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.
Dear Friends,
In the wake of Hurricane Helene's devastation, many of you have reached out, asking how you can help those affected.
Inspiritus disaster relief teams are on the ground in Valdosta, Georgia, and Madison, Florida, working tirelessly to support survivors and guide them on the road to recovery. With your continued support, we hope to open an additional volunteer camp in the Savannah, Georgia region and will keep you updated as things develop. However, the scale of the destruction is immense, and we need your help to continue providing life-changing support.
We encourage you to support our Hurricane Helene Response efforts by donating. The more funds we raise, the longer our teams can stay on the ground continuing to help families and individuals impacted by the storm. Your support will provide free Debris Removal, Muck & Gut, Chainsaw, and Mold Sanitation services to help families affected, especially those who can't recover without help.
If you would like to make an impact and empower hurricane survivors on the road to recovery, please consider joining our Disaster Relief Team on the ground in Valdosta, GA and Madison, FL. All skill levels are welcome and no prior training is needed to make an impact. If you want to help, but are unable to travel, we are also looking for volunteers to answer Crisis Clean Up calls, which can be done from home.
Our work would not be possible without the support of volunteers like you, committed to assisting survivors in their darkest hours. If you are interested in volunteering, please click the button below.
Thank you for standing with us as we work alongside local communities, partners, and volunteers to provide critical support to those in need. Your generosity and compassion makes all the difference.
Sincerely,
Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus
Dear Friends,
As Hurricane Helene continues to devastate communities across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, we wanted to provide an important update on our ongoing relief efforts. Inspiritus teams were prepositioned in coastal Georgia early last week, anticipating the widespread destruction along the southern coast of Georgia and northern Florida. To best support the impacted areas, we established a base camp at Camp Tygart in Valdosta, GA on Saturday to support both the south Georgia and north Florida regions.
Since then, our teams have been actively providing critical relief in and around Valdosta, GA and Madison, FL, including chainsaw operations and heavy equipment support for debris removal. Despite having no power or water at the base camp, our teams are pushing forward to meet the urgent needs of these communities.
“We’ve never seen anything like this” shares Sherry Buresh, Inspiritus Disaster Relief Director.
Hurricane Helene has caused devastation across multiple states since making landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in Florida’s Big Bend region on Sept. 26. Some areas have seen over 30 inches of rainfall, with storm surges reaching up to 10 feet. More than two million people remain without power across Florida, Georgia, South Carolinas, and North Carolina. Response efforts are ongoing, but many areas, especially communities throughout Tennessee and the Carolinas, remain cut off due to flooding and blocked roads. Tragically, over 116 lives have been lost, with North Carolina reporting the highest number of fatalities and over 1,000 people still missing.
We are actively monitoring calls with the Florida VOAD, Georgia VOAD, and Tennessee VOAD, as well as Emergency Operations Centers. Given the widespread destruction, and if we secure much needed support, we are hopeful to set up two more bases in other impacted areas, allowing us to expand our reach and operations.
With so many communities still struggling and not receiving the help they need, WE NEED YOUR ASSISTANCE. Your support, whether through volunteering or financial contributions, is critical to ensuring we can continue delivering help to those hardest hit by this storm. Inspiritus staff, clients, supporters and neighbors in our local communities have unfortunately been impacted by this storm and need your help.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
DONATE:
We encourage you to support our Hurricane Helene Response efforts by donating. The more funds we raise, the longer our teams can stay on the ground continuing to help families and individuals impacted by the storm. Your support will provide free Debris Removal, Muck & Gut, Chainsaw, and Mold Sanitation services to help families affected, especially those who can't recover without help.
VOLUNTEER:
If you would like to make an impact and empower hurricane survivors on the road to recovery, please consider joining our Disaster Relief Team on the ground in Valdosta, GA and Madison, FL. Our work would not be possible without the support of volunteers like you, committed to assisting survivors in their darkest hours. If you are interested in volunteering, please click the button below.
Thank you for standing with us as we work alongside local communities, partners, and volunteers to provide critical support to those in need. Your generosity and compassion makes all the difference.
Sincerely,
Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus
Dear Friends,
It has been seven weeks since Hurricane Debby made landfall, leaving a trail of devastation across Georgia, particularly in Lowndes and Chatham counties. In Chatham County, around Savannah, the storm triggered severe flooding, prompting evacuations and water rescues by local emergency responders. Meanwhile, in Lowndes County, areas near Valdosta faced powerful winds and heavy rainfall, leading to tornado warnings and widespread power outages. The State of Georgia deployed National Guard troops to assist in the emergency response, particularly in coastal and low-lying areas.
On August 14, 2024, Inspiritus Disaster Response teams arrived in Lowndes and Chatham counties to support survivors on their road to recovery. Our teams provided free Muck & Gut, Debris Removal, Chainsaw, Roof Tarping, and Heavy Equipment services wherever needed most, with priority on assisting those most vulnerable, including families with children, seniors, veterans, and low-income households.
During our six-week deployment, with the unwavering support of our partners, volunteers, and generous donors, we empowered 722 survivors on their journey from surviving to thriving.
IN THE NEWS: HURRICANE DEBBY COVERAGE
PLEASE CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE TO PLAY NEWS CLIP
Linked below are additional news features highlighting the incredible work led by our staff, volunteer leaders, and Team Depot employees from local stores in response to Hurricane Debby:
WHAT WE DID:
Capacity Building: Inspiritus staff coordinated with local emergency and city/county officials to assist with local capacity building efforts. While staff actively supported operations in and around Lowndes and Chatham counties, they also assisted leaders in other local towns and counties to help them assess and manage the people and resources they needed.
Volunteer Housing: Inspiritus established a volunteer housing base at Garden City United Methodist Church in Savannah and the Georgia Bible Camp in Hahira, with the capacity to accommodate overnight volunteers on a daily basis.
Home Assessments, Debris Removal, Muck & Gut, Chainsaw, Roof Tarping and Heavy Equipment Services: Volunteers conducted Home Assessments and provided free Muck & Gut, Debris Removal, Chainsaw, Roof Tarping, and Heavy Equipment Services for local residents’ homes where it was safe to enter.
Support & Care: Volunteers accompanied survivors as they navigated one of the most difficult tragedies and challenges of their lives. In this accompaniment, we walk alongside each individual we come in contact with, helping them to tap into the resilience within themselves. Prayer and spiritual encouragement is often greatly appreciated by many survivors and Inspiritus volunteers often provide this comforting and empowering form of care, when it is welcomed. Hope and hugs are often powerfully strengthening for survivors during their darkest hours.
