By Danny Stern | Annual Giving Officer
As large numbers of migrants seek asylum in New York City, your support of refugee families is critical now more than ever before. Acclimating to a new life thousands of miles away from home can be overwhelming, and we remain grateful for your investment in making that process easier.
Children’s Aid continues to work with many of these families to help them adjust to their new home and to set them and their children up for success and independence. One of these families, the Nikiema family, is a great example of what can happen with the right network.
The Nikiema Family’s Story
In Burkina Faso, Adeline, Panamesde, and their daughter faced religious persecution. When Adeline was expecting twins, they made a bold decision: fly to Central America, walk long distances, and wade through rivers to ask for asylum in America. They crossed into Texas and were sent to New York City.
After arriving here, the family was placed in a homeless shelter in Harlem. Their daughter enrolled in one of our preschools, and the twins began our home-based program for families with infants. The parents were enthusiastic to help their new community. While they waited for their working papers and refugee status to be approved, they volunteered at our preschool. As teachers got to know the family, they learned the Nikiemas were lacking food, clothing, and diapers, so the teachers helped with basic necessities, health insurance, and public assistance. Now, the family is thriving and is celebrating one more milestone: They secured their refugee status, thanks in part to our translation and paperwork support. The parents are looking forward to a more secure future and are excited to gain employment and give their daughters a comfortable life in Harlem.
Support like yours helped families like the Nikiema family and gives us hope that we can continue to make differences like this for other families. And in fact, the Nikiema family inspired us so much that we decided to feature them in our 2022 Annual Report. To receive the digital version of this report in a few weeks, as well as other updates directly from Children’s Aid, please click here to sign up.
Thank you for your crucial generosity during this important time.
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