Urgent: Protect Refugee Resettlement Programs

Dear Inspiritus Supporters, Partners, and Advocates,

The recent decision by the U.S. Department of State to terminate cooperative agreements with all 10 national refugee resettlement agencies is a devastating setback to our nation’s commitment to welcoming those seeking safety and a fresh start. This abrupt action threatens the ability of Inspiritus and our partners to provide the critical support refugees need to rebuild their lives.

Inspiritus stands firmly against this decision, which jeopardizes essential services such as housing, employment assistance, education, and healthcare for newly arrived refugees. Without these programs, families fleeing war, persecution, and unimaginable hardships will face even greater challenges in achieving stability and self-sufficiency.

For years, Inspiritus has worked alongside our partners to empower refugees and immigrants, ensuring they have the opportunity to thrive in their new communities—just as generations before them have. This decision undermines decades of progress and threatens the future of those seeking refuge in the United States.

Musa and Amina

We need your voice. We urge lawmakers to intervene and protect these life-changing programs. We call on supporters, faith leaders, business partners, and community members to advocate fiercely and demand the restoration of this vital funding.

Take action now! Contact your representatives and urge them to defend refugee resettlement programs. Click the button below to sign and share.

Together, we can stand up for the dignity and rights of those seeking safety.



With urgency and determination,

Aimee Zangandou
Refugee & Immigrant Services
Executive Director

A Heartfelt Thank You for Your Miraculous Generosity

Dear Friend,

We are overjoyed to share an incredible update with you—thanks to your generosity, we’ve achieved something truly miraculous.

In just one week, more than $80,000 has been raised to prevent eviction for over 330+ refugees across 80+ households in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia. This urgent assistance was crucial to ensure these new neighbors, many of whom have faced tremendous hardship, can stay in their homes as they rebuild their lives.

We are deeply moved by how so many donors, churches, and partners stepped up to meet this critical need. Your compassion has not only provided a roof over these families' heads but also sent a powerful message of welcome and solidarity. Together, we prevented what could have been a devastating crisis for our refugee neighbors.

Additionally, thanks to generous gifts in Birmingham and Nashville in recent weeks, we have already secured March rent assistance for 114+ refugees in those communities, too.

Musa and Amina

Through your support and the combined efforts of our volunteers, donors, and faith partners, we have ensured that over 440 refugees across multiple cities are now empowered to succeed—starting with the stability of their homes.

We cannot thank you enough for your role in making this possible. Your commitment has brought hope and security to so many who are beginning anew in the U.S., and for that, we are forever grateful.

Should any surplus remain from this campaign, we will direct those funds to help with utilities, food assistance, and employment placement services—furthering our mission to help these refugees thrive.

Thank you again for being part of this incredible effort. Together, we are making a lasting difference, one life at a time.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

P.S. If you’d like to continue supporting our efforts to help refugees in need, please consider making a gift today at weinspirit.org/donate. Thank you for your unwavering support!

Urgent: A Hunger Crisis in Our Community

Dear Friend,

Right now, more families in our community are struggling with hunger than ever before

Due to recent federal cuts to refugee resettlement support, many newly arrived families are facing food insecurity and financial uncertainty. These are families who have already overcome so much, yet now find themselves on the brink of crisis. 

We need your help to make sure these families receive the support they need. On March 9, 2025, Inspiritus will participate in the Atlanta Community Food Bank Hunger Walk/Run, raising funds to fight hunger in our community. When you walk or run in support of Inspiritus, a portion of the proceeds will go directly to us—helping to provide critical food assistance for the refugees and immigrants we serve in the Greater Atlanta area

Musa and Amina

How You Can Help Right Now: 

Walk or Run – Register today and take steps toward ending hunger. 

Start or Join a Team – Rally your friends, family, and colleagues. 

Donate – Every dollar provides food for those in crisis. 

Your support means everything to these families. Thank you for standing with us. 

Warmly,

Mary Armstrong-Reiner
Hunger Walk Coordinator
Inspiritus



Urgent: Rent Was Due Yesterday—Help Us Keep Families Housed TODAY!

Dear Friend,

I am reaching out with a heartfelt thank you for your ongoing support and a critical reminder of how urgent this moment is. Thanks to the generosity of many, we are more than halfway to our fundraising goal, but rent was due yesterday, and we still need your help to meet our target and prevent eviction for families like Musa, Amina, and their children.