Sincerely,
Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus
Dear Friends,
As you may know, Hurricane Debby has caused significant damage throughout the state of Georgia, particularly in Lowndes and Chatham counties. In Savannah, the storm brought about unprecedented flooding, with the city receiving nearly 10 inches of rain—more than twice the typical rainfall for the entire month of August. The flooding severely impacted neighborhoods, submerged roads, and led to widespread power outages. In Lowndes County, the situation was similarly dire, with heavy rains causing rivers and creeks to overflow, leading to road closures and widespread property damage. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has extended the State of Emergency, deploying the National Guard and other state resources to assist with road repairs, debris removal, and emergency services. Sadly, Hurricane Debby has resulted in the death of at least 14 people across several states, including Georgia.
WHAT WE ARE DOING
Project Tasks & Activities:
Inspiritus Disaster Response Teams have been deployed to Lowndes and Chatham Counties and will arrive on Wednesday, August 14. We will be providing a range of critical services, including debris removal, muck and gut, mold sanitation, chainsaw assistance, and small tarp jobs. Additionally, we have heavy equipment teams on standby, prepared to deploy as needed. These services will be provided wherever needed most, with priority on assisting those who are the most vulnerable, families with children, seniors, veterans, and especially low-income households.
To support our volunteers and maximize our impact, we have secured housing at Garden City United Methodist Church in Savannah, which is centrally located to allow us to reach impacted homeowners in Bulloch, Chatham, and Effingham counties efficiently. Additionally, we have secured housing accommodations at the Georgia Bible Camp in Hahira, GA, situated in Lowndes County, to support our efforts in assisting the local community. Inspiritus is also partnering with International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE), and other organizations to ensure homeowners get the comprehensive support they need during this time. As of now, our teams will remain on the ground for the next 30 days.
Projected Outcomes:
Providing Debris Removal, Muck & Gut, Chainsaw, and Mold Sanitation, services to communities as needed/available
Providing Free Home Needs Assessments
Support Individuals Impacted by the Disaster
Community Benefit:
Inspiritus is working to build local disaster response capacities, while also providing direct services to survivors.
Capacity Building: Inspiritus is partnering with local emergency and city/county officials to build local disaster response capacity, as needed.
Direct Services: Inspiritus staff and volunteers are providing Home Needs Assessments, Debris Removal, and Chainsaw services, along with emotional care to bring safety and peace of mind to homeowners requesting assistance.
Support & Care: Volunteers are accompanying survivors as they navigate one of the most difficult tragedies and challenges of their lives. In this accompaniment, we walk alongside each individual we come in contact with, helping them to tap into the resilience within themselves. Prayer and spiritual encouragement is often greatly appreciated by many survivors and Inspiritus volunteers often provide this comforting and empowering form of care, when it is welcomed. Hope and hugs are often powerfully strengthening for survivors during their darkest hours.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
DONATE:
We encourage you to support our Hurricane Debby Response response efforts by donating. The more funds we raise, the longer our teams can stay on the ground continuing to help families and individuals impacted by the storm. Your support will provide free Debris Removal, Muck & Gut, Chainsaw, and Mold Sanitation services to help families affected, especially those who can't recover without help.
VOLUNTEER:
If you would like to make an impact and empower hurricane survivors on the road to recovery, please consider joining our Disaster Relief Team on the ground in Lowndes and Chatham Counties. Our work would not be possible without the support of volunteers like you, committed to assisting survivors in their darkest hours. If you are interested in volunteering, please click the button below.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
DONATE:
Donate to Inspiritus. The more funding we raise, the longer our teams can stay on the ground continuing to help families and individuals impacted by Hurricane Beryl. Your support will provide free Debris Removal, Muck & Gut, and Chainsaw services to help families affected by the storm, especially those who can't recover without help.
VOLUNTEER:
If you would like to make an impact and empower storm survivors on their road to recovery, please consider joining our Disaster Relief Team on the ground in Matagorda County. Our work would not be possible without the support of volunteers like you, committed to assisting survivors in their darkest hours. If you are interested in volunteering, please click the button below.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus
Dear Friends,
This morning, Hurricane Debby made landfall along the Big Bend coast of Florida as a Category 1 storm, causing extensive flooding and widespread power outages across the region before it's path continued toward Georgia and South Carolina. According to the National Hurricane Center, Debby, the fourth named storm of what is expected to be a historic hurricane season, made landfall at 7 a.m near the coastal town of Steinhatchee with maximum wind speeds of 80 mph. As the storm's path continues, The National Weather Service is reporting a high risk of flash flooding over southeast and central Georgia on Monday and Tuesday. Officials expect between seven and 10 inches of rain with 13 or more inches possible in the extreme southeast central part of the state. Georgia Governor, Brian Kemp, has officially declared a State of Emergency.
WHAT WE ARE DOING:
Inspiritus Disaster Relief staff are closely monitoring the storms impact, and our teams are preparing to deploy wherever needed most. Our primary focus is on Georgia's east coast, particularly in and around the Savannah area, where Inspiritus offices are located. In anticipation of the storms arrival, Inspiritus offices in the Savannah coastal region are closed. If called to respond, we will provide updates as reports come in and as our teams begin their relief efforts on the ground.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus
Dear Friends,
We are honored to share an inspiring update on our Hurricane Beryl Disaster Response efforts in Bay City, Texas. Inspiritus' dedicated Disaster Relief teams are hard at work providing critical assistance to the Sanford Community Center, a cornerstone of hope and unity for the Bay City community.
The Sanford Community Center (pictured below) has long been a vital resource for residents, offering a safe and welcoming space for youth, families, and visitors to engage in a variety of activities including art, ESL, poetry, and cooking classes, as well as hosting public events. Unfortunately, when Hurricane Beryl made landfall, the center suffered extensive damage. The hurricane’s fierce winds uprooted trees and left dangerous debris, including hanging limbs that now threaten the safety of the playground used by local children.
In response, our Inspiritus Disaster Relief teams have mobilized to provide essential chainsaw and swamping services. We are working diligently to clear the debris and ensure the Sanford Community Center can safely reopen its doors to the community as soon as possible.
This building is not only a community hub but also a significant historical landmark. Originally constructed in 1928 as The Palacios Colored School, it served as an educational facility during the segregation era in Texas (1928-1965). Following the end of segregation, the school closed in 1965 but was revitalized in 1967 as Rainbow Land Day Care, serving all children in Palacios until 2011. In 2016, the Palacios Community Coalition, a 501(c)(3) organization, purchased and transformed the historic property into the Sanford Community Center.
