Day 12: Middle Tennessee Flooding Update

Dear Friend,

Inspiritus Response teams are still on the ground in Waverly, Tennessee following last week’s deadly flash floods, and will serve this community for at least a month.

This work would not be possible without hundreds of HEROIC volunteers, including those who have driven in locally, as well as Team Leads who have come in from around the country and are living at our local Volunteer Housing Camp for the month.

Volunteers from across the country are welcomed and deployed at the Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) operating inside of a grocery store in Waverly, TN. The VRC is managed by Inspiritus in partnership with the County and TEMA.

There is an urgent need for assistance to continue the work of helping the hundreds of families whose homes were flooded last week. Inspiritus is committed to continuing our work in Middle Tennessee, both in communities impacted by last week’s floods, as well as in South Nashville, where the recovery efforts from earlier floods are just getting underway.

Inspiritus Disaster Relief Director, Sherry Buresh, helps us collaborate with other organizations who want to help. Shown here: Veteran owned Houston County Coffee Company from Erin, TN. (@hococoffeecompany)

WHAT WE ARE DOING (Day 12 Update)

• Volunteer Housing Camp: Inspiritus' Disaster Relief staff and team leads began arriving in Waverly, TN on August 22 and are living at a temporary Inspiritus Volunteer Responder Housing camp.

• Volunteer Reception Center: Our team has established a Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) in Humphreys County, in partnership with the County and TEMA. The VRC is operating in front of the Dollar Tree in Waverly, TN. (The purpose of a VRC in a disaster zone is to provide a location where all volunteers who show up to help can register and be assigned to organized projects where they are needed most.)

• Assistance Call Center: The call center has been relocated to operate in the VRC and is being supported by Inspiritus oversight. (A Call Center receives requests for assistance and aid.)

• Distribution Resource Center: Inspiritus teams are helping manage the Distribution Resource Center at the Humphreys County fairgrounds. (A Distribution Resource Center is established as a centralized resource where donated resources are received and redistributed to multiple distribution sites throughout the impacted communities.)

• Debris Removal, Muck & Gut: Our team leads are actively deploying volunteers to provide debris removal and muck & gut services. (Debris Removal: Volunteers use chainsaws, heavy equipment and gloves to remove fallen trees and debris. Muck & Gut: Volunteers wear full body safety gear to enter flooded homes and remove damaged sheetrock, cabinetry, flooring, belongings, etc. These free services often save each homeowner up to $30,000.)

• Demolition: Volunteers are actively deploying to conduct heavy equipment demolition of private properties.
  

HOW YOU CAN HELP

DONATE

Donate to Inspiritus: The more funding we raise, the longer our teams can stay on the ground helping homeowners impacted by the flooding. Your support will provide free debris removal, muck & gut services and property demolition to families affected by the storm, especially those who can't recover without help.

Donate to The Southeastern Synod of the ELCA: Donations may also be made to support the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA disaster relief efforts (i.e. volunteer mobilization, emotional and spiritual care, material resources to help families, etc.). Donations may be made here.

VOLUNTEER

Prayerfully consider joining us in Waverly, TN between September 2-18. Please contact Sherry Buresh: sherry.buresh@weinspirit.org.

An Inspiritus Volunteer meets with a homeowner to assess their needs before sending out a volunteer team to remove flood damaged flooring, sheet rock and cabinetry.

OUR PARTNERS

Inspiritus' teams could not serve without the support of our partners. The Southeastern Synod of the ELCA has generously provided a $10,000 contribution to help rapidly deploy Inspiritus teams to Waverly, TN. With this support, we are helping to setup and manage the Volunteer Reception Center, Volunteer Responders Housing Camp, and training and deploying volunteer teams to provide homeowners with debris removal and muck & gut services.

Additional partners collaborating with us include:

• Lowe's

• International Orthodox Christian Charities

• Mennonite Disaster Services

• Airlink

• Information Technology Disaster Resource Center

• Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA)

• Tennessee Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (TN VOAD)

• Toolbank USA

• Humphreys County Emergency Management Office

• Incident Commander & Sheriff's Office

Please continue to join us in prayer for those families impacted, and for the strength of the volunteers serving on the ground now. Thank you for your support!

Sincerely,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

UPDATE: Afghan Families are Arriving Now

Welcome Our Afghan Allies to Georgia.

Inspiritus staff and partners have welcomed the first Afghan allies family we are resettling in Georgia, following the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban in August 2021. For those of you following the journey of the first two families arriving, this is the second family Inspiritus expected...they arrived first! Upon arriving on American soil, a hotel worker drove them across the country to help them arrive to their new home in Atlanta as fast as possible. We will provide an update soon on the next family to arrive in Savannah, Georgia.

(Left to right: Becca, Alix & Kimberlie) Inspiritus Refugee & Immigrant Services staff provided a warm welcome to the family.

Ahmad (a former Afghan refugee himself), an Inspiritus employee and Afghan advocate, helped welcome the first arrivals by sharing a meal, lovingly prepared by his family.

