Syrian refugee families in Michigan get crucial support thanks to newly launched fund
The Center for Arab American Philanthropy
After fleeing war, drought and starvation, the last thing that new refugee families need is to worry about making their rent payment. After seeing refugee families in Michigan struggle to get the support they need, the Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP), an ACCESS institution, recently launched a new fund to help 25 families from Syria get the resources they need to make it in America.
“The Building Blocks for New Americans Fund at CAAP gives Syrian refugees the resources they need to start a better life in America. Often, all a family needs is someone to help look after their children, a reliable car to get to work and a little bit of assistance paying rent. These resources are the building blocks upon which refugees can build a new life – away from conflict and strife,” said Maha Freij, CAAP founder and ACCESS Deputy Executive Director and CFO.
Through the Building Blocks for New Americans Fund, a team of ACCESS and CAAP staff delivered much-needed furniture to five Syrian refugee families in Southeast Michigan last month. In addition, CAAP assisted with rent payments in December for many of the 25 families receiving support through the fund. The families have been identified through ACCESS’ comprehensive programs that serve communities throughout Southeast Michigan.
So far, CAAP has raised $50,000 for Syrian refugees in Michigan. Giving to the Building Blocks for New Americans Fund will unlock matching funds from a pool of donors to increase the fund’s impact. Those interested in giving can learn more about the fund and how to donate here: http://www.centeraap.org/funds/featured-fund/
CAAP anticipates expanding the fund outside of Michigan and working with partners in the future.
About the Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP)
The Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP) is a national community foundation. An ACCESS institution, CAAP’s objective is to unite and empower the Arab American community by demonstrating the impact of giving together. We improve communities by making grants to nonprofit organizations, serve donors by providing them with smart tools and resources to carry out their charitable giving, and build leaders, including youth, to realize their potential for change. Most of all, we shape perceptions about Arab Americans by highlighting their generous heritage and exceptional contributions to society.
About ACCESS
Grounded in a grassroots commitment to serving our community, ACCESS has a 45-year history of providing health, education, employment and social services. An Arab American nonprofit of excellence, ACCESS empowers communities in Southeast Michigan to improve their economic, social and cultural well-being and extends this mission nationally through advocacy, arts, culture and philanthropy.
