BUILDING BRIDGES
to a brighter tomorrow
OUR MISSION
The Refugee Response empowers resettled families to grow roots, supporting them in becoming engaged, self-sufficient and contributing members of their new communities.
Our Impact
The percentage of students who received two years of mentoring with no gap in service.
92%
YOUTH MENTORING
Teenagers resettled to the US who will be enrolled in the Teen Response program at John Marshall High School, initiated in 2018.
30
TEEN RESPONSE
Afghan female refugees have
been paired individually with tutors for a period of two years.
40
ADULT TUTORING
lbs. of organically-raised produce grown with love at the Ohio City Farm in 2018. Distributed throughout greater Cleveland, OH to our restaurant partners, CSA members and farm stand visitors.
38,625
OHIO CITY FARM
View our 2018 Annual Report
Home is built and secured when like minds and hearts move together.
In our way, through our organization, we are building this community in Cleveland for those seeking refuge. We hope that they can again find a home for themselves and their families and through this we can have a greater appreciation for what we have and work to continually protect and strengthen our home.
Resettled Community Stories
RUTH EMIMA
Home Mentoring Student
The Democratic Republic of Congo
"When am done with college, I will be a police officer, so I can help people feel safe. I like the Refugee Response Program. I like that they give my mom a job and give me a mentor, and I learn more things about the world."
MUSTAFA ISSE
Home Mentoring Student
Somalia
"My dream for the future is to be a video game programmer. To make this dream come true I intend to work hard in a determined way for my future. I would like to thank The Refugee Response for helping my family and others. They are truly a great organization."
RUBI DENG
2017 REAP Trainee
Kenya
Rubi is a single mother living in Cleveland with her young son Wicky, her sister, and her sister's five children. Rubi, who is incredibly patient and driven, aspires to complete her GED, continue learning and study to become a doctor.
WHAT'S NEXT
This year we are building bridges.
In all aspects of our work we look to make real and meaningful connections in the wide variety of communities with whom we engage. Your support has been a crucial part of our success and our ability to grow, reach new families and continue to respond when situations demand. At present the challenges new families face are tremendous while traditional federal resources are being drastically reduced. The situation demands that we do more, and we are ready.
Here are some of the ways we plan to grow in 2019:
-
Launching Teen Response - a new program for 30 refugee teens at CMSD’s John Marshall High School
-
Hosting "Cartography," an original theatrical production from NYC in partnership with Playhouse Square and Cuyahoga County Public Libraries
-
Expanding the adult tutoring program to reach an additional 20 learners
-
Hiring a full time community engagement coordinator to support children’s education at home and in the community
-
Expanding the CSA Memberships to 230 members for the 2019 growing season
-
Launching a 4-season growing plan on the Ohio City Farm with the increase in infrastructure
-
Moving to a new headquarters based on the Urban Community School campus in mid-2019
-
Furthering Collaboration and partnerships with other refugee services providers and beyond
-
Continuing to respond to those we serve.