Inspiritus has a long history of welcoming refugees and Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders to Georgia and accompanying them on their journey from surviving to thriving in Georgia. Inspiritus has been approved by the U.S. government to resettle and support an estimated 15-25 Afghan families (mostly children) into the metro Atlanta and Savannah areas over the next 6 months. Please continue to pray for the families we are awaiting.

You can help. Here’s how:

So many of our readers have begun to donate to this cause. Thank you. 100% of your donated funds will directly support Afghan families resettling in Georgia. If you have not yet given, we invite you to prayerfully consider joining us in this mission.

When our Afghan allies and their families arrive at Inspiritus, they often have little more than the clothes on their backs. In some cases, there can be a gap between the families’ arrivals and the services they are eligible to receive through the United States resettlement program.

This is where you can help. Your financial support to sponsor an Afghan family will provide food, housing assistance, clothing, and other basic needs for our newest neighbors.

We need your urgent help to give them the hero’s welcome they deserve.

Many of our friends and colleagues want to help but don’t know how. Share this fundraiser, or host your own, and empower your friends to directly support Afghan families that Inspiritus will be resettling in Georgia. In addition to the two families we are welcoming, the Inspiritus teams in Atlanta and Savannah are preparing to resettle an estimated 15-25 Afghan families as they are able to safely travel to the United States. Follow this Fundraiser for updates on the status of these families.

As we anticipate to support a large influx of Afghan SIVs, securing affordable housing is our number one priority. If you live within 50 miles of Atlanta or Savannah, Georgia, and are willing to provide temporary housing in your home or have a rental property you would like to make available, please let us know. For more information, please email Sarah Burke.

You may also consider purchasing items from our Amazon Wish List or sharing it with your friends and family. The gift cards, household and personal care items purchased from our Amazon Wish List will go directly to the families we are helping to resettle in Georgia.

Lift up your hearts in prayer for our Afghan friends. Visit LIRS’ website for both a Christian and an interfaith prayer.

Sincerely,

Aimee Zangandou
Director of Refugee and Immigrant Services
Inspiritus

Day 9: Middle Tennessee Flooding and Hurricane Ida Preparations

Dear Friend,

We are following the path of Hurricane Ida and praying for the families impacted. Strong projections indicate that Hurricane Ida will arrive in Middle Tennessee at 2pm (CT), today. Inspiritus Response teams are still on the ground in Waverly, Tennessee following last week’s deadly flash floods. All operations in Waverly will shut down today at 1:30pm (CT), to allow staff and volunteers to shelter in our base camp, where there is a lower risk of flooding.

All weekend, our teams and thousands of volunteers focused on supporting local mitigation efforts to prepare for the arrival of Ida in Tennessee. Volunteers used heavy machinery and chainsaws to conduct a massive debris removal effort, to prevent debris from last week’s flash floods from causing further damages to the homes and infrastructure already impacted.

There is an urgent need for assistance to continue the work of helping the hundreds of families whose homes were flooded last week. These families are now at risk of a “double disaster” as Hurricane Ida arrives this afternoon. Inspiritus teams are committed to continuing our help in Middle Tennessee, both in communities impacted by last week’s floods, as well as in South Nashville, where the recovery efforts from earlier floods are just getting underway.

As we continue to assess the damages caused by Hurricane Ida, we will update you with ways you can help.

WHAT WE ARE DOING (Day 9 Update)

• Volunteer Housing Camp: Inspiritus' Disaster Relief staff and team leads began arriving in Waverly, TN on August 22 and have setup an Inspiritus Volunteer Responder Housing camp near Waverly, TN

• Volunteer Reception Center: Our team has established a Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) in Humphreys County, in partnership with the County and TEMA. The VRC is operating in front of the Dollar Tree in Waverly, TN. (The purpose of a VRC in a disaster zone is to provide a location where all volunteers who show up to help can register and be assigned to organized projects where they are needed most.)

• Assistance Call Center: The call center has been relocated to operate in the VRC and is being supported by Inspiritus oversight. (A Call Center receives requests for assistance and aid.)

• Distribution Resource Center: Inspiritus teams are helping manage the Distribution Resource Center at the Humphreys County fairgrounds. (A Distribution Resource Center is established as a centralized resource where donated resources are received and redistributed to multiple distribution sites throughout the impacted communities.)

• Debris Removal, Muck & Gut: Our team leads are actively deploying volunteers to provide debris removal and muck & gut services. (Debris Removal: Volunteers use chainsaws, heavy equipment and gloves to remove fallen trees and debris. Muck & Gut: Volunteers wear full body safety gear to enter flooded homes and remove damaged sheetrock, cabinetry, flooring, belongings, etc. These free services often save each homeowner up to $30,000.)

• Demolition: Volunteers are actively deploying to conduct heavy equipment demolition of private properties.
  

