Annual Appeal 2021-2022
Each year we want to give our supporters something memorable that's connected to the work we do at Refugee Response. This year we were inspired by booklets of vintage postcards from the 1960s that Clevelanders could use to give friends and family around the country a glimpse of our home. We want to re-introduce Cleveland from the perspective of refugees who have made a new home here
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
Photo by Tilisa Loboli (Tanzania), a photographer and Teen Response program client. She is in 11th grade at John Marshall High School of Civil & Business Leadership. Her work focuses on portraits of her friends and family members.
CONTINUING
to make Cleveland home
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 - 2019
YOUTH MENTORING
90%
The percentage of students who received two years of mentoring with no gap in service.
TEEN RESPONSE
92%
Of parents of the 33 students enrolled in Teen Response students reported increased knowledge of their children's' learning
ADULT TUTORING
100%
Of the 45 Adult Tutoring Program Learners recorded language skill improvement
OHIO CITY FARM
46,700
lbs. of organically-raised produce grown with love at the Ohio City Farm in 2019. Distributed throughout greater Cleveland, OH to our restaurant partners, 230 CSA members and farm stand visitors.
View our 2020 Annual Report
We believe kindness is transformative
At the heart of all that we continue to do, and what we believe defines our work is that a personal kindness can be transformative. Our work recognizes the dignity of all those we serve and seeks to create hope that this new place can be called a 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
In 2020 we celebrated our 10th Anniversary by adapting our models as needed, reaching more clients than ever in new and innovative ways.
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.
Our Mission ~ 2020
