Your Inspiritus Winter Newsletter is Here!

Dear Friend,

At Inspiritus, we are honored to walk with individuals and families on their journeys from surviving to thriving. What makes our work truly special is the way clients, volunteers, and partners, pour into each other, creating a community of mutual support and resilience. As we reflect on 2024, we celebrate the incredible impact of this shared commitment. Together, we have empowered individuals, transformed lives, and strengthened communities. Thank you for walking with us on this journey, and we look forward to building stronger communities with you in the year ahead.

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PROVIDING HOPE FOR DISASTER SURVIVORS

“We had no lights, no water, no Internet—none of the things we take for granted. But we had life, and we were grateful to be here to experience the rough. We are so thankful for Inspiritus. They were the first to respond, and the crew they sent was amazing.” —Gloria Wright, Hurricane Helene Survivor

Hurricane Helene’s devastating floods left Gloria and her husband struggling to recover. With no power, clean water, or essential resources, the road ahead felt overwhelming. Thanks to Inspiritus’ dedicated volunteers, donors, and partners, they received the support and hope they needed to rebuild their lives. Your gift today can provide the same life-changing support to families like Gloria’s. Help bring hope and stability to those facing their darkest moments. Donate now to make a difference. 

BUILDING STABILITY & RESILIENCE FOR FAMILIES AND YOUTH

For 19-year-old Taylor, the journey to stability has been challenging. After spending years in foster care, she found hope and support through Inspiritus’ Bridge Program, which helps youth with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities transition from foster care to adulthood by connecting Family & Children Services with Disability Services. With the loving guidance of her Support Companion, Taylor moved into a stable, caring host home where she’s learned essential life skills and gained the confidence to dream again. She is now thriving, actively preparing for a brighter future and pursuing her goals. Your support makes programs like this possible.

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EMPOWERING REFUGEE ENTREPRENEURS TO THRIVE

When Petro Dudnyk fled war-torn Ukraine, he left behind everything, but carried with him unshakable faith for a brighter future. A pastor and franchise owner back home, Petro dreamed of blending his heritage with new opportunities. With the help of Thrive Community Lending, an organization established by Inspiritus in 2023, he opened Lviv Croissants in Roswell, GA. More than a restaurant, it symbolizes resilience and hope, offering Petro the chance to rebuild his life while creating opportunities for others. Your generosity makes stories like Petro’s possible. 

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INSPIRING GROWTH & CREATIVITY WITH CHILDREN

“I think it’s magical because none of them have to come,” shares art therapist Devon Billions-Gomez. “But they choose to, and that choice means everything.”

At Inspiritus’ THRIVE Studios, children who’ve faced unimaginable hardships, find a safe space to heal and grow through art therapy. Here, they use creativity to express their emotions, build resilience, and rediscover hope. Ka’enye, just 13, recently shared: “I think I’m going to start being kind,” a powerful testament to the impact of this program. These moments are made possible by your generosity. Your support helps children like Ka’enye move forward with courage and strength. Together, we can uplift more lives and help children thrive. 

PROVIDING CARING HOMES FOR ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES

At 55, Peggy has embraced a new chapter of her life with help from Inspiritus’ Disability Services team. Born in Vietnam and cared for by her adoptive mother until 2021, Peggy found a warm and loving home with Elinore and Paul through Inspiritus’ Host Home program. In this supportive environment, Peggy continues her 22-year career at Food City in Chatsworth, GA, while enjoying church, reading, and spending time with friends at her day program. Peggy’s story is one of resilience and joy. You can help individuals like Peggy find belonging and thrive. Donate today to make an impact. 

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FOSTERING HOPE & BELONGING FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS

For the refugee children who joined us on the soccer field in Birmingham, AL, soccer became more than a game—it became a source of hope and belonging. This year, 75 children from 16 countries participated in Inspiritus’ 2nd annual Refugee Soccer Camp, a safe space where they could laugh, play, and begin to heal after the hardships of war and displacement. Through teamwork and encouragement, they built friendships and rediscovered the joy of childhood. These children dream of brighter futures, and your support helps them thrive. Thank you for standing with us and the families working to rebuild their lives. Donate today to create more opportunities and build a foundation of hope. 

Your end-of-year gift will help empower more individuals and families on their journey from surviving to thriving. Please consider making an end of year donation by clicking the button below.

On behalf of the individuals your gift empowers, THANK YOU!



Sincerely,

John R. Moeller Jr.
President & CEO
Inspiritus

You Helped Us Reach Our Giving Tuesday Goal!

Dear Friend,

We are overwhelmed with gratitude for your generosity this Giving Tuesday!

Together, we surpassed our goal and raised $13,690 to empower families and individuals on their journeys from surviving to thriving.

Now that's something to celebrate!

Your support fuels our mission to uplift families, rebuild communities, and transform lives. Whether it’s helping a refugee family find their new home, guiding children in foster care to a brighter future, or offering disaster recovery services to those in need, your contribution makes a profound impact.

Thank you for standing with Inspiritus and the communities we accompany. We couldn’t do this vital work without you!

With Gratitude,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

🌟 Today is Giving Tuesday—Be the Change! 🌟

Dear Friend,

Today is Giving Tuesday, a global day to make an impact—and your support can change lives.