Our mission at Inspiritus is to empower communities and restore hope, and we are honored to contribute to the rehabilitation of this important center. Your ongoing support is crucial to our efforts, and we are deeply thankful for your commitment to our cause.
We will continue our Response in Matagorda County, Texas through August 9. There is still time to help and a great need for assistance of any volunteer skill level. Click the button below to learn how you or your group can empower Hurricane Beryl survivors on their road to recovery.
WHAT WE ARE DOING
Project Tasks & Activities:
Our teams are providing free Home Assessment, Chainsaw, Debris Removal, and Muck & Gut services wherever needed most, with priority on assisting those who are the most vulnerable, families with children, seniors, veterans, and especially low-income households.
Current Outcomes:
94 Storm Survivor Empowered
363 Volunteer Hours Served
49 Jobs Completed Across 24 Homes/Project Sites
Community Benefit:
Inspiritus is working to build local disaster response capacities, while also providing direct services to survivors.
Capacity Building: Inspiritus is partnering with local emergency and city/county officials to build local disaster response capacity, as needed.
Direct Services: Inspiritus staff and volunteers are providing Home Needs Assessments, Debris Removal, Chainsaw services, and Muck & Gut Services, along with emotional care to bring safety and peace of mind to homeowners requesting assistance.
Support & Care: Volunteers are accompanying survivors as they navigate one of the most difficult tragedies and challenges of their lives. In this accompaniment, we walk alongside each individual we come in contact with, helping them to tap into the resilience within themselves. Prayer and spiritual encouragement is often greatly appreciated by many survivors and Inspiritus volunteers often provide this comforting and empowering form of care, when it is welcomed. Hope and hugs are often powerfully strengthening for survivors during their darkest hours.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
DONATE:
Donate to Inspiritus. The more funding we raise, the longer our teams can stay on the ground continuing to help families and individuals impacted by Hurricane Beryl. Your support will provide free Debris Removal, Muck & Gut, and Chainsaw services to help families affected by the storm, especially those who can't recover without help.
VOLUNTEER:
If you would like to make an impact and empower storm survivors on their road to recovery, please consider joining our Disaster Relief Team on the ground in Matagorda County. Our work would not be possible without the support of volunteers like you, committed to assisting survivors in their darkest hours. If you are interested in volunteering, please click the button below.
On behalf of Inspiritus staff and communities impacted by Hurricane Beryl, we are grateful for the generous support from partners, like International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), First Presbyterian Church of Bay City, local government agencies, volunteers, and numerous others that are helping survivors safely return home.
Sincerely,
Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus
Dear Friends,
It has been two weeks since Hurricane Beryl made landfall in southern Texas as a Category 1 hurricane, leaving millions of residents without power and tragically claiming the lives of nearly two dozen individuals across the region. The storm brought damaging winds, heavy rain, widespread flooding, and power outages across southeast Texas. With wind speeds approaching 80 mph, Beryl impacted 121 counties across the coast of Texas and Louisiana. Of these counties, Matagorda, was one of the hardest hit.
Unfortunately, many of the communities impacted by Hurricane Beryl lack the economic resources and infrastructure needed to recover on their own. It will continue to take the efforts of local and national Response Teams and supporters like you to help affected residents rebuild their lives.
WHAT WE ARE DOING
Project Tasks & Activities:
Inspiritus Disaster Response Teams are on the ground in Matagorda County assisting Hurricane Beryl survivors on their road to recovery. Our teams arrived on July 12 and have extended our response through August 9. At the request of The Office of Emergency Management of Matagorda, Inspiritus has demobilized the VRC (Volunteer Reception Center) at The Bay City Civic Center. Our teams are providing free Home Assessment, Chainsaw, Debris Removal, and Muck & Gut services wherever needed most, with priority on assisting those who are the most vulnerable, families with children, seniors, veterans, and especially low-income households.
Projected Outcomes:
Providing Chainsaw, Debris Removal, and Muck & Gut services to communities as needed/available
Providing Free Home Needs Assessments
Support Individuals Impacted by the Disaster
Community Benefit:
Inspiritus is working to build local disaster response capacities, while also providing direct services to survivors.
Capacity Building: Inspiritus is partnering with local emergency and city/county officials to build local disaster response capacity, as needed.
Direct Services: Inspiritus staff and volunteers are providing Home Needs Assessments, Debris Removal, and Chainsaw services, along with emotional care to bring safety and peace of mind to homeowners requesting assistance.
Support & Care: Volunteers are accompanying survivors as they navigate one of the most difficult tragedies and challenges of their lives. In this accompaniment, we walk alongside each individual we come in contact with, helping them to tap into the resilience within themselves. Prayer and spiritual encouragement is often greatly appreciated by many survivors and Inspiritus volunteers often provide this comforting and empowering form of care, when it is welcomed. Hope and hugs are often powerfully strengthening for survivors during their darkest hours.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
DONATE:
We encourage you to support our Hurricane Beryl Response response efforts by donating. The more funds we raise, the longer our teams can stay on the ground continuing to help families and individuals impacted by the storm. Your support will provide free Chainsaw, Debris Removal, and Muck & Gut services to help families affected, especially those who can't recover without help.
VOLUNTEER:
If you would like to make an impact and empower hurricane survivors on the road to recovery, please consider joining our Disaster Relief Team on the ground in Matagorda County. Our work would not be possible without the support of volunteers like you, committed to assisting survivors in their darkest hours. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact click the button below.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus
Dear Friends,
Hurricane Beryl struck southern Texas as a Category 1 hurricane on Monday, July 8th. This powerful storm unleashed torrential rain, leaving nearly 3 million residents without power and tragically claiming the lives of eight individuals in Texas and Louisiana. With wind speeds approaching 80 mph, Beryl turned roads into rivers, uprooted hundreds of trees, and left countless residents without shelter. Of the 121 counties impacted by Hurricane Beryl, Matagorda County was the “hardest hit” according to Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
Unfortunately, many of the communities impacted by Hurricane Beryl lack the economic resources and infrastructure needed to recover on their own. It will continue to take the efforts of local and national Response Teams and supporters like you to help affected residents rebuild their lives.
WHAT WE ARE DOING
Project Tasks & Activities:
As of July 12, Inspiritus Disaster Response Teams are on the ground in Matagorda County assisting hurricane survivors on the road to recovery. At the request of The Office of Emergency Management of Matagorda, Inspiritus will be managing a VRC (Volunteer Reception Center) at The Bay City Civic Center that will open Saturday morning. In addition to the VRC, our teams will provide free Home Assessment, Chainsaw, Debris Removal, and Muck & Gut services wherever needed most, with priority on assisting those who are the most vulnerable, families with children, seniors, veterans, and especially low-income households.