  As Hurricane Ida is anticipated to arrive at 2pm (CT) today, our operations will shut-down by 1:30pm (CT) to allow staff and volunteers to shelter in a safe place that is low risk from flooding.
  

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 homeowners impacted by the flooding. Your support will provide free debris removal, muck & gut services and property demolition to help families affected by the storm, especially those who can't recover without help.

Donate to The Southeastern Synod of the ELCA: Donations may also be made to support the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA disaster relief efforts (i.e. volunteer mobilization, emotional and spiritual care, material resources to help families, etc.). Donations may be made here.

VOLUNTEER

Prayerfully consider joining us in the following weeks. Opportunities to volunteer will be communicated soon.

OUR PARTNERS

Inspiritus' teams could not serve without the support of our partners. The Southeastern Synod of the ELCA has generously provided a $10,000 contribution to help rapidly deploy Inspiritus teams to Waverly, TN. With this support, we are helping to setup and manage the Volunteer Reception Center, Volunteer Responders Housing Camp, and training and deploying volunteer teams to provide homeowners with debris removal and muck & gut services.

Additional partners collaborating with us include:

• Airlink

• Information Technology Disaster Resource Center

• Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA)

• Tennessee Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (TN VOAD)

• Toolbank USA

• Humphreys County Emergency Management Office

• Incident Commander & Sheriff's Office

Please continue to join us in prayer for those families impacted, those in danger still, and for the strength of the volunteers serving on the ground now.

Sincerely,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

URGENT: Updates on families from Kabul

Our Afghan Allies need your help.

Inspiritus has a long history of welcoming refugees and Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders to Georgia and accompanying them on their journey from surviving to thriving in Georgia. Inspiritus is monitoring the situation very closely and our teams in Atlanta and Savannah are prepared to rapidly resettle and support a large influx of Afghan SIVs into the metro Atlanta and Savannah areas in response to this humanitarian crisis.

The U.S. government has already approved 14 Afghans (two families, mostly children) for Inspiritus to resettle and we are closely following their efforts to escape Afghanistan. These families had flights arranged to fly to Georgia last week but as Kabul fell to the Taliban last Sunday, all travel arrangements were shut down. These families are in grave danger as they attempt to enter the Kabul airport access points, but have been unable to enter due to the crowds and Taliban violence.

In light of the violence and explosions at the Kabul airport yesterday, we would like to share updates on the two Afghan SIV families we are awaiting now:

After a terrifying week, and five attempts to make it through the crowds and Taliban violence into the Kabul airport, one of the Inspiritus families made it into the airport last night with their children. They have since flown to Qatar, and flights have been arranged to bring them to the USA. We anticipate that we will likely be able to resettle them in Savannah, GA soon after their arrival, where Inspiritus staff and local volunteers and churches eagerly await them. We will keep you posted.

Please continue to pray for the second family we are awaiting. They have not yet been able to get safely inside the Kabul airport, but we have heard from them following today’s bombing, and they are safe and were not in the vicinity when it occurred. Prayers for their continued safety and successful escape. We have received word that Inspiritus will be requested to resettle many more Afghan families soon.

You can help. Here’s how:

So many of our readers have begun to donate to this cause. Thank you. 100% of your donated funds will directly support Afghan families resettling in Georgia. If you have not yet given, we invite you to prayerfully consider joining us in this mission.

When our Afghan allies and their families arrive at Inspiritus, they often have little more than the clothes on their backs. In some cases, there can be a 5-7 day gap between the families’ arrivals and the services they are eligible to receive through the United States resettlement program.

This is where you can help. Your financial support to sponsor an Afghan family will provide food, housing assistance, clothing, and other basic needs for our Afghan friends as they await the official services available to them through the US government.

We need your urgent help to give them the hero’s welcome they deserve

Many of our friends and colleagues want to help but don’t know how. Share this fundraiser, or host your own, and empower your friends to directly support Afghan families that Inspiritus will be resettling in Georgia. The U.S. government has already approved 14 Afghans for Inspiritus to resettle and we expect many more to come as soon as they are able to safely travel to the United States. Follow this Fundraiser for updates on the status of these families.

Contact your Members of Congress and the White House and demand they prioritize the evacuation of Afghan allies and urge them to provide urgent humanitarian protections, including immediate evacuation, for those who have put their lives on the line for our country and are now at risk.

Here is a sample script to use when calling your Members of Congress.

“Hello, my name is ______, and I am a resident of ______, GA. I am very concerned for the safety of Afghan allies who remain in Afghanistan after the recent government collapse. These allies put their lives and the lives of their families at risk to support the U.S. military. It is now time to protect them as they face imminent, immediate threat from the Taliban. First, we must urge the Biden administration to evacuate all of our Afghan allies. Secondly, we must improve and expedite the SIV program for Afghan nationals who have supported the U.S. military. We must push the Biden administration to provide a comprehensive evacuation plan that prioritizes the safety of the Afghan allies and others who are vulnerable. Thank you.