At Inspiritus’ THRIVE Studios, children who’ve faced unimaginable challenges are finding hope through the healing power of art. Each brushstroke represents resilience, growth, and a brighter future.

“I think it’s magical because none of them have to come,” shares art therapist Devon Billions-Gomez. “But they choose to, and that choice means everything.”

Take Ka’enye, for example. At just 13 years old, she recently completed her artwork and shared, “I think I’m going to start being kind.” Moments like this remind us of the life-changing impact of your generosity.

And it’s not just the children at THRIVE Studios—your Giving Tuesday gift helps Inspiritus uplift countless neighbors facing life’s hardest challenges. Together, we can help individuals and families move from surviving to thriving.

Give today and make a difference by clicking the button below!

Thank you for being the change this Giving Tuesday.

With Gratitude,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Empower Dreams This Giving Tuesday 💙

Dear Friend,

Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday—a global day of giving and making an impact. But you don’t have to wait to start changing lives.

At Inspiritus, we believe in turning challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality. This Giving Tuesday, we’re inviting you to be part of creating a brighter future for all.

Take Petro Dudnyk, for example. When Petro fled war-torn Ukraine and was welcomed by the U.S. to rebuild his life in Georgia, he carried more than just his faith—he carried a dream. With support from Thrive Community Lending (a program of Inspiritus), Petro opened Lviv Croissants’ first U.S. location in Roswell, GA. This eatery is more than a business—it’s a beacon of resilience, a cultural bridge, and a testament to what’s possible when individuals are supported by a compassionate community.

This is the heart of what Inspiritus does: helping individuals and families on their journey from surviving to thriving.

Why wait? Your early gift helps us build momentum and inspires others to join this movement. Together, we can reach our $5,000 Giving Tuesday goal and empower even more lives.

Donate early and encourage others to give today by clicking the button below!

Thank you for being part of this mission. Together, we can make tomorrow even more impactful.

With Gratitude,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Be the Difference This Giving Tuesday 💙

Dear Friends,

At Inspiritus, we believe every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive. Whether it’s responding to disasters or advocating for equity, our mission is to empower individuals on their journey from surviving to thriving.

Take Gloria, for example. When Hurricane Helene struck, Gloria and her husband were left without lights, water, or security. “Inspiritus was the first to respond, and the crew they sent was amazing,” Gloria shared. “My husband is 82, and they told him to sit down and rest. What a blessing.” Gloria’s story is a powerful example of how swift and compassionate disaster response can restore hope.

Then there’s Peggy Steinway, whose journey highlights the power of empowerment and care. After many years in her adopted mother’s care, it became clear that Peggy needed additional support to continue thriving. That’s when Inspiritus stepped in, connecting her with Elinore and Paul Bryan through our Disability Services Host Home program.

Today, Peggy thrives. For 22 years, she’s been a dedicated employee at Food City in Georgia. She finds joy in attending church, reading, and sharing laughter with friends at her day program. Peggy’s story is about more than finding a home—it’s about belonging, dignity, and the opportunity to live fully.

These are just two examples of how Inspiritus, with the help of dedicated partners and volunteers, empowers individuals to overcome challenges and thrive. But none of it happens without the support of people like you.

Every donation today helps us meet our $5,000 Giving Tuesday goal, providing vital resources to those who need them most. Together, we can restore hope, build belonging, and create opportunities for individuals to thrive.

We’re so grateful to all of our supporters who help make our work possible. Let’s grow our impact together this Giving Tuesday!

With Gratitude,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Together, We Can Make This a Season of Hope

Dear Friend,

The Hope Tree giving season is in full swing, and we are overwhelmed by the generosity of our community. Thanks to supporters like you, we’re making progress toward our goal of collecting 900 coats and providing gift cards to ensure refugee and immigrant families have the resources they need this holiday season.

But there’s still time—and we need your help to reach even more individuals.

HERE'S HOW YOU CAN STILL GET INVOLVED:

Donate a new coat: Drop off or mail a warm winter coat to the Inspiritus office of your choosing by December 8th.

Send a gift card: Gift cards help us purchase additional coats or provide support for families in warmer climates, like Savannah.

Shop our Amazon Wishlists: Select a coat or gift card from the wishlist for your preferred location, and it will be sent directly to our team for distribution.

VIEW OUR AMAZON WISHLISTS:

Each of our offices (Atlanta, Birmingham, Nashville, and Savannah) has an Amazon Wishlist where you can purchase and donate warm winter coat and/or a Visa gift card. You can click on the links below to make a donation to the site of your choosing.

• Atlanta - Purchase Gift Cards & Coats HERE

• Birmingham - Purchase Gift Cards & Coats HERE

• Nashville - Purchase Gift Cards & Coats HERE

• Savannah - Purchase Gift Cards & Coats HERE

WHERE TO MAIL YOUR DONATION:

Atlanta Office: 731 Peachtree Street NE, Suite B, Atlanta, GA 30308

Birmingham Office: 117 Southcrest Drive Ste. 104 Birmingham, AL 35209

Nashville Office: 297 Haywood Lane, Nashville, TN 37211

Savannah Office: 6555 Abercorn St., Suite 205 Savannah, Georgia 31405

If you prefer to make a monetary donation to the Hope Tree Holiday Fund, we will use the money collected to purchase needed winter coats. You can donate to this fund by clicking the button below. Please be sure to select 'Hope Tree' when making your contribution.