To those of you who have already donated, thank you. Your support has been a lifeline for so many families, and you are making a significant difference in their lives. But we need everyone to give today so that families like Musa and Amina’s can remain safely housed.

Musa and Amina

Musa and Amina’s story began in Sudan, where they fled the violence and instability caused by ongoing conflict. Seeking refuge and a future free from fear, they arrived in Atlanta in January 2025 with their three young children. They hoped to rebuild their lives in safety and security.

Despite the challenges of adapting to a new language, culture, and way of life, Musa and Amina have remained hopeful. Amina has already started looking for work as a seamstress, and Musa is determined to find a job that will allow him to support his family. Yet, even with their determination, they face a mountain of obstacles. The trauma of leaving their homeland, combined with the overwhelming financial strain, makes the future uncertain.

But rent was due yesterday, and without immediate support, Musa, Amina, and their children are at risk of losing their home.

We must raise $39,000 this weekend to prevent eviction for families like Musa and Amina’s. Your donation today will ensure that they—and so many others—do not lose the stability they’ve fought so hard to achieve.

Please give today at weinspirit.org/donate, or email me directly if you prefer to donate by mail or through your church, and we'll apply your pledge toward rent immediately. Your generosity is essential to providing the housing stability these families need to continue rebuilding their lives.

Thank you for your compassion and support. Together, we can ensure that families like Musa and Amina’s are not displaced and can continue their journey toward a brighter future.

With deepest gratitude,

Rev. John R. Moeller, Jr.
President & CEO
Inspiritus

P.S. The need is urgent. Rent was due yesterday, and families like Musa, Amina, and their children are depending on us. To make sure they stay housed and continue building a better future, please donate now at weinspirit.org/donate.

We’re Halfway There—Help Us Reach Our Goal by TODAY!

Dear Friend,

I am writing today with gratitude and a sense of urgency as we approach a critical moment in our efforts to support refugee families in Atlanta and Savannah. Thanks to the generosity of many, we are halfway toward our goal of raising $52,000 in Atlanta and $25,000 in Savannah, but March rent is due today—and we need your help to meet the goal in time.

To those who have already given, thank you. Your support has been a lifeline for families like Bohdan's and Ahmed's, and it has helped us make incredible progress in ensuring that refugee families can remain housed during these challenging times. However, we still have a long way to go, and every donation counts in this final push.

Today, I want to share the story of Jian, Mei, and their young daughter, Lili, who fled persecution in China and arrived in Atlanta in December 2024. Jian, a former human rights advocate, was targeted by the Chinese government for his work defending the rights of marginalized groups. After facing threats of arrest and violence, Jian and his family made the difficult decision to leave everything behind and seek refuge in the United States.

Since their arrival, the family has worked hard to adjust to a new life in Atlanta. But like so many others, they’ve faced enormous challenges—finding employment, navigating a new culture, and dealing with the trauma of their past experiences. They are eager to build a future, but without the support they’ve received from you, their housing stability would be at risk.

The rent assistance we’ve been able to provide has been critical in keeping Jian, Mei, and Lili housed, and it’s helped them stay focused on their goals. However, without immediate funds, they, along with many others, face the possibility of eviction—disrupting their journey to independence and stability.

We are halfway there, but we need your help to make sure they—and 79 other households—can remain safely housed. Your donation will help us reach our goal and provide the support they need to stay in their homes. Every dollar counts.

Please give generously today at weinspirit.org/donate. If you prefer to donate by mail or through your church, please email me directly how much you plan to give, and we’ll ensure that your funds help a family with their rent, today.

Together, we can help families like Jian and Mei’s build a brighter future. Let’s make sure they, and so many others, aren’t displaced today.

Thank you for your compassion and generosity. Your support makes a world of difference.



Sincerely,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus



 We’re Halfway There—Help Us Reach Our Goal by TODAY!

Dear Friend,

As we continue to face a critical moment in supporting our refugee neighbors in Atlanta and Savannah with rent assistance due tomorrow, I wanted to share another important story with you—one that highlights the resilience and hope that you are helping to sustain.

Ahmed and his family are refugees who fled Afghanistan after he served as a U.S. military ally. Due to his work with the U.S. military, Ahmed and his family became targets of the Taliban once the country fell. Fearing for their lives, they made the difficult decision to leave their home and seek refuge in the United States.

