Our asylee housemates find jobs!

One of the challenges confronting our asylees is finding employment  that pay them enough to support themselves and to save up enough money to bring their families to the US. Despite having successful careers in their home countries, their first paying jobs after receiving their work permits are often entry level jobs with no benefits and that offer little prospects for advancement. However, living at RHHP enables them to sustain themselves and even save some money while they find better paying jobs. They are able to reorient their expectations and accept the stark reality that their professional accomplishments in their home countries do not translate immediately into employment commensurate to their abilities.

In the past couple of weeks, Remi found a full-time house keeping job at a local hospital. He will also receive medical benefits, paid vacation, tuition assistance etc. (An entrepreneur at heart, he is also starting a clothing store.) After a couple of part-time jobs that bordered on the sweat shop variety, Adolphus landed a job at a local university that is within walking distance.

Unlike their previous jobs, they are absolutely pleased by the professionalism of their work environment. They are very pleased and feel optimistic that they will be able to reunite with their families, and together, move on with their lives.

Enock is granted asylum!

Ellen's banner spreading the good news

Today is a happy day at our house. Enock, our housemate, was granted asylum. It has been an arduous journey for him. On top of worrying about his case, he had to worry about his family in his home country. A few weeks ago, he was injured in an auto accident and suffered a fractured vertebrae. Since then he has been walking around in a body brace.

Our community pulled together to support him through this difficult time. Various RHHP residents helped him with meals because of his limited mobility. Joel and Tim drove him to medical appointments in DC and Joel drove him to Arlington for his asylum hearing a couple of weeks ago and then again today to pick up his decision. Members of NBMC and his home congregation brought him meals. He received a stream of visitors from his congregation who came bearing groceries and prepared meals. Sarah organized an online fund raiser to gather money to help his children return to school.

Thanks also to the ASHN folks for raising the funds to cover the rent. NBC Universal also chipped in some funds for the stipend. (not sure how they got connected but it probably has to do with Human Rights First)

Vanessa Allyn, Managing attorney of the Refugee Protection Program at Human Rights First; Isabel Toolan, his case worker also from Human Rights First; and Malika Levarlet and Reid Whitten, Enock's fabulous pro bono attorneys from Sheppard Mullin Richter and Hampton are reasons for Enock's success today. It has truly has been a community effort with a fitting outcome for a wonderful housemate.

Party, MCC Relief Sale, Visitors

German Park Playground

MCC Relief Sale in Harrisburg

Jennifer, RHHP's 1st MVSer ever!

Nissley family visits

Jungle Speed

Tim's birthday celebration

Easter Party

Lunch at Vietnamese Pho Restaurant

Hmmm...what to order?

Dessert!

Bean sprouts, basil, lime, and jalapeno pepper toppings

A group of us celebrated Easter today by having a delicious Vietnamese lunch and shopping for fresh fruits and veggies at a Korean market (H-Mart). Afterwards we enjoyed a time of fellowship with Joseph's homemade flan, Ellen's gourmet bread, warm cinnamon rolls, and hot Seattle tea.

Visiting the sick

Our house mate Enock was recently injured in a car accident. As with African asylum seekers in the past, he received a great number of visitors who came bearing meals. A group of women held a boisterous prayer service in his room that reminded me of revival services.

RHHP Easter egg coloring party

Easter egg toast!

Elvis egg? No, it's Gabby's profile of Tim...

We had an excellent turnout last night for our annual egg coloring party.

Another successful asylum application.

Cadeau, a former RHHP resident and ASHN client from Burundi, was granted asylum yesterday. He called to share the good news and came by for lunch. He works as a patient transporter in a hospital in Virginia and will be studying to be a registered nurse.