If you have questions, please reach out to our Community Engagement Manager, Sarah Burke, at Sarah.Burke@weinspirit.org or 404-797-7505.

Thank you for the meaningful ways you and your congregations live out your lives as people of faith. Inspiritus is blessed to partner with you as we accompany the most vulnerable among us on their journeys from surviving to thriving.

Sincerely,

Aimee Zangandou
Executive Director
Refugees & Immigrants Services
Inspiritus

Help Us Defend Dignity and Safety for All

Dear Friend,

As we continue to reflect on the outcome of the 2024 presidential election, our hearts are heavy with concern over the policies that threaten the safety and dignity of millions of refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrant families. The incoming administration has made its priorities clear on matters of immigration policy, and intends to dismantle the refugee admissions program, block asylum seekers, impose travel bans, intensify deportations, and severely limit pathways to legal immigration.

For individuals languishing in refugee camps, actively fleeing violence, or hiding in fear for their lives, this means the United States may soon cease to be an option for safe haven. For the millions of individuals who have already immigrated to the United States and live and work here legally under a form of temporary protected status- this means they may once again be forced to leave behind the new lives they worked to rebuild and return home to face the ongoing war or persecution from which they had fled. Or, in the case of Dreamers, a country they never really called home in the first place because they immigrated to the U.S. with their parents as young children. For millions of people both in the U.S. and around the world, this means remaining separated from family members or worse, suddenly becoming separated from family members. For Inspiritus and our Refugee and Immigrant Services team, it means doing our best to serve the new Americans we have already welcomed with far fewer resources.

WE URGENTLY NEED YOUR HELP TO CONTINUE THIS WORK.

With anticipated cuts to federal programs supporting refugee resettlement, humanitarian relief, and immigrant integration, refugee and immigrant communities living in the United States will need even more guidance, legal advocacy, and direct support. While we don’t know exactly how this new landscape will materialize or how to best help preserve the agencies and institutions that support this life saving work, we do know that we are going to need engagement and solidarity from supporters who share our steadfast commitment to human rights, welcoming the stranger, and affirming the United States’ role as a champion of individual liberties, equal rights, and opportunity for all.

HELP US AFFIRM THESE VALUES BY DONATING & HELPING US ENSURE WE ARE PREPARED FOR WHAT IS TO COME.

While the road ahead may be uncertain, our resolve to stand with refugees and immigrants is unwavering. Together, we can make sure that Inspiritus remains a beacon of hope for all immigrants, no matter their religion, race, or country of origin. Together, we can ensure the United States remains a place where newcomers not solely survive, but can still thrive.

Sincerely,

John Moeller
President & CEO
Inspiritus

Hope for the Holidays

Dear Friend,

Hope Tree giving season is here! At Inspiritus, our Hope Tree program gives the gift of hope to refugee and immigrant children and families seeking a new life. We partner with individuals, local congregations, and community organizations to give the gift of hope to those in need.

With your generosity, our hope is to ensure every individual we accompany receives something special this holiday season, whether that be a warm winter coat or a gift card. But we can’t do it alone. We invite you to join us in our mission to empower every person we accompany on their journey from surviving to thriving this giving season.

• All of our locations are collecting coats! Our goal is to collect over 900 new coats for refugees who have arrived this year in Atlanta, Nashville, Birmingham, and Savannah. All coats collected will be distributed to newly arrived refugees and immigrant families.

• We are also accepting gift cards! If you are unable to donate a winter coat, you also have the option to send a gift card. The gift cards collected will be used to purchase additional coats that we don't receive donations for. Any remaining gift cards will be distributed to families who already have a coat, or live in Savannah where coats aren't as needed, due to warmer temperatures.

• Please mail donations to Hope Tree INSPIRITUS by December 8th. You can mail your donation to whichever office you would like to support.

• If you prefer to make a monetary donation to the Hope Tree Holiday Fund, we will use the money collected to purchase needed winter coats. You can donate to this fund by clicking the button below. Please be sure to select 'Hope Tree' when making your contribution.

WHERE TO MAIL YOUR DONATION:

Atlanta Office: 731 Peachtree Street NE, Suite B, Atlanta, GA 30308

Birmingham Office: 117 Southcrest Drive Ste. 104 Birmingham, AL 35209

Nashville Office: 297 Haywood Lane, Nashville, TN 37211

Savannah Office: 6555 Abercorn St., Suite 205 Savannah, Georgia 31405

WHERE TO PURCHASE COATS & GIFT CARDS:

Each of our offices (Atlanta, Birmingham, Nashville, and Savannah) has an Amazon Wishlist where you can purchase and donate warm winter coat and/or a Visa gift card. You can click on the links below to make a donation to the site of your choosing.

• Atlanta - Purchase Gift Cards & Coats HERE

• Birmingham - Purchase Gift Cards & Coats HERE

• Nashville - Purchase Gift Cards & Coats HERE

• Savannah - Purchase Gift Cards & Coats HERE

If you have questions, please reach out to our Community Engagement Manager, Sarah Burke, at Sarah.Burke@weinspirit.org or 404-797-7505.

Thank you for the meaningful ways you and your congregations live out your lives as people of faith. Inspiritus is blessed to partner with you as we accompany the most vulnerable among us on their journeys from surviving to thriving.