Senator Jon Ossoff: 202 224-3521

Senator Raphael Warnock: (202) 224-3643

To find your representative, please visit this link.

As we anticipate to support a large influx of Afghan SIVs, securing affordable housing is our number one priority. If you live within 50 miles of Atlanta or Savannah, Georgia, and are willing to provide temporary housing in your home or have a rental property you would like to make available, please let us know. For more information, please email Sarah Burke.

Lift up your hearts in prayer for our Afghan friends. Visit LIRS’ website for both a Christian and an interfaith prayer.

This situation has been heartbreaking for our Afghan staff, community, and the Refugee and Immigrant Services team. We hope to have good news to share with you soon.

– Aimee Zangandou
Director of Refugee and Immigrant Services
Inspiritus

Inspiritus Disaster Relief Concert Canceled

Concert Supporting Middle Tennessee Homes Impacted By Tornado/Floods Set For August 29, 2021 At Hop Springs Murfreesboro To Be Rescheduled

(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

URGENT: Help Welcome Afghan Allies to Georgia

Our Afghan Allies need your help.

What is happening in Afghanistan is devastating. Inspiritus is greatly concerned about the well-being and safety of human life in grave danger of Taliban retaliation. We stand in solidarity with our Afghani allies and their families.

Inspiritus has a long history of welcoming refugees and Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders to Georgia and accompanying them on their journey from surviving to thriving in Georgia. Inspiritus is monitoring the situation very closely and our teams in Atlanta and Savannah are prepared to rapidly resettle and support a large influx of Afghan SIVs into the metro Atlanta and Savannah areas in response to this humanitarian crisis.

You can help. Here’s how:

When our Afghan allies and their families arrive at Inspiritus, they often have little more than the clothes on their backs. In some cases, there can be a 5-7 day gap between the families’ arrivals and the services they are eligible to receive through the United States resettlement program.

This is where you can help. Your financial support to sponsor an Afghan family will provide food, housing assistance, clothing, and other basic needs for our Afghan friends as they await the official services available to them through Inspiritus.

We need your urgent help to give them the hero’s welcome they deserve.

Many of our friends and colleagues want to help but don’t know how. Share this fundraiser, or host your own, and empower your friends to directly support Afghan families that Inspiritus will be resettling in Georgia. The U.S. government has already approved 14 Afghans for Inspiritus to resettle and we expect many more to come as soon as they are able to safely travel to the United States.

Contact your Members of Congress and the Biden Administration and demand they prioritize the evacuation of Afghan allies and urge them to provide urgent humanitarian protections, including immediate evacuation, for those who have put their lives on the line for our country and are now at risk.

Here is a sample script to use when calling your Members of Congress.

“Hello, my name is ______, and I am a resident of ______, GA. I am very concerned for the safety of Afghan allies who remain in Afghanistan after the recent government collapse. These allies put their lives and the lives of their families at risk to support the U.S. military. It is now time to protect them as they face imminent, immediate threat from the Taliban. First, we must urge the Biden administration to evacuate all of our Afghan allies. Secondly, we must improve and expedite the SIV program for Afghan nationals who have supported the U.S. military. We must push the Biden administration to provide a comprehensive evacuation plan that prioritizes the safety of the Afghan allies and others who are vulnerable. Thank you.

Senator Jon Ossoff: 202 224-3521

Senator Raphael Warnock: (202) 224-3643

To find your representative, please visit this link.

As we anticipate to support a large influx of Afghan SIVs, securing affordable housing is our number one priority. If you live within 50 miles of Atlanta or Savannah, Georgia, and are willing to provide temporary housing in your home, please let us know.

For more information on volunteering, please email Sarah Burke.

Lift up your hearts in prayer for our Afghan friends. Visit LIRS’ website for both a Christian and an interfaith prayer.

This situation is very heartbreaking for our Afghan staff, community, and the Refugee and Immigrant Services team.

– Aimee Zangandou
Director of Refugee and Immigrant Services
Inspiritus

A Statement on the Afghanistan Crisis

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

More than 300,000 Afghan allies who worked with the United States have been placed in mortal danger following the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan. We urge the U.S. government to do everything possible to evacuate all those who put their lives in danger by supporting U.S. missions during the past 20 years. We call on world leaders to advocate for an immediate ceasefire and support a peaceful settlement to the conflict. We stand with the people of Afghanistan who are in danger, including those who are at risk due to their collaborations with the U.S. military, especially the families and friends of Inspiritus staff and colleagues.

Inspiritus guides individuals and families on a path from surviving to thriving. We empower those whose lives have been disrupted to discover their strengths and resilience, accompanying them as they grow into vibrant contributors to their community.

Inspiritus’ Refugee & Immigrant Services program partners with the U.S. Department of State: Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service as a local affiliate to empower refugees and Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders to resettle and thrive in Georgia. We also work in local partnership with the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA, along with many local businesses, congregations, and individuals.