Since arriving here January 5th, 2025, Ahmed has worked tirelessly to build a new life for his wife and two young daughters in Savannah, Georgia, but the challenges have been enormous. Despite their best efforts, the road to self-sufficiency is not an easy one. They are adjusting to a new culture, a new language, and a new way of life—all while living with the trauma of their past. Ahmed is currently interviewing for job opportunities.

The rent assistance we provide has been a lifeline for Ahmed and his family, allowing them to remain housed while they rebuild their lives. But due to the freeze on government funding, this crucial support has been cut off. Without your help, Ahmed and his family will face the harsh reality of eviction, which would disrupt everything they have worked so hard for.

We need to raise $52,000 in Atlanta and $25,000 in Savannah by TOMORROW, March 1st, to prevent this from happening for 80 households. Your generous donation will provide the critical support they—and so many others—need to stay housed while they continue their journey toward independence and stability.

Please consider making a donation today at weinspirit.org/donate. If you prefer, feel free to reach out to me directly to make a pledge for a donation via mail or through your church and we will contribute this amount toward rent tomorrow.

Ahmed’s family is just one of many who need our collective support. Every dollar you give helps ensure that families like theirs are not displaced and that they can continue to build the future they’ve dreamed of.

Thank you for your compassion, your generosity, and your commitment to standing with refugee families during this critical time. Together, we can make sure that families like Ahmed’s are not left behind.



Sincerely,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

P.S. Please don’t wait—donate today at weinspirit.org/donate. Your gift is a lifeline for families like Ahmed’s.
Thank you for making a difference.


Bohdan's Family Needs Your Help – Can You Make a Difference?

Dear Friend,

I’m reaching out again with a heartfelt appeal for your help. As you know, our refugee neighbors in Atlanta and Savannah are facing a looming crisis with rent due TOMORROW on March 1st. We are still working to raise $52,000 for Atlanta and $25,000 for Savannah to prevent the evictions of 80 households. Every donation counts, and I wanted to share the story of another family who urgently needs your support.

Meet Bohdan, his wife, and their two young children. This brave family fled the violence and destruction in Ukraine, seeking safety and a future free from fear. They arrived in the U.S. with hope in their hearts, but their journey is far from easy. As they settle into their new life, they face the very real challenge of finding steady work, navigating a new language, and adjusting to an unfamiliar culture—all while caring for their children. Bohdan is close to securing employment, and is in the interviewing stage now with two potential employers.

In the midst of this challenging transition, Bohdan and his family were depending on the rent assistance we provide to stay housed. Unfortunately, due to the freeze in government funding, that support has been cut off, and Bohdan's family is at risk of losing their home. If we don’t raise the necessary funds, they will face eviction and further instability.

Photo: Inspiritus President & CEO John R. Moeller Jr. (left) with Petro (right). Petro is also a Ukrainian refugee and pastor who now owns and runs a restaurant in Roswell, GA, Lviv Croissants.

With your help, we can ensure Bohdan, his wife, and their children don’t lose the roof over their heads. We need to raise $52,000 in Atlanta and $25,000 in Savannah by tomorrow, March 1st, to prevent families like Bohdan's from being displaced.

Please consider making a donation today to keep families housed and supported while they work toward self-sufficiency. You can donate online at weinspirit.org/donate, or if you prefer, reach out to me to make a pledge for a donation via mail or through your church.

Bohdan's story is just one example of the families we are serving. Your support will not only keep them housed but also help them continue their journey toward rebuilding their lives. Your generosity today will make a tangible difference in keeping families safe, stable, and moving forward.

Thank you for your compassion and for standing with us during this critical time.


Sincerely,

John R. Moeller Jr.
President & CEO
Inspiritus





P.S. Every donation matters—please donate today at weinspirit.org/donate. Your gift can help ensure that Bohdan and his family, along with so many others, don’t lose their home.

Your Help Is Urgently Needed – A Refugee Family's Story

Dear Friend,

Thank you for taking the time to read our last message. As we shared, the situation facing refugee families in Atlanta and Savannah is dire. We are still working to raise $52,000 for 50 households in Atlanta and $25,000 for 30 households in Savannah to prevent evictions if their rent is unpaid two days from now on March 1st. The need is urgent, as we do not have this funding currently to assist them, and I wanted to take a moment to share a story that illustrates why your support is so crucial.

One of the families we serve is Mary and her three young children. Mary and her family fled violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where her husband was tragically killed due to the violence against Christians in their community. With no support and nowhere else to turn, Mary fled with her children to the U.S., hoping for a better life.