Projected Outcomes:
Providing Chainsaw, Debris Removal, and Muck & Gut services to communities as needed/available
Providing Free Home Needs Assessments
Support Individuals Impacted by the Disaster
Community Benefit:
Inspiritus is working to build local disaster response capacities, while also providing direct services to survivors.
Capacity Building: Inspiritus is partnering with local emergency and city/county officials to build local disaster response capacity, as needed.
Direct Services: Inspiritus staff and volunteers are providing Home Needs Assessments, Debris Removal, and Chainsaw services, along with emotional care to bring safety and peace of mind to homeowners requesting assistance.
Support & Care: Volunteers are accompanying survivors as they navigate one of the most difficult tragedies and challenges of their lives. In this accompaniment, we walk alongside each individual we come in contact with, helping them to tap into the resilience within themselves. Prayer and spiritual encouragement is often greatly appreciated by many survivors and Inspiritus volunteers often provide this comforting and empowering form of care, when it is welcomed. Hope and hugs are often powerfully strengthening for survivors during their darkest hours.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
DONATE:
We encourage you to support our Hurricane Beryl Response response efforts by donating. The more funds we raise, the longer our teams can stay on the ground continuing to help families and individuals impacted by the storm. Your support will provide free Chainsaw, Debris Removal, and Muck & Gut services to help families affected, especially those who can't recover without help.
VOLUNTEER:
If you would like to make an impact and empower hurricane survivors on the road to recovery, please consider joining our Disaster Relief Team on the ground in Matagorda County. Our work would not be possible without the support of volunteers like you, committed to assisting survivors in their darkest hours. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact click the button below.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus
Dear Friends,
Yesterday, December 10th, commemorated the 75th anniversary of International Human Rights Day, a day designed to recognize the United Nation General Assembly’s adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), and the values enshrined in this landmark agreement. The UDHR’s signing marks the first time in history that such a large coalition of international countries adopted a shared set of principles that transcend the laws of their own respective governments.
These principles are rooted in a core belief that all of us as human beings should have equal access to the same set of certain, inalienable rights regardless of our race, religion, gender, ethnicity, political beliefs, or other characteristics. This includes most fundamentally the right to live and exist freely without fear of persecution.
Why the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is Personal to Me:
The UDHR is personal to me. It was in early April of 1994 that my family and I learned what it meant to be denied this basic human right, changing our lives forever. A campaign of mass genocide had been launched in our home country of Rwanda. As the risk of being killed increased with each passing day, my family and I were given no choice but to leave and find safety outside the borders of our own country. In the three months that followed, one million Rwandans would lose their lives.
My family survived because of multiple acts of kindness bestowed to us from friends and at times, even complete strangers. As the executive director for Refugee & Immigrant Services at Inspiritus, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving vulnerable populations across the Southeast, I am fortunate to witness similar gestures of goodwill every day from individuals who have no personal connection to the new refugees they volunteer to support, but nonetheless feel compelled to get involved in our work because of their compassion and convictions.
It is precisely thanks to the hospitality of everyday people that Georgia’s refugee resettlement program is consistently ranked among the most successful in the nation.
However, given that less than 1% of the current 108.4 million people who are forcibly displaced will be offered the chance to resettle in a new country, we must be open to offering sustainable pathways for individuals escaping violence and persecution and who look to the United States as a champion of Democracy and human rights.
The right to seek asylum is one of the 30 tenants outlined in the UDHR and is one of several options for individuals in need of humanitarian protection to legally enter the U.S. Humanitarian parole is another pathway and has helped thousands of individuals fleeing war, persistent gang violence, or political tyranny, as was the case for the 1,697 Afghan evacuees Georgia welcomed last year after their country fell to Taliban forces.
In recognizing yesterday’s 75th anniversary, it is imperative that we pause to reflect on the progress made in our efforts to uphold human rights since the aftermath of WWII and the of the atrocities of the Holocaust. I wish history had unfolded a differently and the UN’s original vision of preventing future acts of targeted violence and forced displacement; sadly though, such atrocities have happened repeatedly in places like Cambodia, Kosovo, Darfur, Myanmar, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and now, Palestine.
This is not to say the intent of the UDHR has failed; on the contrary, its ability to act as a “north star” for heads of state committed to upholding the values of human rights has helped set a global precedent for their government and its citizens to similarly uphold these values.
As an example, look no further than Georgia’s native son, former President Jimmy Carter, who, in spearheading the passage of the US Refugee Act of 1980, solidified our nation’s role as a leader in refugee resettlement with the creation of a formal government program that has helped provide over three million refugees find safety, stability, and success, in the United States.
While few of us yield the power to prevent human rights violations from taking place, we all have the power as an electorate to ensure our lawmakers are upholding tenants of US and international law that offer life-saving protections for individuals facing war or persecution. As this piece is being written, Congress is simultaneously engaged in negotiations that could result in restricting access to both humanitarian parole and asylum.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Help us uplift the 75th anniversary of the UN’s Declaration of Human Rights by calling your Members of Congress and reminding them that asylum is a human right. You can find your House Member and Senators here and may refer to the sample script below.
“Hello, my name is [Insert Name] and I am a constituent from [City, State]. I am calling to ask that the [Representative/Senator] stand with asylum seekers and remember that the right to asylum is a human right that every person should be able to claim when their lives are endangered in their home countries. I am aware that Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle are considering tightening asylum access as a concession for passing the President’s requested supplemental foreign aid package to Ukraine and other countries by the end of the year. Asylum is the difference between life and death for individuals in need of immediate safety and it should not be used as a bargaining chip. The protection of fundamental human rights has always been a corner stone of our country’s ideals and foreign policy priorities. As such, I am urging the [Representative/Senator] act to protect these ideals and vote “no” on any measures that would further restrict asylum access for individuals escaping extreme violence and persecution. Thank you."
To learn more about how YOU can get involved and help empower the refugees we accompany on their path from surviving to thriving, visit our website at www.weinspirit.org.
Sincerely,
Aimee Zangandou
Executive Director of Refugees & Immigrants Services
Inspiritus
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
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
Dear Friends,
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.
Nashville Office: 297 Haywood Lane, Nashville, TN 37211
Atlanta Office: 731 Peachtree Street NE, Suite B, Atlanta, GA 30308
Birmingham Office: 117 Southcrest Drive Ste. 104 Birmingham, AL 35209
Savannah Office: 6555 Abercorn St., Suite 205 Savannah, Georgia 31405
Each of our offices (Atlanta, Birmingham, Nashville, and Savannah) has an Amazon Wishlist where you can purchase and donate a Visa gift card. You can click on the links below to donate a gift card to the site of your choosing.