Our teams are prepared to rapidly resettle and support a large influx of Afghan SIVs into the metro Atlanta and Savannah areas as a result of this conflict. We will update you soon with ways you can help.

With a heavy heart,

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

For media inquiries: weinspirit.org/expertsresource or contact Dan Curran at 770-658-9586

Photo cred: NBC News

Inspiritus Art Therapy Projects in the News!

'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

We Stand With All Dreamers

Dear Friends,

We are disheartened and disappointed to learn of the recent ruling on DACA that prohibits the Department of Homeland Security from approving new applications to this vital program. We stand in solidarity with all dreamers and call for a compassionate immigration system that recognizes their incredible contributions and creates a pathway to citizenship in the only home they’ve ever known.

On Friday July 16, 2021, a federal judge partially struck down the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. This ruling prevents future applications. As result, 81,000 first-time DACA applicants will now not be eligible for DACA protections. Such a ruling goes against our very mission of empowering those whose lives have been disrupted to discover their strengths and resilience in their pursuit of a path to freedom.

Since 2012, DACA has granted these youth with long-awaited protection from deportation. This opens potentially bright new pathways for jobs, scholarships and travel for many individuals who were brought into the United States as children.

As an organization that works with individuals seeking asylum in the United States, let's continue to advocate for reform that includes a path to citizenship for all dreamers. Your support is so important as Inspiritus continues the important work of empowering our neighbors on their journey from surviving to thriving.

Kind Regards,

Aimee Zangandou
Director of Refugee and Immigrant Services
Inspiritus

Your Favorite Inspiritus Programs: 2022 Highlights

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.

READ HOW INSPIRITUS PROMOTES SAFE AND STABLE FAMILIES

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!

National Leaders Tour Our Refugee Services

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Inspiritus received official recognition for its refugee resettlement work recently, along with other agencies that serve newly arrived refugees. As part of the World Refugee Day celebration, Inspiritus was honored to host U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Brian P. McKeon and Nancy Izzo-Jackson, senior bureau official, Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) at our site in Clarkston last Friday.

This is the first official visit for Deputy Secretary McKeon and the first time a deputy secretary ever visited a local refugee community. Deputy Secretary McKeon was privileged to hear stories from a number of Inspiritus Refugee and Immigrant Services staff originating from Afghanistan, Iraq, Sudan, Guinea, and Democratic Republic of Congo (and staff positions ranging from Employment Coordinator, Employment Specialist, Social Adjustment Case Manager, Case Manager Team Lead, and Financial Coach). The Deputy Secretary was deeply moved by these stories and delighted in hearing about how they were living the Inspiritus mission of transitioning from “surviving to thriving”.

Politics aside, it was a high honor for Inspiritus to showcase its work and help federal officials learn about the real-world impact of the work made possible by our friends, partners, supporters, and communities.

Thank you to everyone who made this honor possible!

Kind Regards,

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

Celebrating 10 Years of Healthy Gardens!

Inspiritus' Healthy Gardens Program is *growing* strong!

After a 10-year success rate, Inspiritus' Healthy Gardens Program is expanding into new neighborhoods and communities. On Saturday, June 26th, we will plant raised-bed gardens at the historical Bradley Academy & Museum in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Inspiritus has also been asked to collaborate with Rosenwald Schools, a historical site in Bedford County, where we will be planting 10-20 raised garden beds (this site sits right next to a public housing community in Shelbyville, TN).

Our Healthy Gardens Program provides raised-bed gardens to teach and empower families living in public and subsidized-housing to grow their own fresh vegetables. These gardens increase the nutritional content of meals in the diets of families who often live in food deserts, struggle with transportation, and consume high fat and high salt content foods.

These gardens have proven to decrease a sense of isolation and promote healthy social interaction and support.

Cathy, one of our outstanding gardeners in Murfreesboro, had this to say about our program:

"It's awesome. I already ate 11 cucumbers and have lots of green big tomatoes. Next week, I'll be giving them away because I have so many! The lady at Salvation Army who feeds the homeless said she will take all the extras I have to make soup. I've already given them 2 sacks of sweet peas! Feels too good to give rather than get."

By raising gardens, individuals and families gain independence and responsibility as each garden is usually located right outside their home. Inspiritus provides everything a family needs to get started: raised-beds, soil, seeds, plants, tools, and on-going mentoring. Through this service, program participants are able to increase their self-esteem as they continue to garden successfully year after year - learning new techniques and sharing their experience with others in their community.

In honor of our 10th anniversary, please consider a donation to our Healthy Gardens Program so we can continue to empower these individuals and families on their path from surviving to thriving!

With Gratitude,

Janet Arning
Middle Tennessee Regional Director
Inspiritus

Action Alert: Help Protect Our Afghan Allies

Dear Friend,

Since 2002, the U.S. Government has employed Afghan allies to serve alongside U.S. troops, diplomats, and other government employees. Regrettably, these allies and their families soon became the targets of anti-American violence. They continue to be threatened, abducted, and targeted for their allegiance to the U.S. and NATO mission.