Resettled in Clarkston, Georgia in December 2024, Mary and her children have found refuge and safety, but they still face immense challenges. Her children are adjusting to a new life and learning English, while Mary works hard to find a job and create a stable future. However, the assistance she was receiving to help pay their rent is no longer available due to the freeze in government funding.

Without your help, Mary and her children risk being evicted from their home in the coming days. The stability they’ve fought so hard to achieve could be shattered. For them—and for so many others—your donation means more than just financial assistance; it means a future free from the constant fear of homelessness.

We still need to raise $52,000 in Atlanta and $25,000 in Savannah to keep families like Mary’s safe and housed through March. Please consider making a donation today to help keep families from the brink of eviction. You can donate online at weinspirit.org/donate, or if you prefer, you can email me to pledge a donation via mail or through your church.

Mary’s story is just one of many. With your support, we can ensure that these families—who have already lost so much—can rebuild their lives and move towards self-sufficiency.

Thank you once again for your compassion and generosity. Your donation today will directly help families like Mary’s and many others who are counting on us to make it through this difficult time.


Sincerely,

John R. Moeller Jr.
President & CEO
Inspiritus



P.S. Every dollar helps, and we are so grateful for your support. Please donate now at weinspirit.org/donate.
Your generosity can make a life-changing difference.

Urgent Appeal: Help Keep Refugee Families Housed This March

Dear Friend,

I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing to you with a pressing need for our refugee neighbors in Atlanta and Savannah. Due to an unexpected freeze on government funding, the crucial 90 days of rent assistance that we provide to recently resettled refugees is no longer available. This support helps families who arrived here in December and January to find stability as they secure employment, transition into self-sufficiency and begin their new lives in the U.S.

With rent payments for 80 households in Atlanta and Savannah due by March 1st, we find ourselves facing a critical challenge. Without this rent assistance, these families are at immediate risk of eviction, which would be devastating to the progress they've made in rebuilding their lives.

We are reaching out to you for your urgent support. This week, we need to raise $52,000 to keep families housed in Atlanta and $25,000 in Savannah to ensure they are not displaced. Your generous contribution will help us provide this critical assistance and continue supporting these refugees as they work toward securing employment and building a future of self-sufficiency.

We encourage you to make a donation today at weinspirit.org/donate to help us meet this immediate need.

If you are unable to donate online, please feel free to reply to this email or contact me directly to make a pledge for a donation via mail or through your church. 

Your support means the world to us and to the families who rely on this assistance. Every dollar makes a difference in keeping a family housed and moving forward in their new life.

Thank you for your compassion and generosity during this urgent time. Together, we can make sure these families are not left behind.

With gratitude,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

P.S. Please don’t wait—donate online now at weinspirit.org/donate. Every donation counts!

Urgent Appeal: Help Keep Refugee Families Housed This March

Dear Friend,

Imagine fleeing your home for safety, arriving in a new country, and then suddenly being told that the support you were promised is gone

That is the devastating reality for thousands of refugee families in the Southeast. A recent federal decision has eliminated critical funding for refugee resettlement, leaving families without access to food and essential services. 

But we can take action. By walking, running, or donating, you can help families put food on the table. 

Join us on Sunday, March 9, 2025, for the Atlanta Community Food Bank Hunger Walk/Run at The Home Depot Backyard. 

Your participation will directly support families who are at risk of hunger and food insecurity

This is our moment to show up for our neighbors. Will you join us? 

With hope,

Mary Armstrong-Reiner
Hunger Walk Coordinator
Inspiritus

Crisis for Refugee Families—Here’s How You Can Help

Dear Friend,

For decades, Inspiritus has helped families fleeing war and persecution find safety, stability, and a future in the U.S. But today, we are at a crossroads. 

A recent federal policy decision has cut funding for refugee resettlement services, leaving families who have already arrived without the support they need to survive. Many now face food insecurity and uncertainty about where their next meal will come from

That’s why we need your help now more than ever.

On March 9, 2025, we are joining the Atlanta Community Food Bank Hunger Walk/Run to raise funds for families experiencing hunger in Georgia. When you walk or run in support of Inspiritus, a portion of the funds raised will go directly to our hunger relief efforts—ensuring that refugees and immigrants who now call our communities home have access to the food they need to thrive. 

Here’s How You Can Take Action: 

Walk or Run With Us – Your steps provide meals and nourishment to those in need. 

