration into communities and school systems
• Help with housing and meals (basic needs), trips to doctor’s appointments
• An overview of American laws and procedures
Education classes
• Beginner to advanced English
• Conversational language and creative writing
• Budgeting
• Navigating public transportation
• Preparing for the written Driver’s test
Employment Readiness Training
• Resume writing
• Mock interviews
• Job shadowing
• Job etiquette
Employment Services and Job Placement
• Newcomers are matched with employers based on skills
• Connected to job fairs
• Job Upgrade program that provides additional training/classes high skilled employment
REC’s success is PROVEN
• 87% of refugees received jobs within 90 days of arrival
• Average wage was $11.79, $2.79 above Nebraska’s minimum wage.
• 92% of clients received full-time jobs with benefits
How will your funds work?
• If you give $5 it provides this: gas money to cover a ride to a job interview
• If you give $100 it provides this: clothes for job interviews, and meals for family of four
• If you give $500 it provides this: bus tickets for several refugees for a month, meals, job shadowing field trips
• If you give $2500 it provides this: the cost of one months rent, deposit, utilities and application fee for a refugee
We are committed to continue to serve these new members of our community because they are more than just refugees: they are our neighbors, our co-workers and our friends. Please share and help us meet our goal.
Every dollar helps. Thanks for making an impact!
Organizer
Heather McCain
Organizer
Omaha, NE
Refugee Empowerment Center
Registered nonprofit
Donations are typically 100% tax deductible in the US.