This issue is deeply personal to our Refugee and Immigrant Services team; multiple team members themselves fled Afghanistan for their lives as Special Immigrant Visa holders (SIVs) after aiding the US military.

Ahmad Habibzai is currently the Employment Coordinator for Refugees in Inspiritus' Atlanta office. Below is his story and call to action:

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“My name is Ahmad Habibzai; I have worked with USA programs in Afghanistan from 2007-2012. We had a great life back in Afghanistan but after some time my family received threats from Taliban, and then I decided to apply to Special Immigrant Visa program. I came to USA in 2014 to save our lives. My family had a hard time here, but we worked hard to ensure our future is bright. My daughters and sons are going to school with a huge vision to help the world; right now everyone is happy and life is back to normal."

"The SIV program is crucial for Afghan Interpreters and Afghans’ who worked with USA programs in Afghanistan during the last two decades. Their lives and their families’ lives are in danger due to their support to USA. They risked their lives for the hope that they will have a great country and a bright future for their families and future generations which did not happen. They did their part with honesty, dedication, and loyalty, and now they need your help. Please help them."

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Inspiritus has resettled hundreds of SIVs, and their stories are truly remarkable and heroic. The Afghan SIV program was created to provide a pathway to protection to those who face danger because of their service to the U.S. mission in Afghanistan. It is our moral imperative to keep our promise to those we pledged to protect.

We're joining our Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) family, as well as several veterans’ groups, and members of Congress, in calling upon our government to urgently evacuate American-affiliated Afghans and their families...now! You can add your voice, by sending a message here.

As always, thank you for the compassion, support, and care you provide to the refugees we serve. We couldn’t do this work without you!

With Gratitude,

Aimee Zangandou
Director of Refugee and Immigrant Services
Inspiritus

The HungerWalkRun 2021 Results Are In!

Thank you for supporting another successful Hunger Walk Run with Inspiritus. With your support, we raised $92,484.19. This is the most we’ve ever raised!

A HUGE thank you to everyone who participated in the 2021 Hunger Walk Run! This year we had 27 teams from 22 congregations. No matter how big or small your team was, or how much money you raised, YOU made an impact!

Team captains had a great time celebrating together on June 6 – click here for the video!

We'd like to recognize Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Marietta, and team captain Mike Frey, for the most walkers and runners registered online: 43. Also, Don Larsen from Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd was the top fundraiser online: $2,588.

Hunger Walk Run would not be possible without the amazing efforts of our Lutheran congregations who recruit the walkers and runners, raise the lion’s share of the funds, and utilize their percentage of the funds raised to support food ministries in their congregations and in their communities. And this year, with a totally virtual event for the first time, they came through with record setting results!

The TOP TEN CONGREGATIONS:

1. Trinity Lutheran Church, Lilburn $17,564.00

2. Grace Lutheran Church, Carrollton $14,597.55

3. Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Marietta $12,938.64

4. Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Johns Creek $11,291.00

5. Cross of Life Lutheran Church, Roswell $6,755.00

6. Rivercliff Lutheran Church, Atlanta $5,540.00

7. St. John's Lutheran Church, Atlanta $4,310.00

8. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Marietta $3,850.00

9. Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Douglasville $3,773.00

10. St. Luke Lutheran Church, Atlanta $2,625.00

Trinity Lutheran has set an all-time record for amount raised by one congregation!

The Hunger Walk Run is an event of the Atlanta Community Food Bank that unites our community to raise awareness and critical funds for local hunger relief. Proceeds from the event benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank, and partner organizations like Inspiritus that help recruit participants and receive a percentage of the funds raised to support their hunger relief programs. Hunger Walk funding for Inspiritus is a vital part of our Refugee and Immigrant services programming. The funds will provide culturally appropriate food for newly arrived refugees on their first night in the United States, and longer as needed while they are striving to secure employment and attain self-sufficiency. Emergency food assistance is also available for refugees and immigrants facing food insecurity. We offer meals to families that participate in extended cultural orientation classes to learn how to navigate in their new communities, and snacks for refugee children who attend our summer camp program.

Thanks again to all who participated, and truly went the extra mile to make Hunger Walk Run 2021 a success. We are grateful for your partnership and support, and we look forward to walking together in the fight against hunger in 2022!

With Gratitude,
– Lorraine Dorough
Inspiritus

World Refugee Day is June 20

Dear Friend,

Please join us and our Coalition of Refugee Service Agencies partners as we celebrate World Refugee Day at Refuge Coffee Co., in Clarkston on Jun 20th!

Enjoy delicious food from local vendors, family-friendly activities, and delicious iced tea and coffee drinks as you meet your neighbors. Listen to special guest speakers, gather information at our advocacy booth, and experience incredible music and dance performances by various community groups. Shop locally from refugee and immigrant business owners at our vendor’s market.

