A Simple Way to Stand With Refugees—Walk With Us

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. 

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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:

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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.

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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

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

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