Sincerely,

Aimee Zangandou
Executive Director
Refugees & Immigrants Services
Inspiritus

Bridging Worlds: A U.S. Veteran’s Mission to Welcome Refugees

Dear Friend,

At Inspiritus, we are honored to share stories of extraordinary individuals who embody resilience, compassion, and a deep commitment to welcoming those in need. Today, we’re sharing the journey of U.S. military veteran Josh Muehlendorf—a man whose dedication to service and faith in humanity continue to shape lives, including his own. With 22 years in the military, Josh’s experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan opened his heart to the powerful bonds formed across cultures, even amidst the challenges of war. Now, through Inspiritus, he and his family are creating new connections with Afghan refugees in Georgia, helping them find hope and belonging in their new home.

Read more about Josh’s inspiring story and the vital role he plays in our mission to support refugees and immigrants below:

Meet Josh Muehlendorf:

“Love me or hate me for it, I’m a person who…probably falls on the right side of the political spectrum. However, I feel like the whole conversation…especially as a Christian, when we talk about the refugee crisis, we are missing the mark politically.” 

In addition to his Christian values, Josh Muehlendorf’s firm belief in welcoming refugees is informed by his 22 years serving in the U.S. military. Born and raised in Texas, Josh would find “hope and reason for life” at a Christian church at the age of 18 and years later, would enlist in the army, specialize in army aviation and live out a childhood dream of becoming a helicopter pilot. Almost immediately after his training, he was deployed to Iraq, where he completed two tours in five years, one for nine months and another for 15 months. Advancing in his career, Josh would later join the special ops team and find himself deployed to the Middle East once again- this time, in Afghanistan. Throughout his seven stints in Afghanistan, Josh experienced a wide range of feelings and situations that encapsulate the emotionally strenuous nature of war:

“There were things that were hard to deal with… to look at…hard things to learn about myself, to continually process over and over…but there were also some very beautiful moments woven in that show humanity at its best.”

Among those beautiful moments of humanity are the many memories and day-to-day experiences Josh shared with his Afghan brothers and sisters in arms who worked alongside U.S. military members to help interpret and carry out other key roles essential to ensuring our soldiers remain safe and well-positioned for success in their mission abroad.

After returning to the U.S. following the end of his seventh deployment, Josh, his wife, and two kids moved to a base near Savannah, Georgia. It was through their new church that they would be introduced to Ali and Khatira, two former military members from Afghanistan, who were among the lucky ones to be airlifted out of the country in August 2021 before the country fell to the Taliban. Josh and his family were connected to the pair through their friends from church who ran a retreat center right outside Savannah and were partnering with Inspiritus to temporarily house some new refugee arrivals at the center while they waited for their new apartments to get set up. 

Josh met Ali and Khatira at a cookout hosted by their friends- a gathering that would become a recurring event whereby Savannah residents could break bread with their newest neighbors and help establish a sense of community and connections in their new hometown. For Josh and Khatira, that connection would be almost instantly forged. Josh recalls her pulling up some pictures to show him during her time as a soldier in the Afghan military. He quickly learned that their connection ran deeper than he had initially thought.

“When she showed me a picture of her in uniform on a base, I knew right where she was staying. We worked with the same people, doing the same work…in that moment sitting there with Khatira and realizing we were connected in space and time through our jobs…all of a sudden in that moment, I realized there was this deep connection with them.” 

After initially meeting at the cookout, Josh instantly became a dedicated volunteer for Ali and Khatira, providing rides to the grocery store or to various appointments while they save up to get a car of their own. He similarly helped them coordinate the logistics of securing donations for household goods, a task that would eventually lead him to helping Inspiritus coordinate donation drop offs for other Afghan families we resettled to Savannah. Inspiritus was the first human service organization Josh had been involved with, and it was eye-opening for him to learn exactly what it takes to carry out this kind of work. “I learned I cannot be anyone’s savior…it takes some real organization and requires a good team.” It also fully reinforced a belief he already held regarding the importance of continuing to welcome refugees to the U.S. “We need to be accepting refugees. We need to be investing in it and making sure we do it right.”

Josh and his family have recently relocated to Georgetown, Texas. However, he looks forward to reconnecting with Khatira and Ali, whose wife and four children have finally come to reunite with him in Savannah earlier this June. Reflecting on old memories of the cookouts and the Thanksgiving holidays spent together, Josh comments on the profound impact of the moments he shared with Ali, Khatira, and the other Afghans he helped welcome to Savannah. “Afghanistan is a place where I had been a part of some horrible destruction…to now be able to be part of something that was life-giving to those people is incredible. These are wonderful people with hearts of gold…they deserve a shot at this.”

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We’re incredibly grateful for supporters like Josh and all those who speak up on behalf of refugees and immigrants in their communities. Your commitment strengthens our shared communities. Together, we can make a lasting impact by welcoming and supporting new neighbors.

To support refugees, please click the button below and select the "Refugee Services" fund.

Thank you for your partnership and dedication to creating a more inclusive community for all.