Donate – Every dollar raised helps provide food security for struggling families. 

Spread the Word – Invite friends, family, and coworkers to join. 

We can’t do this alone. Your generosity is the lifeline these families need to make it through this difficult time.

Please consider donating today to ensure families like John and Esther’s are not left behind. Together, we can make a difference.

Together, we can ensure that no family goes hungry

With hope,

Mary Armstrong-Reiner
Hunger Walk Coordinator
Inspiritus

Help Refugee Families Stay Safe and Secure – Your Support is Urgently Needed

Dear Friend,

I hope this message finds you well. Today, I’m reaching out to share the story of a family that exemplifies both the incredible resilience and the urgent challenges faced by legally resettled refugees in our community.

Just before Christmas, John, Esther, and their three children arrived in Birmingham, Alabama, after spending a decade in a refugee camp. Thanks to Inspiritus, they were warmly welcomed, moved into their new apartment, and have begun rebuilding their lives.

John found an entry-level job and is working hard to support his family, but they are not yet self-sufficient—Esther is still searching for work, and their expenses are outpacing their limited income. With three young children to care for, the challenges of adjusting to a new country, and rising living costs, they are doing everything they can to make ends meet.

But now, an unexpected crisis is threatening their fragile new start.

A sudden freeze in government funding has cut off the rent assistance, food support, and case management services they were counting on to bridge the gap in these first critical months. Without immediate action, John and Esther are at risk of losing their home—just as they are starting to find their footing.

This is not just a policy issue—it’s a humanitarian crisis happening right now in our own community. Families who have already survived so much are now facing eviction, hunger, and uncertainty all over again.

BUT YOU CAN CHANGE THAT:

Your gift today will provide emergency support to keep John, Esther, and families like theirs housed, fed, and supported while Esther continues her job search. Every dollar makes an immediate impact:

  • $100 provides a week’s worth of groceries for a family.

  • $250 keeps the lights on and covers transportation to work and school.

  • $1,200 prevents a family from losing their home.

We can’t do this alone. Your generosity is the lifeline these families need to make it through this difficult time.

Please consider donating today to ensure families like John and Esther’s are not left behind. Together, we can make a difference.

Thank you for your compassion and your support during this critical moment.

Sincerely,

Aimee Zangandou
Executive Director
Inspiritus Refugee & Immigrant Services

P.S. If you have any questions about how your donation will be used or how you can get involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

The Need Has Never Been Greater—Join Us for the Hunger Walk

Dear Friend,

For over 40 years, Inspiritus has helped refugees build new lives, providing food, housing, and job support to families seeking safety and opportunity. But today, we face an unprecedented crisis. 

Recent federal policy changes have eliminated financial support for refugee resettlement agencies like ours, putting thousands of newly arrived families at risk of hunger and food insecurity. We cannot let that happen. 

On Sunday, March 9, 2025, you can make a direct impact by joining us for the Atlanta Community Food Bank Hunger Walk/Run at The Home Depot Backyard. This 5K event raises critical funds for hunger relief, and when you walk or run in support of Inspiritus, a portion of the proceeds will go directly to our efforts—helping provide essential food assistance to the refugees and immigrants we serve in the Greater Atlanta area. This year, the need is more urgent than ever. 


How You Can Help: 

  • Register to Walk or Run – Every step you take helps fight hunger. 

  • Start or Join a Team – Rally your community to support refugee and immigrant families facing food insecurity. 

  • Donate – If you can’t participate, a direct gift will provide meals and hunger relief to those in need. 

This year, your support isn’t just important—it’s lifesaving. We are counting on you. 

With gratitude,

Mary Armstrong-Reiner
Hunger Walk Coordinator
Inspiritus

Urgent: Refugees Need Your Help!

Dear Friend,

You may have heard that some federal funding impacting nonprofits has been lifted. Unfortunately, the primary source of federal government to support refugee families invited to the US remains frozen. Refugee families still need your help. Now, more than ever, your support is essential in ensuring that newly arrived families have the resources they need to thrive: weinspirit.org/donate

Ever since WWII the US government has invited certain families who have endured the most horrific atrocities in their home countries to start a new life in America. When families enroll in the US refugee program the federal government makes a promise to support them financially for a mere 6 months. They then entrust them and their arduous journey toward self sufficiency and citizenship to organizations like Inspiritus.