Guests are asked to please register in advance. Invite interested friends and family members and share the news on your social channels using the hashtags #GALovesRefugees #RefugeesWelcome

If you have any questions, please contact me at sarah.burke@weinspirit.org

Don't miss this chance to show your support for refugees-RSVP below!

With Gratitude,

– Sarah Burke
Community Engagement Coordinator
Inspiritus

Inspirational Gardening

Hello Friends,

As we head into the holiday weekend, we are reminded of the joys of enjoying outdoor activities. With weather this warm, it's prime gardening time. We'd like to share the story of a very special gardener who is near and dear to our hearts: Charlie Jones.

Charlie lives at MDHA's Cheatham Place and is an active participant in our Healthy Gardens program. From tilling the soil to thoughtfully caring for each fruit and vegetable, Charlie sees his garden as an opportunity to not only be self-sufficient (he lost both legs a few years ago), but to also plant seeds of inspiration within his neighbors throughout Cheatham Place.

Watch Charlie's story by clicking on the image below:

Charlie Jones, our wonderful gardener from Cheatham Place

Our Healthy Gardens program has been helping people like Charlie since 2011. We started with just 12 gardens for elderly, parents, and children in low-income areas. Those 12 initial gardens have now grown to over 204+ gardens in three counties in Middle Tennessee!

Through Healthy Gardens, families and individuals have easy and free access to fruits and vegetables to supplement their meals as well as a healthy outlet for relieving stress and staying active.

Another resident at Cheatham Place gardening

Your donations help us empower these vulnerable friends of ours with the opportunity to increase their food security, as well as improve their overall health and well-being.

We hope you all continue to stay safe and healthy during these upcoming summer months. Thank you for your prayers and support. I pray you have a fun and restful Memorial Day weekend!

With Gratitude,

Janet Arning
Middle Tennessee Regional Director
Inspiritus

More Cheatham Place residents enjoying our annual plant day. The beginning of May marked 10 YEARS of GARDENING for our wonderful gardeners in Cheatham Place.

Nashville Flood Update: Month #2

Dear Friends,

We've had over 117 volunteers assist our disaster relief efforts in Tennessee following the devastating floods that ravaged the Nashville region in late March.

We're so grateful for the hard work of our volunteer team leaders: Nicholas Rhine, Dave Marsh, and Julie Dimitrov. They're leading amazing volunteers serving with us in partnership with Hands On Nashville.

Volunteer team leader - Nicholas Rhine

Our team has completed:

• 51 jobs
• 25 homes
•150 crisis clean-up calls
• 298 volunteer days
• 1,035.5 volunteer hours

Overall, our disaster relief work has impacted 99 individuals in the Nashville region, and we have 10+ homes in the queue. We estimate there may be 30+ more additional homes in need of our services in the month ahead.

To see coverage of our work and collaboration with Hands On Nashville–watch a News4Nashville clip here.

Volunteer clearing debris from flood waters

Tennessee's flood event left six people dead, hundreds rescued from flooded cars and homes, and extensive damage to businesses and homes. It is marked as the worst flood in the last decade.

Where:

Inspiritus has been on the ground in South Nashville for flood survivors and leading volunteer teams to provide free muck and gut services.

Who:

Our disaster relief staff are working closely with our partners: Hands On Nashville, Nashville and Tennessee VOADs, and the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA.

What:

Inspiritus is providing free muck and gut services to flood-damaged homes throughout South Nashville. As temperatures rise, waterlogged flooring and walls will exhibit rapid mold growth – which often poses long-term health risks for the residents in the home.

Personal protective equipment (PPE), such a Tyvek suits and N95 respirators masks, are crucial in protecting our volunteer teams as they remove debris from impacted households. Our crews are currently providing the following services:

• volunteer team management

• muck & gut

• mold sanitation

• mitigation

• chainsaw

• debris removal

• sort & salvage

HOW TO HELP:

VOLUNTEER WITH US!

To volunteer in Nashville, please sign up through Hands On Nashville HERE

DONATE TODAY: click here or checks can be mailed to:

Inspiritus
Attn: Disaster Response
731 Peachtree Street NE, Suite B
Atlanta, GA 30308

We're grateful to be working closely with our local community partners. If you haven't given yet, please consider giving today by clicking below. We’re preparing to extend our response in Nashville for up to another month to make sure every homeowner receives the help they need during this stage of their recovery. Your support makes this possible.

Thank you for your continued prayers and generous support.

Kind Regards,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

There's Still Time to Give to The Big Payback !

Hi Friends,

The Big Payback ends tonight! If you haven't made a donation-there's still time to support our Middle Tennessee programs. Plus, there is a $100 match for every organization that raises $100 by 12pm today!

We're so grateful to The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee for holding this annual 24-hour online giving event. Every donation helps Inspiritus raise funds and brings awareness to pressing needs in our community.