Atlanta - Purchase an Amazon gift card HERE
Birmingham - Purchase an Amazon gift card HERE
Nashville - Purchase an Amazon gift card HERE
Savannah - Purchase an Amazon gift card 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 of Refugees & Immigrants Services
Inspiritus
Hello Friends,
What an amazing Hunger Walk Run we had this year! Even though it was a cold, somewhat rainy day, so many supporters showed up for Inspiritus, the Atlanta Community Food Bank, and local food ministries/pantries.
If you did not get a chance to participate, or even if you did, there's still time to donate. You can still donate until March 31:
We had some very impressive totals:
$43,135.59 in confirmed online donations
21 teams
247 registered walkers/runners
And, we had some amazing teams joining us this year.
A huge shout out goes to:
Cross of Life Lutheran Church, Roswell, GA
Epiphany Lutheran Church, Suwanee, GA
Epiphany Lutheran Church, Conyers, GA
Faith and Grace Lutheran Church, Decatur, GA
First United Lutheran Church, & Mt. Zion AME, Kennesaw, GA
Grace Lutheran Church, Carrollton, GA
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church/Daily Bread, Woodstock, GA
Hats for Hunger, Lilburn, GA
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Marietta, GA
Inspiritus Refugee Services team, Atlanta, GA
Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Atlanta, GA
Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Marietta, GA
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Douglasville GA
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Johns Creek, GA
Rivercliff Lutheran Church, Sandy Springs, GA
Rock of Ages Lutheran Church, Stone Mt., GA
St. John Lutheran Church, Griffin, GA
St. John's Lutheran Church, Atlanta, GA
St Luke's Lutheran Church, Atlanta, GA
St. Luke Lutheran Church, McDonough, GA
Trinity Lutheran Church, Lilburn, GA
Hunger Walk was a great success because of you. We won't know the final totals for at least a month since donations will continue to come in through the end of March. We will be in touch once the final numbers come in!
With Gratitude,
– Mary Armstrong-Reiner
Inspiritus Hunger Walk Coordinator
Call/text at: (309)-212-0888
As we look back on 2022, this year tells a story of resilience, strength, and determination despite the storms of life that affect each of us and those we have the honor of serving. From the family arriving from a war-torn country with nothing but the clothes on their back who is given a warm home and welcome from Inspiritus staff and volunteers in Alabama, Georgia, or Tennessee, to the disabled senior veteran whose home has been restored after the tornado (or flood, or hurricane) hit both his home and his hope. On behalf of the 8,504 survivors we accompanied this year through life’s storms, thank you for your compassion and commitment to empowering each one on their path from Surviving to Thriving.
Moeen Amini, Interpreter for the U.S. Military in Afghanistan, was interviewed by Allied News. He reflected, “We really lost hope to live. We faced a lot of Taliban checkpoints. I cannot explain how hard it was facing those people. You know, seeing hundreds of people with guns and stopping us and asking us, ‘Who you are, where are you going? And why are you leaving the country? Are you people the U.S. military supporters, is that why you’re leaving the country?'"
Moeen and his family were resettled in Clarkston, Georgia. Upon arrival, however, no one was willing to hire him. Thanks to supporters like you who help us respond to the urgent needs of refugees, like the newly arriving families from Afghanistan, Moeen and hundreds of others have found housing, work, and schooling this year.
Inspiritus’ mission is to empower families to do more than survive…but to also thrive. In 2022, the Inspiritus Refugee and Immigrant Services team pivoted from resettlement of Afghan Allies to the ‘Long Welcome’— the extended period after a family is housed, when our teams help them pursue upskilling and securing career recertifications so they can earn enough income to fully support their families. We are also helping them to apply for permanent immigration status. Your donations make it possible for families like Moeen’s to thrive again.
Elizabeth Moore and her husband rushed to get their children to safety as 6 feet of water filled their home, making it uninhabitable. They applied for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and were rejected three times. On July 26, Inspiritus deployed a team to East Kentucky to provide the critical help needed after these flash floods. Inspiritus leaders helped homeowners, like Elizabeth, navigate FEMA, and volunteers worked endlessly to clean up the debris from flood ravaged homes.
Elizabeth Moore and her husband rushed to get their children to safety as 6 feet of water filled their home, making it uninhabitable. They applied for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and were rejected three times.
On July 26, Inspiritus deployed a team to East Kentucky to provide the critical help needed after these flash floods. Inspiritus leaders helped homeowners, like Elizabeth, navigate FEMA, and volunteers worked endlessly to clean up the debris from flood ravaged homes.This year, Inspiritus deployed Response teams to help give hope to thousands of survivors impacted by the Mayfield Tornado, East Kentucky Floods, and Hurricane Ian.
In addition, Inspiritus Recovery teams repaired 70+ homes in Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky. When partners like you support our work on the ground, we can deploy teams faster to help the most vulnerable recover. Prayerfully consider donating or volunteering today with our disaster relief efforts.
We have come a long way as Inspiritus celebrates almost four years since we merged the organizations of Lutheran Services in Tennessee and Lutheran Services of Georgia. From the beginning, we have dreamed of ways to better meet the local community’s increasing needs from our site at the old St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. We are excited to tell you that we are on the verge of that dream being realized.
In the coming months, you will hear more about Inspiritus’ Campus Redevelopment that will expand our reach with 8,000 square feet of program space including a flagship “client choice grocery market” food pantry, affordable housing for seniors, community enrichment spaces for Inspiritus empowerment programs, and other services. We will not be able to accomplish this redevelopment without your support. We hope you will consider making a pledge or monthly gift to support this campaign, and will let us know if you have any friends, family, organizations, or foundations who might want to learn more about how to partner with us in this effort.
Your gift will empower our neighbors with the supports they need to thrive, right where they are.
Inspiritus’ Foster Care and Disability & Health Services programs provide person- centered housing with compassionate and well-trained Foster Care Parents or Support Companions for adults and children with critical needs. The need is great! If you or someone you know might be interested in learning more about becoming a Foster Parent or Support Companion in your home, please contact us or visit our website: weinspirit.org.
Our Foster Care program specializes in serving infants, children, and teens with significant medical, developmental, mental, physical, and/or behavioral challenges. These children often face harsh odds, and need highly qualified, well-trained foster parents to meet their needs so they can begin to thrive. This year, the program has made it possible for 38 medically vulnerable youth in Georgia to receive the care and support they need.
Inspiritus’ Disability & Health Services accompanies adult individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. This year, Disability & Health Services empowered 82 adults in Georgia by ensuring they have the compassionate Support Companions and homes they need.