Inspiritus treats each opportunity to serve these families as an honor, a sacred vow and an act of patriotism. Why? Because we love America and we’re proud to help them realize their own version of our American dream. You can imagine our shock and dismay when we learned this week that our government, in a move never seen before, has reneged on these promises to our community’s newest and most vulnerable neighbors. These specially invited families are left out in the cold. This is not the American welcome that was promised. 

Read the full article from the Saporta Report by clicking the button below:


We cannot do this without you. Your generosity today can make a life-changing difference for those who need us most.

If you have already given, thank you for your generosity and compassion. If you haven't yet, please prayerfully consider making a contribution to Inspiritus today by visiting weinspirit.org/donate or by clicking the button below:

Sincerely,

Rev. John R. Moeller, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer
Inspiritus

URGENT: Federal Funding Freeze

Dear Friend,

At 5 PM, federal funding for nonprofits across the U.S. will cease, halting critical support for millions of vulnerable Americans.

Inspiritus, like so many other organizations, is part of the safety net that protects children and individuals from the devastating impacts of poverty, illness, tragedy, and homelessness. Without federal funding, the work we do to support those in need is at risk.

Today’s funding freeze will be devastating for vulnerable and low-income Americans in the months ahead. By ceasing the funding of charities across the U.S., the government is suspending funding for its portion of the American safety net. I plead with you to prayerfully give BIG today to help nonprofits like ours keep serving the most vulnerable during these difficult days.


We cannot do this without you. Your generosity today can make a life-changing difference for those who need us most. Please prayerfully consider making a contribution to Inspiritus today by visiting weinspirit.org/donate or by clicking the button below:

Sincerely,

Rev. John R. Moeller Jr.
Chief Executive Officer
Inspiritus


Stand With Refugees: Your Support is Urgently Needed

Dear Friend and Supporter,

For over four decades, Inspiritus has stood as a lifeline for refugees in the Southeastern United States, helping families rebuild their lives in a new country after fleeing unimaginable hardship. Through our programs, we’ve resettled thousands of refugees, offering them not only a safe haven but also the support needed to integrate into their new communities with dignity and hope.

However, this past Friday, a devastating decision was made by the U.S. government to cease financial support for refugee resettlement agencies like ours. This means that, effective immediately, we no longer have the critical resources to provide the necessary services to those who have already legally arrived and are working to establish a new life here.

As we face this unprecedented challenge, the need for support has never been greater. The cessation of federal funding threatens to leave vulnerable refugee families without the means to secure basic necessities like housing, food, and employment. Without your help, these families are at risk of homelessness, hunger, and overwhelming despair.

That is why we turn to you today, asking for your generous support to help us continue this vital work. Your donation will provide:

  • Rent Assistance to help refugees stay in their homes and avoid eviction.

  • Food Security to ensure that these families do not go hungry as they work to establish themselves.

  • Employment Placement Assistance to help refugees find meaningful work and begin contributing to their new communities.

No gift is too small, and every contribution makes a tangible difference in the lives of those who are counting on us. We cannot do this work without you, and we deeply appreciate your support during this critical time.

As we face uncertainty in the months ahead, our commitment to those in need remains unwavering. We will continue to stand with refugees, but we cannot do it alone. Together, we can ensure that refugees in the Southeast not only survive but thrive in their new homes.

 Thank you for your compassion and generosity.

With gratitude,

Rev. John R. Moeller, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer
Inspiritus

Urgent Support Needed for Recently Arrived Refugee Families

Dear Friend,

I hope this message finds you well. My name is Aimee Zangandou, and I have the privilege of serving as the Executive Director of Inspiritus Refugee & Immigrant Services. For over four decades, Inspiritus has been dedicated to resettling refugees across the Southeastern United States, offering them a fresh start and the vital resources they need to rebuild their lives.

Today, I write to you with a heavy heart, as we are facing an urgent and unprecedented challenge. As of this past Friday, the U.S. government has issued a directive that forces agencies like ours to cease assisting refugees who have recently lawfully arrived in the country. This policy change affects over 500 individuals in our care, including families who are already in the midst of rebuilding their lives in our community.

Among these families is Josef and Sara, who arrived with their three young children only last month. After years of hardship, they were finally able to settle into an apartment in Clarkston, Georgia. Their children were starting to adjust to life here, experiencing stability for the first time, even playing with new friends at the local park. But now, because of this policy change, they face the unimaginable fear of losing everything again—housing, food, and the support needed to build a brighter future for their children.