Here are ways you can help:

$25 will help end hunger for families in need

Inspiritus is providing food to the most vulnerable of families throughout Middle Tennessee, especially seniors and those living with disabilities. Your gift will ensure these families have the food they need this month.

Donate HERE

$50 will provide art therapy kits for kids

Inspiritus is guiding children through healthy ways of coping with traumatic experiences. Your gift will provide art therapy kits for children living in low income communities in Middle Tennessee.

Donate HERE

$125 will help build gardens for hungry families

Inspiritus is planting hundreds of home gardens for families and seniors living in low-income communities and food deserts. Your gift will help build two gardens this month.

Donate HERE

$250 will help families impacted by the pandemic

A year later, COVID-19 is still impacting families across Middle Tennessee. Your gift will ensure these families receive the help they need.

Donate HERE

$500 will help give hope to tornado & flood survivors

Inspiritus is assisting families whose homes have been damaged by recent floods in Nashville. We are still on the ground in Cookeville helping families rebuild after last year’s tornado. Your gift will ensure these families have the help they need to recover and thrive again.

Donate HERE

Thank you for your donations during this very important fundraising day!

Even if you're unable to give, you can show your support today by sharing this email across your personal and social networks. Please use the hashtags #TheBigPayback and #Inspiritus when sharing across your social networks.

Your generosity will help more individuals and families get back on the path from surviving to thriving. We are so grateful for your support.

With Gratitude,

Janet Arning
Regional Director, Middle Tennessee
Inspiritus

The Big Payback Starts Today!

Hi Friends,

The Big Payback starts today! The next 24-hours is a very important fundraising event for us. Join us and please spread the word.

The Big Payback, hosted by The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, is a community-wide giving day which shines a spotlight on local giving and motivates Middle Tennessee to “give back” in a big way.

This 24-hour online giving event helps Inspiritus raise funds and brings awareness to pressing needs in our community. It’s also the prime time of year to give!

Here are ways you can help:

$25 will help end hunger for families in need

Inspiritus is providing food to the most vulnerable of families throughout Middle Tennessee, especially seniors and those living with disabilities. Your gift will ensure these families have the food they need this month.

Donate HERE

$50 will provide art therapy kits for kids

Inspiritus is guiding children through healthy ways of coping with traumatic experiences. Your gift will provide art therapy kits for children living in low income communities in Middle Tennessee.

Donate HERE

$125 will help build gardens for hungry families

Inspiritus is planting hundreds of home gardens for families and seniors living in low-income communities and food deserts. Your gift will help build two gardens this month.

Donate HERE

$250 will help families impacted by the pandemic

A year later, COVID-19 is still impacting families across Middle Tennessee. Your gift will ensure these families receive the help they need.

Donate HERE

$500 will help give hope to tornado & flood survivors

Inspiritus is assisting families whose homes have been damaged by recent floods in Nashville. We are still on the ground in Cookeville helping families rebuild after last year’s tornado. Your gift will ensure these families have the help they need to recover and thrive again.

Donate HERE

Thank you for your donations during this very important fundraising day!

Even if you're unable to give, you can show your support today by sharing this email across your personal and social networks. Please use the hashtags #TheBigPayback and #Inspiritus when sharing across your social networks.

Your generosity will help more individuals and families get back on the path from surviving to thriving. We are so grateful for your support.

With Gratitude,

Janet Arning
Regional Director, Middle Tennessee
Inspiritus

U.S. Annual Refugee Admissions Cap Raised to 62,500

Dear Friend,

I have waited four years for this day. As a former refugee, I was excited by yesterday's news that the United States will officially raise the refugee admissions ceiling for the 2021 Fiscal Year to 62,500. This puts us one step closer to America's historical average of 95,000 and it's a significant increase from the prior year’s record-low of 15,000.

We at Inspiritus rejoice in the spirit of welcome and are eager to empower these individuals and families on their journey from surviving to thriving.

As Rev. John R. Moeller, Jr., Inspiritus' President & CEO has shared:

“Inspiritus is excited to get back to the robust work of welcoming the stranger! Inspiritus and its partners live to offer this welcome. It’s who we are. It’s like sunshine, air, or water to our team. It’s our very life. For the last several years, Inspiritus has experienced a dark winter of the soul. It doesn’t mean we haven’t been busy. In fact, the team has used the time to plan, but now we know that spring is coming. I can see the life blood coming back into bodies, minds and spirits of our staff and partners. Together, we will be more than ready to roll out the red carpet and provide a warm welcome to the huddled masses who seek an opportunity to start anew in America!"

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On a personal note, I wish to thank our many supporters who advocated on behalf of refugees. This increase is thanks to everyone who raised their voices and is proof that advocacy works.

Please consider donating to our refugee services and programs today, so we can continue our work to reunite families. As always, thank you for the compassion, support, and care you provide to the refugees we serve. We couldn’t do this work without you!

With Gratitude,

Aimee Zangandou
Director of Refugee and Immigrant Services
Inspiritus