Sincerely,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

We Cannot Do This Alone

Dear Friend,

The latter part of this week has been immensely challenging for our Refugee & Immigrant Services team at Inspiritus and the newcomer families with whom we walk alongside on a path toward safety, stability, and success in the United States. As a non-partisan and faith-based organization, we historically have always- and will always- continue to welcome the opportunity to work with our elected leaders on both sides of the aisle to ensure survivors of war and persecution can find safety in this country and access the resources they need to get settled and ultimately achieve their own version of the American Dream.

While we are entering a period of relative uncertainty under a new administration, we are simultaneously preparing for certain realities we can expect based on previous experiences. This period was marked by rampant anti-immigrant sentiments and policy changes intended to dismantle the national infrastructure for refugee resettlement entirely.

As we continue operating under the first quarter of a new federal fiscal year within the current administration, our team is on the ground, working tirelessly to meet the moment and help welcome as many new refugee arrivals as we possibly can until a new directive is issued. But we can’t do it alone.

It is our mission to walk with refugees on a path from surviving to thriving. As we await to see how our work and the future of refugee resettlement will be impacted come January 2025, we remain determined to continue paving this path so the world’s most vulnerable individuals may find light in times of darkness. Please help us shine this light and join us on the road ahead to upholding our commitment to human rights and ensuring the United States remains a safe haven for vulnerable families. Now more than ever, we need your support.

Sincerely,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Our Commitment Stands.

Dear Friend,

Inspiritus has been welcoming refugees to the United States since 1981. Throughout the seven different presidential administrations that occupied the White House in these 43 years, we have opened our doors to survivors of war and persecution from all corners of the globe. Let us be clear- we don’t intend to stop now.

Our faith and belief in the United States as a beacon of light, compassion, and opportunity calls for us to welcome the stranger because it is the right thing to do. Our experience in helping thousands of refugees ascend on a path from surviving to thriving calls on us to continue this work because we see first hand how the economic, social, and cultural contributions of refugees and immigrants strengthen our local communities. More than just an ideal or a value, it is a reality we know to be true because we’ve seen too many success stories to count.

It is our mission to empower those whose lives have been disrupted to discover their strengths and resilience, accompanying them as they grow into vibrant contributors to their community. We thank you for the ways that you’ve helped us advance this mission so far in our collective vision to see transformed communities where all, regardless of their background or circumstances, thrive and enrich the world around them.

Now more than ever, it will be imperative that we stand in solidarity with our new American neighbors and preserve the integrity of the welcoming communities we’ve worked hard to build in Metro Atlanta, Savannah, Birmingham, and Nashville.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, or to show your support by making a donation, click the buttons below.

Sincerely,

John Moeller
Chief Executive Officer
Inspiritus

Birmingham Fire Chief Addresses Refugee

Dear Friend,

As a dedicated volunteer and spokesperson for refugees, Chief Cory Moon exemplifies the spirit of service and inclusivity that we all strive to embrace. Growing up in Birmingham, Alabama, Cory knew from a young age that his calling was to serve his community as a firefighter. Today, as the head of Birmingham Fire and Rescue, he not only leads with bravery and compassion but also advocates for the safety and dignity of everyone in Birmingham—including newly arrived refugee families. Chief Moon believes that, as public servants, "it's our responsibility to make everyone feel welcome and safe." His firsthand understanding of the importance of community reminds us that regardless of our background or origins, we all share a common need for safety, dignity, and a place to belong.

Read more about Chief Moon’s story and his journey below:

Meet Chief Cory Moon:

Cory Moon knew he wanted to be a firefighter since he was five years old. Growing up around the corner from a fire station in his local Birmingham neighborhood, he would see the big, red fire trucks pass up and down his street; however, it wasn’t until a fire broke out at a neighbor’s home that 10-year-old Cory developed a deeper understanding of what the job truly entailed. After tending to his neighbor’s home that night, he recalls several of the firefighters on duty stopping over to chat with him a little bit—a gesture of kindness that left a profound impact on his life and would solidify his commitment to the field and serving his community.

A graduate of both Columbia Southern University and the Alabama Fire College, Cory went on to earn his degree in Emergency Medical Services along with his Firefighter's Certification, and began his first day on the job as a firefighter on March 26, 2001. Now, twenty-one years later, Chief Cory Moon acts as the head of the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Department, a role that he says allows him to “live the dream every day I wake up.”

This dream of pursuing a career in public safety is connected to a larger desire to help others. For Chief Moon, it’s quite simple—when new refugee families arrive in Birmingham, they become an interconnected part of the larger community.

The Birmingham Fire Rescue is a welcoming environment and we want to send the message that we are a good community partner…our services are for everyone.

He notes, “The Birmingham Fire Rescue is a welcoming environment, and we want to send the message that we are a good community partner…our services are for everyone. We want people to feel safe to contact us and reach out at any time. It’s our job to provide rapid, reliable, professional emergency services to everyone and keep all visitors and citizens of Birmingham safe—and we do that.” 

Chief Moon was initially connected to Inspiritus almost two years ago and has acted as a consistently present and engaged partner with our Birmingham office. Since representing Birmingham FD at our quarterly community stakeholder meetings, Chief Moon says he has “Learned about challenges that refugees face, but also learned that there are a lot of resources available—especially from Inspiritus—that can help them navigate through their challenges to become active, happy members of the community.”

In June 2023, Chief Moon had an opportunity to meet some of the refugee families we welcomed that year at our World Refugee Day Celebration, hosted by Homewood Church of Christ. When asked about some of the conversations he had, he notes, “They’re people who want the same thing as we do…they want community and safety—just like all of us.”

