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

Dear Friend,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

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

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

Dear Friend,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,

John R. Moeller Jr.
President & CEO
Inspiritus





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

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

Dear Friend,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,

John R. Moeller Jr.
President & CEO
Inspiritus



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

Urgent Appeal: Help Keep Refugee Families Housed This March

Dear Friend,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With gratitude,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

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

Urgent Appeal: Help Keep Refugee Families Housed This March

Dear Friend,

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

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

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

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

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

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

With hope,

Mary Armstrong-Reiner
Hunger Walk Coordinator
Inspiritus

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

Dear Friend,

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

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

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

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

Here’s How You Can Take Action: 

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

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

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

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

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

Together, we can ensure that no family goes hungry. 

With hope,

Mary Armstrong-Reiner
Hunger Walk Coordinator
Inspiritus

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

Dear Friend,

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

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

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

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

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

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

BUT YOU CAN CHANGE THAT:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,

Aimee Zangandou
Executive Director
Inspiritus Refugee & Immigrant Services

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

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

Dear Friend,

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

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

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

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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

Together, We Can Make This a Season of Hope

Dear Friend,

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

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

HERE'S HOW YOU CAN STILL GET INVOLVED:

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

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

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

VIEW OUR AMAZON WISHLISTS:

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

• Atlanta - Purchase Gift Cards & Coats HERE

• Birmingham - Purchase Gift Cards & Coats HERE

• Nashville - Purchase Gift Cards & Coats HERE

• Savannah - Purchase Gift Cards & Coats HERE

WHERE TO MAIL YOUR DONATION:

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

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

Nashville Office: 297 Haywood Lane, Nashville, TN 37211

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,

Aimee Zangandou
Executive Director
Refugees & Immigrants Services
Inspiritus

Help Us Defend Dignity and Safety for All

Dear Friend,

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

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

WE URGENTLY NEED YOUR HELP TO CONTINUE THIS WORK.

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

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

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

Sincerely,

John Moeller
President & CEO
Inspiritus

Hope for the Holidays

Dear Friend,

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHERE TO MAIL YOUR DONATION:

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

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

Nashville Office: 297 Haywood Lane, Nashville, TN 37211

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

WHERE TO PURCHASE COATS & GIFT CARDS:

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

• Atlanta - Purchase Gift Cards & Coats HERE

• Birmingham - Purchase Gift Cards & Coats HERE

• Nashville - Purchase Gift Cards & Coats HERE

• Savannah - Purchase Gift Cards & Coats HERE

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

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

Sincerely,

Aimee Zangandou
Executive Director
Refugees & Immigrants Services
Inspiritus

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

Dear Friend,

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

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

Meet Josh Muehlendorf:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

We Cannot Do This Alone

Dear Friend,

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Our Commitment Stands.

Dear Friend,

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

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,

John Moeller
Chief Executive Officer
Inspiritus

Birmingham Fire Chief Addresses Refugee

Dear Friend,

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

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

Meet Chief Cory Moon:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,

Sincerely,

Aimee Zangandou
Executive Director
Refugee & Immigrant Services Program
Inspiritus