Your end-of-year gift will help empower more individuals and families on their journey from surviving to thriving.
We continue to need your support to keep our programs and services well-equipped to make a difference. Please consider making your end-of-year donation to Inspiritus. We are so grateful for supporters like you. We wish you safe and healthy holiday season!
Dear Friends,
At Inspiritus, our Hope Tree program gives the gift of hope to children in foster care, refugee and immigrant families seeking a new life, and low-income families in our service areas who may not otherwise receive a gift. We partner with 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 to every person we accompany on their journey from surviving to thriving this giving season. Outlined below are ways you can give:
Inspiritus Middle Tennessee Empowerment Services: Nashville, TN
Inspiritus Middle Tennessee is collecting coats & Visa, Walmart, or Amazon gift cards! Our goal is to collect 50-100 coats & 20 gift cards for children, families, and individuals enrolled in our programming.
All coats will be distributed throughout the winter to individuals seeking food assistance from the Inspiritus Pantry.
Physical donations can be dropped off at: 1628 Rosa Parks Blvd. Nashville, TN 37208 M-F
8am-noon. You can also mail your donations to the same address by December 12th.
If you prefer to make a monetary donation to the Hope Tree Christmas fund, we will use the funds to purchase needed winter coats. You can send donations to: www.weinspirit.org/donate and select "Hope Tree". Please include “Middle Tennessee Empowerment Donation” in the comment section.
Inspiritus Refugee & Immigrant Services: Nashville, TN
Inspiritus’ Refugee & Immigrant Services is growing! In 2022, we expanded our RIS programming to Nashville, making this our first year resettling refugees in Tennessee!
Our goal is to collect 65 coats & 40 Visa, Walmart, or Amazon gift cards for families and individuals enrolled in this programming!
All coats will be distributed throughout the winter to newly arrived refugees. Gift cards will be distributed to teens in the Kiswahili community led by a local pastor.
Gift Cards: Not all of our families are necessarily in need of a coat, but they’re definitely in need of support to make Christmas special given the financial hardships they face every day. The kids we serve in our Unaccompanied Minors program really benefit from getting a gift card that helps them choose something special for themselves especially since family dynamics might be different because of limited family reunification options.
You can sign up to donate a coat or gift card here.
Please mail gift cards and coats to: Hope Tree INSPIRITUS 297 Haywood Lane Nashville, TN 37211 by December 12th.
If you prefer to make a monetary donation to the Hope Tree Christmas fund, we will use the funds to purchase needed winter coats. You can send donations to: www.weinspirit.org/donate and select "Hope Tree". Please include “RIS Middle Tennessee Donation” in the comment section.
Inspiritus Refugee & Immigrant Services: Atlanta, GA
Inspiritus Atlanta is collecting coats & Visa, Walmart, or Amazon gift cards! Our goal is to collect 55 gift cards & 395 coats for families and individuals enrolled in our programming!
All coats and gift cards collected will be distributed to newly arrived refugees and immigrants in Atlanta, GA.
Gift Cards: Not all of our families are necessarily in need of a coat, but they’re definitely in need of support to make Christmas special given the financial hardships they face every day. The kids we serve in our Unaccompanied Minors program really benefit from getting a gift card that helps them choose something special for themselves especially since family dynamics might be different because of limited family reunification options.
You can sign up to donate a coat or gift card here.
Please mail donations to Hope Tree INSPIRITUS 731 Peachtree Street NE, Suite B, Atlanta, GA 30308 by December 12th.
If you prefer to make a monetary donation to the Hope Tree Christmas fund, we will use the funds to purchase needed winter coats. You can send donations to: www.weinspirit.org/donate and select "Hope Tree". Please include “RIS Atlanta Donation” in the comment section.
Inspiritus Refugee & Immigrant Services: Birmingham, AL
Inspiritus’ Refugee & Immigrant Services has also expanded to Birmingham, making this this our first year celebrating Hope Tree in Alabama! Our goal is to collect 40 Visa, Walmart, or Amazon gift cards & 100 coats for families and individuals enrolled in this programming!
All coats and gift cards collected will be distributed to newly arrived refugees and immigrants in Birmingham, AL.
Gift Cards: Not all of our families are necessarily in need of a coat, but they’re definitely in need of support to make Christmas special given the financial hardships they face every day. The kids we serve in our Unaccompanied Minors program really benefit from getting a gift card that helps them choose something special for themselves especially since family dynamics might be different because of limited family reunification options.
You can sign up to donate a coat or gift card here.
Please mail donations to Hope Tree INSPIRITUS 117 Southcrest Drive Ste. 104 Birmingham, AL 35209 by December 12th.
If you prefer to make a monetary donation to the Hope Tree Christmas fund, we will use the funds to purchase needed winter coats. You can send donations to: www.weinspirit.org/donate and select "Hope Tree". Please include “RIS Birmingham Donation” in the comment section.
Inspiritus Refugee & Immigrant Services: Savannah, GA
Inspiritus Savannah is collecting coats! Our goal is to collect 84 coats for our newest neighbors. All coats collected will be distributed to newly arrived refugees and immigrants in Savannah, GA.
You can sign up to donate a coat or gift card here.
Please mail donations to Hope Tree INSPIRITUS 106 Oglethorpe Professional Court, STE C Savannah, GA 31406 by December 12th.
If you prefer to make a monetary donation to the Hope Tree Christmas fund, we will use the funds to purchase needed winter coats. You can send donations to: www.weinspirit.org/donate and select "Hope Tree". Please include “RIS Savannah Donation” in the comment section.
Inspiritus Children & Family Services: Metro Atlanta & Northwest GA
Inspiritus’ Children & Family Services is collecting Walmart gift cards! Our goal is to collect 50 gift cards for children and families enrolled in our programming.
All gift cards will be used to purchase Wishlist gift items for youth and be distributed to foster parents as a holiday token of appreciation!
Gift card donations can be sent to: Inspiritus P.O. Box 1091 Hampton, GA 30228 by December 12th.
If you prefer to make a monetary donation to the Hope Tree Christmas fund, we will use the funds to purchase needed gift cards. You can send donations to: www.weinspirit.org/donate and select "Hope Tree". Please include “Foster Care Donation” in the comment section.
If you have questions, please reach out to Sherise Boston, Operations Manager, at Sherise.Boston@weinspirit.org or 404-875-0201 (ext. 1010).
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.
Also, be sure to join us for #GivingTuesday - the Global Day of Giving on Tuesday, Nov 29, 2022.