Cory D. Moon, Chief for the City of Birmingham Fire & Rescue Service and his older brother Rodney Moon.

When asked about what he might say to someone who might have concerns about continuing our country’s long tradition of welcoming refugees, he says: “Remember--this country is a nation of immigrants, and we all have family members that come from a different place. It’s very simple—everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, kindness, and respect. That’s how I live my life, and I expect our personnel to treat everyone with kindness, as well. Follow the golden rule.”

We’re incredibly grateful for supporters like Chief Moon and all those who speak up on behalf of refugees and immigrants in their communities. Your commitment strengthens our shared communities. Together, we can make a lasting impact by welcoming and supporting new neighbors.

To support refugees, please click the button below and select the "Refugee Services" fund.

Thank you for your partnership and dedication to creating a more inclusive community for all.

Sincerely,

Sincerely,

Aimee Zangandou
Executive Director
Refugee & Immigrant Services Program
Inspiritus

Elections are Scary for Refugee Agencies

Dear Friend,

I am honored that Inspiritus was able to spotlight our Refugee and Immigrant Services Program in the latest feature in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. I hope that my insights can reveal the challenges and uncertainties we face in this critical work, especially as we approach a pivotal election that could shape the future of refugee resettlement in the U.S. I invite you to read the full article and join us in supporting those seeking safety and hope.

Election a ‘scary moment’ for those helping refugees come to Georgia

Future of U.S. refugee program could hinge on presidential election between Trump and Harris

By: Lautaro Grinspan

Aimee Zangandou was just a teen in 1997 when she moved to metro Atlanta with her parents, leaving behind the violent aftermath of a bloody genocide in the family’s native Rwanda. They settled in Stone Mountain via the U.S. refugee program, a legal pathway into the country for people who fear for their safety back home.

Created under former President Jimmy Carter, the refugee program has allowed millions of vulnerable exiles from across the world to start new lives stateside, bringing profound changes to communities across the country — and helping reshape the face of metro Atlanta.

In DeKalb County, a steady stream of newcomers from places such as Bhutan, Somalia, Sudan, Liberia and Vietnam brought national attention to the refugee hub of Clarkston, earning the city monikers ranging from “the most diverse square mile in America” to “the Ellis Island of the South.”

But whether refugees will continue arriving in meaningful numbers is deeply uncertain. The 2024 presidential election has generated intense debate around immigration policy — the byproduct of years of crisis at the southern border — and, depending on the outcome, it could yield big cuts to the refugee program come 2025.

“It’s not easy to find the right words to describe what this moment feels like,” said Zangandou, now an executive director at Inspiritus, one of the five local resettlement agencies that help refugees relocate to Georgia. “Everybody’s nervous.”

The refugee program is coming off a banner year.

From October 2023 through September, Georgia resettled 3,227 refugees, more than all but 11 other states. Nationwide, the U.S. welcomed over 100,000 immigrants through the refugee program in that time span, a thirty-year milestone, according to U.S. Department of State.

The number of refugees who are vetted and cleared to come each year is decided upon by the president.

For the last three years, President Joe Biden has set the annual refugee cap at 125,000. His administration has also admitted tens of thousands of Ukrainians and Afghans through alternative humanitarian avenues outside of the cap.

That has marked a sharp break from the preceding administration. President Donald Trump set historic lows for refugee admission targets, reaching a nadir of 18,000 during his last year in office, with only 11,800 actually admitted.

Trump has said he would suspend refugee resettlement altogether should he retake the White House.

“It’s just such an opposite approach to this work,” said Paedia Mixon, chief executive officer at New American Pathways, a local resettlement agency. “It’s a really challenging thing to say that [after Election Day], something [could] happen that will change our operation night and day, dramatically.”

As a result of the Trump cuts, over 100 resettlement offices shuttered nationwide during his four years in office. In Georgia, local agencies saw their budgets slashed and were forced to downsize during the Trump years.

Inspiritus alone had an 80% capacity reduction in the Atlanta, and lost 50% of its staff across its entire organization, which also resettles refugees in Savannah, Nashville, and Birmingham.

“I think we all feel anxiety. I think the whole collective field feels anxiety,” Mixon said.

Carola Briceño Peña, a refugee from Venezuela, in her Clarkston, Georgia apartment. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Following the Trump-era downsizing, building capacity back up to adapt to Biden’s much higher refugee caps proved difficult. According to agency leaders, suitable caseworkers need to have a specialized skill set to serve new immigrants, including extensive language skills, which explains why the restoration of the refugee program was slow-going.

The U.S. resettled roughly 11,400 refugees in 2021; 25,400 refugees in 2022; and 60,000 in 2023 before crossing the 100,000 threshold this year.

Unprecedented polarization

Refugee resettlement leaders say the newfound volatility in the federal government’s approach to refugee resettlement is the product of deepening polarization around immigration. As newcomers who arrive via a regulated, legal pathway, refugees hadn’t engendered significant backlash in the past.

But that has started to change.

“Ever since President Carter codified refugee resettlement, and even before that, it was a bipartisan issue. It was bipartisan supported,” said Justin Howell, executive director of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Atlanta, a resettlement agency that relocated more than 1,500 refugees from 34 countries in fiscal year 2024, 44% of whom were children.