That’s where you come in. With the support of generous individuals like you, Inspiritus can help these families, including Josef and Sara, achieve stability and self-sufficiency. In the next few months, we are working to provide essential resources, but we can’t do this alone. Your donation today can make a world of difference in the lives of these refugees, helping them transition from surviving to thriving in their new home.

I humbly ask you to consider making a financial contribution to our program at this critical time. Your donation will directly fund housing, food assistance, job placement services, and so much more. Together, we can ensure that Josef, Sara, and hundreds of other refugees like them do not fall through the cracks.

To donate, please visit weinspirit.org/donate, or click the button below.

 Thank you for your generosity and for your unwavering support of those who need it most.

Warm regards,

Aimee Zangandou
Executive Director
Inspiritus Refugee & Immigrant Services

Refugee Program Updates

Dear Friend, 

Thank you for your ongoing support of Inspiritus and those we accompany on their paths from surviving to thriving. 

Because people like you care...

We regret to inform you that for the time being, the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program has been suspended.

Inspiritus remains committed to supporting those already resettled. This vital work continues through the generosity of local churches, community members, and dedicated volunteers.

We also stand united in advocating for the program's swift resumption. Refugees enrich our communities, strengthen our economy, and remind us of what it means to stand with those in need. Join us in speaking out and standing up for refugees. 

Global Refuge, formerly Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, is our partner in the work of refugee resettlement. To read the latest update from Global Refuge, please click here.

Recently, we were honored to be featured in the Christian Science Monitor. Please click the button below to read more about the Refugee Resettlement program in the United States.

Thanks to supporters like you, thousands of individuals each year are accompanied on their journeys from surviving to thriving. Please consider a donation today to help us continue to empower refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants.

Sincerely,

Aimee Zangandou
Executive Director of Refugee & Immigrant Services
Inspiritus


Volunteers Needed in Savannah, GA

Dear Friend,

The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene has left communities in Savannah, Georgia, grappling with widespread destruction and emotional challenges. Inspiritus remains steadfast in our mission to provide relief, hope, and restoration to those impacted.

Our Disaster Response teams are on the ground providing free Chainsaw, Muck & Gut, Debris removal, and Mold Sanitation services wherever needed most to help survivors rebuild not just their homes but their lives. These efforts are powered by the dedication and compassion of volunteers from across the country—and we need your help to continue this critical work.

We’re seeking more volunteers to join our team in Savannah, GA. Inspiritus has established a volunteer base at Garden City United Methodist Church with the capacity to house volunteers daily. Whether you have experience in disaster response or simply want to make a difference, your support is vital. Together, we can bring hope and healing to those who need it most.

Click the button below to volunteer.

Thank you for your continued support as we work hand in hand with local communities, partners, and volunteers to provide vital assistance to those affected. Your generosity and compassion makes all the difference.

Sincerely,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Save The Date: Hunger Walk 2025 is March 9th!

Register Today for the 41st Annual Hunger Walk/Run - Hosted by the Atlanta Community Food Bank!

Dear Friends,

Join Inspiritus on Sunday, March 9, 2025, for the Hunger Walk/Run at The Home Depot Backyard! Hosted by the Atlanta Community Food Bank, this impactful 5K event unites our community to raise awareness and critical funds for local hunger relief efforts.

By participating, you’ll directly support Inspiritus and other vital organizations working tirelessly to help individuals and families facing hunger across metro Atlanta and north Georgia.

Why Your Participation Matters? Many of the people Inspiritus serves—families in crisis and newly resettled refugees—experience hunger daily. With your help, we can ensure these families have access to the food and support they need to thrive. Together, we can turn hope into action and make a real difference.

Whether you walk, run, or join virtually, every step you take and every dollar you raise fuels our shared mission to fight hunger and create a stronger community.

This year, let’s aim higher! Start or join a team today, and help us exceed our fundraising goals.

Event Details:

When: Sunday, March 9, 2025

Where: The Home Depot Backyard, 1 Backyard Way, Atlanta, GA 30313

  • 12:00pm: Event Opens, Onsite Registration & Entertainment Begins

  • 2:00pm: 5K Fun Walk & Run Begins

  • 4:00pm: Event Ends

Register now to join Inspiritus and thousands of walkers and runners dedicated to ending hunger in metro Atlanta!

 

With gratitude,

Mary Armstrong-Reiner
Hunger Walk Coordinator
Inspiritus