We're proud to be a part of this global celebration of giving through GAGives. In this time of uncertainty, there's a fundamental truth that gives us hope - that together we can do extraordinary things.
Save the date and be sure to bookmark this link:
https://www.gagives.org/organization/Inspiritus
With Gratitude,
Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus
Dear Valued Partner,
Inspiritus Mailing Address Change:
If the following mailing address is on file, please update it as it is no longer active: P.O. BOX 7829 ATLANTA, GA 30357
Kindly update the mailing address on record for Inspiritus to the following:
731 PEACHTREE STREET NE, SUITE B ATLANTA, GA 30308
Why the Change?
On very short notice, the Post Office location housing our P.O. Box 7829 in Atlanta recently moved. Moving forward, Inspiritus has determined that it is in our best interests to receive mail directly at our Atlanta Office location at 731 Peachtree Street NE, Suite B Atlanta, GA 30308.
What if I Sent Mail to the P.O. Box?
There are delays: items mailed to the P.O. Box 7829 during the period of February-April 2022 may experience a 2-6 week delay before we receive it.
Mail that has already been sent to the P.O. Box is still being sorted by the Postal Service with delays resulting from their post office location move. Once the mail is sorted by the Postal Service, it is being forwarded to Inspiritus.
Moving forward, mail intended for Inspiritus should not be sent to our former P.O. Box 7829.
Who Can I Contact at Inspiritus?
If you mailed donation or grant correspondence you would like to discuss, please contact Kim Wilson: kimberly.wilson@weinspirit.org
If you mailed billing or other correspondence you would like to discuss, please contact Sherise Boston: sherise.boston@weinspirit.org
We regret any inconvenience this update may cause and look forward to assisting you.
Sincerely,
Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus
Dear Valued Partner,
Inspiritus Mailing Address Change:
If the following mailing address is on file, please update it as it is no longer active: P.O. BOX 7829 ATLANTA, GA 30357 Kindly update the mailing address on record for Inspiritus to the following: 731 PEACHTREE STREET NE, SUITE B ATLANTA, GA 30308
Why the Change?
On very short notice, the Post Office location housing our P.O. Box 7829 in Atlanta recently moved. Moving forward, Inspiritus has determined that it is in our best interests to receive mail directly at our Atlanta Office location at 731 Peachtree Street NE, Suite B Atlanta, GA 30308.
What if I Sent Mail to the P.O. Box?
There are delays: items mailed to the P.O. Box 7829 during the period of February-April 2022 may experience a 2-6 week delay before we receive it.
Mail that has already been sent to the P.O. Box is still being sorted by the Postal Service with delays resulting from their post office location move. Once the mail is sorted by the Postal Service, it is being forwarded to Inspiritus.
Moving forward, mail intended for Inspiritus should not be sent to our former P.O. Box 7829.
Who Can I Contact at Inspiritus?
If you mailed donation or grant correspondence you would like to discuss, please contact Kim Wilson: kimberly.wilson@weinspirit.org
If you mailed billing or other correspondence you would like to discuss, please contact Sherise Boston: sherise.boston@weinspirit.org
We regret any inconvenience this update may cause and look forward to assisting you.
Sincerely,
Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus
At this time, the United States is not expecting to receive Ukrainian refugees. It is currently anticipated that Ukrainian refugees will be accepted by European nations. We will continue to watch and be ready to assist refugees from this war in the future, if the United States government makes the determination to do so.
Where will they go? At this time, Ukraine’s neighboring countries, including Poland, Romania, Moldova, Hungary, and Slovakia, have indicated they will accept Ukrainian refugees. Central Europe is already home to millions of Ukrainians, given the region’s close geographical and cultural ties to their home country. It is unlikely, however, that these nations could successfully support a surge of millions of refugees without the support of the U.S. and the wider international community.
We will continue to monitor this situation and update you on new ways you can help, if changes occur.
We invite you to join with us in accordance with your personal faith and beliefs in prayer for those impacted by this war.
An Interfaith Prayer
Love and Peace,
We pray for all people — men, women and children—
whose lives are in peril in the Ukraine and throughout the world.
We pray for the vision to see
and the faith to believe in a world emancipated from violence.
Heal the wounds of mind, body and spirit that occur due to the violence in our world.
Help us to devote ourselves to the task of making peace in our own neighborhoods and around the world. No one is hidden from your love.
Help us be home to others. Help us manifest your love and peace to the world.
Inspiritus stands in solidarity with our neighbors impacted by the war on Ukraine and we pray for peace, healing, and resolution for all of those impacted. We invite you to repost and share a message of support, on all social media platforms, for our Ukrainian neighbors including: #StandWithUkraine.
Thank you for your continued support for the important work of Inspiritus in empowering those impacted by wars, disasters, and life-changing events locally and abroad. We are grateful for your compassion and commitment to empowering survivors to go from surviving to thriving. Thank you!
(Nashville, Tennessee) – August 23, 2021
Due to rising COVID-19 cases, the decision has been made to reschedule the 1st Annual Disaster Relief Concert benefiting homeowners assisted by Inspiritus Disaster Relief efforts in Middle Tennessee. Originally planned for Sunday, August 29, 2021 at Hop Springs Murfreesboro, Craig Campbell, CJ Solar, Presley & Taylor, Mark McKay and Liam Coleman were scheduled to perform and comedian Reno Collier was set to guest host and emcee.
“We appreciate all of the artists who committed to perform, Hop Springs for hosting, our media partners Cumulus Radio and the Murfreesboro Pulse and all of the volunteers who were working tirelessly on this fun event,” said Virginia Spencer of Inspiritus. “The needs are still great, as many families in Davidson, Wilson, and Putnam counties still need our help restoring their homes from the floods and tornados. With the help of our partners and generous volunteers across Middle Tennessee, Inspiritus is determined to help them return home again. To donate to help these families: www.weinspirit.org/donate.”
Fans can still support disaster relief – and be a hero to yourself, spouse or significant other – by visiting the Kendra Scott Green Hills location in the Hill Center, 4025 Hillsboro Pike, Suite 505. Shoppers who mention Inspiritus when making jewelry purchases August 26-28, 2021 will have 20% of their purchases donated to the Inspiritus Disaster Relief Fund.
Visit https://kendrascottxinspiritus.splashthat.com for more details and to shop online.
For ticket refund information, visit www.bit.ly/InspiritusConcert.