“It’s only recently that our politics have gotten to the point where immigration has become so heavily politicized,” he said. “I wish we could get back and really look at it from a policy lens, actual data, rather than just emotion. That’s the problem. That’s what this is about, right? It’s about emotion.”

Mixon and Zangandou explained that concerns over border security have led some to conflate refugees with migrants who come to the country illegally.

“There’s some rhetoric around the idea of there being a ‘good’ immigrant and a ‘bad’ immigrant. But I feel like anti-immigrant sentiment is anti-immigrant sentiment. It impacts refugees. It impacts everyone,” Mixon said.

According to Zangandou, evolving political realities and increased “animosity toward the work that we do” have led Inspiritus to spend more time thinking about safety for staffers and refugees.

A new sudden change in policy could have severe implications for agencies like Inspiritus, and it could represent a turning of the page for communities like Clarkston. Still, Zangandou said those facing persecution in other countries would be most affected, if the U.S. refugee program is drastically reduced or no longer exists.

“It’s about life and death for them,” she said.

Resettlement leaders say people locked out of the refugee program may see no other choice for themselves but to try to reach the U.S. via the southern border, and try their luck there.

To support refugees, please click the button below and select the "Refugee Services" fund.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Sincerely,

Aimee Zangandou
Executive Director
Refugee & Immigrant Services Program
Inspiritus

Middle Tennessee Newsletter

Dear Friends,

We are excited to share some incredible updates and highlights from our work here in Middle Tennessee. Thanks to your ongoing support, Inspiritus continues to empower individuals and families on their journey from surviving to thriving. Here are just a few examples of the impact you’ve helped us achieve recently:

Exciting News: Groundbreaking Soon for the North
Nashville Senior Housing Initiative!

We are just weeks away from the groundbreaking of our new North Nashville Senior Housing Initiative! Major construction will kick off within the next quarter at the corner of Rosa Parks and Garfield Blvd. Thanks to the generous contributions from individuals, foundations, churches, and state, federal, and local government, we are proud to announce that we are 97% funded for this $31 million project, which will provide essential housing and support services for older adults and the wider North Nashville community.

Stay tuned for the announcement of the groundbreaking ceremony date—we can't wait to celebrate this important milestone with you!

Empowering Our Volunteers

This year, we were honored to have Jason, one of our amazing volunteers, named a finalist for the 2024 Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Award. Jason’s dedication to our Nashville Food Pantry has been instrumental in serving vulnerable families, and we couldn’t be prouder of his accomplishments.

Thriving Through Our Refugee Services

Our Refugee & Immigrant Services program continues to grow, and we recently hosted a World Refugee Day celebration in Nashville. The event brought together refugees, community leaders, and supporters like you to celebrate the vibrant cultures and resilience of our new American neighbors. It was a day filled with music, food, and powerful stories of hope.

Thriving Spotlight: Barbara & Dennie

The word “thriving” is everywhere these days, and when we chose it to describe Inspiritus’ mission of helping individuals and families on their path from surviving to thriving, we couldn’t have anticipated its popularity. Thriving and flourishing in our surroundings brings inherent hope, but what does that look like in Empowerment Services in 2024?

Our friend Barbara has sparked many discussions about the urgent need for affordable housing. Thanks to collaborative efforts from partner agencies, Barbara is now thriving in her new apartment in North Nashville. With support from Inspiritus and generous donors who furnished her space, she can finally lay her head down in her own bed after 25 years. “I’m so happy,” Barbara said. “It’s so peaceful here.”

Dennie’s story is another testament to resilience. “I’m free!” she exclaimed in a DHS office recently. Two decades before this day, after a series of traumatic events, Dennie and her daughter ended up on the streets. Although Dennie has been housed and flourishing for years, she still owed the state back child support when her daughter went into state custody while they were unhoused. Every paycheck for the last 10 years has taken out a portion of her small income to pay back the state. Thanks to a generous donor, that debt was cleared this month, lifting a weight off her shoulders.

Policies often fail to reflect the realities faced by those living on the margins. Thriving can seem out of reach when low wages and debt weigh you down. Yet, with the support of Inspiritus, Barbara, Dennie, and many others thrive and inspire against the odds.

We look forward to continuing these important initiatives, and we’re grateful to have you as part of the Inspiritus family. Together, we’re making a real difference in the lives of those we serve.

If you’d like to learn more about our upcoming events or opportunities to get involved, please feel free to reach out to us. Your support is essential to our mission, and we couldn’t do this work without you!

If you are interested in making a monetary contribution to support our efforts in Middle Tennessee or would like to learn more about this impactful work, click the buttons below.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to Inspiritus and the Middle Tennessee community!

Warm regards,

Janet Arning
Executive Director of Middle Tennessee
Inspiritus

The Presidential Declaration

Dear Friends,

Each year, the White House announces the number of refugees that will be welcomed into the US in the coming year. On behalf of the Inspiritus Refugees & Immigrants services team, we are excited to share the 2025 Presidential Declaration. Click the button below to read now. 

To further support our Refugee & Immigrant Services programming, visit our website to DONATE or VOLUNTEER.

Sincerely,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Give Early for Giving Tuesday!

Dear Friends,

Giving Tuesday is just around the corner! Join the world’s largest generosity movement by partnering with Inspiritus this Giving Tuesday (November 28th)! With your support, we can empower more families & individuals on their path from surviving to thriving.

HOW YOUR DONATION CAN MAKE AN IMPACT:

• $25 will end hunger for a family of four for a week.

• $100 will provide children living through a crisis to have critical school supplies and clothing.

• $250 will empower Household Providers to find a new job to support their family.

• $1,000 will provide local disaster survivors & refugees with safe housing.

The best part? You don't have to wait to make an impact! You can donate early and support Inspiritus this Giving Tuesday by clicking the button below. Make sure to share it across your social media network using the hashtag #GivingTuesday:

Thank you for your continued support and empowering those accompany on their path surviving to thriving. We are so grateful to all of our donors and supporter who help make what we do possible!

With Gratitude,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Giving Tuesday is Tuesday, November 28

Dear Friends,

It's that time of year again! Georgia is coming together for a full day of hope on Giving Tuesday, November 28 (the Tuesday after Thanksgiving).

This year, we're setting a $5,000 goal for this Giving Tuesday. In fact, right now GA Gives is allowing early contributions which will go towards Inspiritus' overall Giving Tuesday goal. Click the button below to donate early, and share it across your social media network using hashtags #GivingTuesday #GAgives:

We are so grateful to all of our donors and supporters who help make what we do possible.

With Gratitude,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

New Americans Celebration at the Georgia State Capitol

Dear friend,

We invite you to join Inspiritus, and our partners at the Coalition of Refugee Service Agencies (CRSA), on Tuesday, February 14, for the tenth annual New Americans Celebration at the Georgia State Capitol!

The New Americans Celebration is the annual day of education and outreach for refugees, immigrants and native-born allies. Every year we welcome hundreds of advocates to the Capitol to engage with legislators and promote policy reforms that help ensure immigrants, refugees, and all Georgians may prosper in our home state.

Registration for this event is now open! This event is free but guests are asked to please register in advance through Eventbrite by clicking here.

This year's event will kick off at the Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, located at 48 Martin Luther King Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA 30303. Check in will begin at 7:30 AM and the program will start at 8:00AM. 

If you have any questions, please contact me at sarah.burke@weinspirit.org. Don't miss this chance to show your support for refugees this Valentine's Day!

With Gratitude,

Sarah Burke
Community Engagement Manager

Refugee Resettlement: Organize a Co-Sponsorship Group!

Dear Friends,

Get involved with refugee resettlement by organizing a Co-Sponsorship Group! 

Inspiritus welcomes hundreds of refugees into Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama each year, but we cannot do this great work alone. Resettlement agencies rely on the support of the community to effectively welcome and set individuals on a path from surviving to thriving.

Inspiritus RIS volunteers from the Zen Garland Order prepare to welcome a newly arrived Afghan family at the Savannah airport.

Co-Sponsorship is a special relationship between a local resettlement agency, a community group, and a refugee family. This type of volunteer commitment is incredibly important to the work of welcome. Co-sponsors bring an essential level of commitment, continuity, and care for the refugees they serve and significantly multiply and extend the services refugees receive.

Although co-sponsorship is a serious commitment, it is also a meaningful way to engage with refugees. The main goal of co-sponsorship is to help refugees adjust to life in the United States and achieve self-sufficiency by being a support system, community guide, and friend during their first 6 months in the U.S. (and hopefully beyond).

What Help Do Co-Sponsors Provide?

Groups must provide at least 8 of the core services listed below. Support will be provided by Inspiritus staff for completing these services.

Pre-Arrival:

• Housing

• Home Set-Up

• Furnishings and Supplies *Furnishings and supplies check lists provided

• Seasonal Clothing

• Stock the Pantry *Culturally appropriate grocery guide provided

• Welcome Meal: *Culturally appropriate food list provided

Post Arrival *All post arrival services will be provided with appropriate interpretation, if needed:

• Airport Pick Up *Airport pick up guide provided

• 24-Hour Home Visit

• Housing and Personal Safety Orientation

• Public Assistance Enrollment (Cash Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP)

• Social Security Card Application

• File for AR-11

• Employment Program Enrollment Follow Up

• ESL Enrollment

• Selective Service Registration

• School Enrollment

• Other Public Assistance Application as Applicable (SSI, WIC etc.)

• Second Home Visit

• Cultural Orientation *Topics and guide provided (coresourceexchange.org)

• Cultural Orientation Assessment *CO Assessment form and guidelines provided

• Transportation to Job Interviews and Job Training

Additional Services the Co-sponsorship Group May Wish to Provide:

• Rental Assistance

• Community Guide

• Grocery Store Orientation

• General Health Orientation

• Financial Education

• Help the family set up a bank account

• English Language Tutoring

• Job Development

• Public Transportation Orientation

• Continued Transportation Assistance

Requirements:

• Must sign a commitment form with Inspiritus

• Must commit to serve for 6 months

• Must commit to a financial contribution to be used by Inspiritus to help refugees

• All team members must attend a co-sponsorship training

• All team members must complete a background check

• Must provide at least 8 core services

Interested in co-sponsoring a refugee family or have questions? Contact Community Engagement Manager, Sarah Burke, at sarah.burke@weinspirit.org.

With gratitude,
Sarah Burke
Community Engagement Manager
Inspiritus