About Inspiritus:
Inspiritus is a nonprofit social service agency that guides individuals and families whose lives have been disrupted on a path from surviving to thriving. In 2019, Lutheran Services in Tennessee and Lutheran Services of Georgia joined forces and became known as Inspiritus. The name “Inspiritus” derives from the latin term “inspirit”, which means “to fill with strength or courage.” To “inspirit” is what Inspiritus does. Inspiritus helps individuals and families discover their inner strength and resilience, leading to a more fulfilling life. See www.weinspirit.org to learn more or donate.
For more information, contact: Craig Campbell, craig@campbellentgrp.com
'We should just come together.' Murfreesboro kids work with art therapist, design mural about racism.
Last week, News Channel 5 featured students at the McFadden Community Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The kids worked with Devon Billions-Gomez, an Inspiritus art therapist, on a mural designed to help process the difficult issue of racism in the world.
"Bright no matter the color" was the centerpiece of the mural. It was a quote submitted by 13-year-old Inspiritus Thrive Studios artist, Mackensie Hall.
Watch the coverage by clicking on the image below:
Many of the kids expressed a desire for racism to be erased and tackled the difficult subject by painting a vibrant rainbow and fists in different skin colors.
"The kids need to know their voices matter...they are having their own full life experiences just as much as we are."
– Devon Billions-Gomez, Inspiritus Art Therapist
Last month, another one of our murals was featured in the news thanks to the hard work and dedication of Inspiritus art therapist, Devon Billions-Gomez.
This mural was created by artist Omari Booker and children from the Cheatham Place public housing community in North Nashville. Devon and Omari worked closely with the kids to create this mural currently on view at the Local Distro building in Nashville.
Please consider a donation to our Thrive Studios Program so we can continue to empower these children on their path from surviving to thriving!
With Gratitude,
Janet Arning
Middle Tennessee Regional Director
Inspiritus
As we look back on 2022, this year tells a story of resilience, strength, and determination despite the storms of life that affect each of us and those we have the honor of serving. From the family arriving from a war-torn country with nothing but the clothes on their back who is given a warm home and welcome from Inspiritus staff and volunteers in Alabama, Georgia, or Tennessee, to the disabled senior veteran whose home has been restored after the tornado (or flood, or hurricane) hit both his home and his hope. On behalf of the 8,504 survivors we accompanied this year through life’s storms, thank you for your compassion and commitment to empowering each one on their path from Surviving to Thriving.
Watch Our New Series!
Moeen Amini, Interpreter for the U.S. Military in Afghanistan, was interviewed by Allied News. He reflected, “We really lost hope to live. We faced a lot of Taliban checkpoints. I cannot explain how hard it was facing those people. You know, seeing hundreds of people with guns and stopping us and asking us, ‘Who you are, where are you going? And why are you leaving the country? Are you people the U.S. military supporters, is that why you’re leaving the country?'"
Moeen and his family were resettled in Clarkston, Georgia. Upon arrival, however, no one was willing to hire him. Thanks to supporters like you who help us respond to the urgent needs of refugees, like the newly arriving families from Afghanistan, Moeen and hundreds of others have found housing, work, and schooling this year.
Inspiritus’ mission is to empower families to do more than survive…but to also thrive. In 2022, the Inspiritus Refugee and Immigrant Services team pivoted from resettlement of Afghan Allies to the ‘Long Welcome’— the extended period after a family is housed, when our teams help them pursue upskilling and securing career recertifications so they can earn enough income to fully support their families. We are also helping them to apply for permanent immigration status. Your donations make it possible for families like Moeen’s to thrive again.
Elizabeth Moore and her husband rushed to get their children to safety as 6 feet of water filled their home, making it uninhabitable. They applied for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and were rejected three times. On July 26, Inspiritus deployed a team to East Kentucky to provide the critical help needed after these flash floods. Inspiritus leaders helped homeowners, like Elizabeth, navigate FEMA, and volunteers worked endlessly to clean up the debris from flood ravaged homes.
This year, Inspiritus deployed Response teams to help give hope to thousands of survivors impacted by the Mayfield Tornado, East Kentucky Floods, and Hurricane Ian.
In addition, Inspiritus Recovery teams repaired 70+ homes this year in Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky. When partners like you support our work on the ground, we can deploy teams faster to help the most vulnerable recover. Prayerfully consider donating or volunteering today with our disaster relief efforts.
We have come a long way as Inspiritus celebrates almost four years since we merged the organizations of Lutheran Services in Tennessee and Lutheran Services of Georgia. From the beginning, we have dreamed of ways to better meet the local community’s increasing needs from our site at the old St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. We are excited to tell you that we are on the verge of that dream being realized.
In the coming months, you will hear more about Inspiritus’ Campus Redevelopment that will expand our reach with 8,000 square feet of program space including a flagship “client choice grocery market” food pantry, affordable housing for seniors, community enrichment spaces for Inspiritus empowerment programs, and other services. We will not be able to accomplish this redevelopment without your support. We hope you will consider making a pledge or monthly gift to support this campaign, and will let us know if you have any friends, family, organizations, or foundations who might want to learn more about how to partner with us in this effort.
Your gift will empower our neighbors with the supports they need to thrive, right where they are.
Our disaster relief teams have been on the ground in Middle Tennessee for nearly a year and a half, supporting the needs of families impacted by the 2020 Nashville Tornado, as well as those more recently affected by the floods in March of 2021. Inspiritus has been working closely with our inspiring local partners to respond to the floods: Hands On Nashville, Nashville VOAD, Tennessee VOAD, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, and the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA.
READ HOW INSPIRITUS DISASTER RELIEF RESPONDED TO THE 2021 MIDDLE TENNESSEE FLOODS
Our Children and Family Services teams have been immersed in grant and funding application season while continuing to serve more families through our PSSF (Promoting Safe and Stable Families) contract, plus we're opening new foster care homes!
We've been busy with our various programs: including the A+ Parents Program which involves comprehensive education for families at risk of intervention.
Our Middle Tennessee programs continue to thrive: Inspiritus was selected as a 2021 Thrivent Choice Program Recipient! We are also celebrating 10 years of gardening at Cheatham Place, and to date 200+ gardens have been planted by residents in low-income communities. Our Thrive Studios Youth Arts 'spring breakers' completed a mural with artist Omari Booker, which can be seen on the “Local Distro” building-read more here.
READ HOW INSPIRITUS HAS HELPED EMPOWER CHARLIE TO BECOME SELF-SUFFICIENT
We continue to need your support to keep our programs and services well-equipped to make a difference. Please consider making your end-of-year donation to Inspiritus. We are so grateful for supporters like you. We wish you safe and healthy holiday season!
©2024 Inspiritus 501(c)(3)
731 Peachtree Street NE, Suite. B, Atlanta, Ga 30308
Phone 404-875-0201 Or 800-875-5645
