12 Days Away from Hunger WalkRun 2022!

Hello Friends!

We're only 12 days away from the Hunger Walk/Run on Sunday, March 6.

Here are 12 ways you can participate:

1. REGISTER!

2. Set up your own team

3. Dine & Donate!

4. Donate to Inspiritus!

5. Fundraise for a team

6. Become a Champion!

7. Join the Inspiritus Team

8. Donate to the Inspiritus team!

9. Grab your Parking Pass today! You can buy your pass on event day but the fee will be much higher.

10. Promote #HWR2022 on your social channels*

11. Send this email to friends & family, encouraging them to donate or walk/run

12. Join a Hunger Walk virtual event

*Get Social! Make sure to include a link to your personal or team fundraising page in every Facebook, Instagram and Twitter post about the Hunger Walk Run. Be sure to tag the Food Bank @ACFB (on Instagram and Twitter) and use the hashtag #HWR2022. Also, send thank you notes to supporters...it's important to thank everyone that is supporting you!

Join the Hunger Walk Champions Club

We've had a big jump in Champions! Remember that anyone who raises $500 or more earns a spot in Hunger Walk's Champions Club and is eligible for special benefits and privileges.

Click here to learn more about the Champions Club.

Congratulations to our VIP Champions:

• Tina Blackney, St. Luke Lutheran Church, Atlanta

• Don Larsen, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Douglasville

• Mike Frey, Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Marietta

• Amanda Masters, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Marietta

• Joe Masters, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Marietta

• Rachel Thornton, Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Marietta

Congratulations to our Champions:

• Jennifer Carson, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Johns Creek

• Lorraine Dorough, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Atlanta

• Karen Palmiotti, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Johns Creek

• Heather Wallace, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Atlanta

• Chuck Storla, Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Marietta

Teams walking during Hunger WalkRun 2021

Don’t Forget to Pick Up Your T-Shirts:

All walkers and runners who register online are eligible to receive one official Hunger Walk Run event t-shirt per person. This year the walker shirt is orange and the runner shirt is plum-check them out here. T-shirts will be distributed the day of the event and are subject to availability. If you or your team would like to grab your t-shirts before Hunger Walk, we're offering two pick up days prior to the event. Pick up your shirts March 2nd or 3rd from 11:30am - 2:30pm at the Food Drive dock on the front right side of the building: Atlanta Community Food Bank, 3400 N. Desert Drive, Atlanta, GA 30344. T-shirts will also be mailed to all virtual participants.

See you on the 6th at the Home Depot Backyard!

We are planning on being in person at The Home Depot Backyard on Sunday, March 6. We will continue to monitor the environment and coordinate with local officials in the weeks leading up to the event.

Event Details:
Sunday, March 6, 2022
Noon: Event Opens, Onsite Registration & Entertainment Begins
2:00pm: 5K Fun Walk & Run Begins
4:00pm: Event Ends

Or find a trail near you!

Join your team, family or friends and get active in your community, walking or running at any time or join us virtually on March 6. Find a great outdoor trail near you to get your steps in and help feed a hungry neighbor. Help us keep the energy of Hunger WalkRun going by posting your photos to Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, tagging the Food Bank (@ACFB on Instagram and Twitter) and using the hashtag #HWR2022

Team Inspiritus : Hunger WalkRun 2021

We have over 111 registered walkers and runners, 20 teams and $23,300 in confirmed gifts! Donations are still coming in as we write this.

Let's keep this momentum going and add more teams for our strongest turnout yet. Please contact me at Lorraine Dorough if you have any last-minute questions. Hunger Walk is a great chance to get outside, get active AND support a great cause!

With Gratitude,
– Lorraine Dorough
Inspiritus

Did you know that ACFB’s goal is $800,000 this year? Inspiritus raised over $92,000 last year so let's try to surpass that goal this year. Together, we can do it!

Become a 2022 Hunger Walk Champion!

Hello Friends,

We're just under a month away from the virtual and in-person Hunger Walk/Run on March 6, so we're sharing more ideas to help you get ready and meet your fundraising goal!

1. Register Online Today

Register for the 2022 Hunger Walk Run here. In addition to the registration fee, consider making an additional donation. This will show everyone that you're excited about supporting local hunger relief.

This year, Hunger Walk Run is both in-person AND virtual—at the Home Depot Backyard, and on every sidewalk, track and trail in your neighborhood. You can participate at any time or join us virtually on event day, Sunday, March 6.

The Atlanta Community Food Bank will continue to monitor the environment and coordinate with local officials in the weeks leading up to the event to ensure the health and safety of all participants.

In Person: Hunger Walk Run takes place at The Home Depot Backyard (view directions). The 5K route takes participants through downtown Atlanta. The schedule of events is as follows:

12:00pm - Onsite registration begins

2:00pm - 5K Fun Run commences, followed shortly thereafter by the Walk

4:00pm - Park closes and event ends

Virtual: Rally your team, family or friends and get active in your community, walking or running at any time. Take a selfie while walking in your neighborhood, rocking your treadmill, or spinning on your bike! Help us keep the energy of Hunger Walk Run going by posting your photo to Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, tagging the Food Bank (@atlfoodbank on Facebook and @ACFB on Instagram & Twitter). Don't forget to use the hashtag #HWR2022 in your post!

Parking fees for this event:

Enjoy parking that's close and convenient to Hunger Walk Run 2022. Purchase your passes here. We strongly encourage you to buy parking passes by March 4. Parking can be purchased on race day, but the parking fee will be higher. Hint: The Orange Deck is right next to the Home Depot Backyard!

2. Become a Hunger Walk Champion!

You can lead the way! Raise $500 or more* to help fight hunger and feed struggling neighbors and you’ll join the elite ranks of the Hunger Walk Run Champions Club.

Members of the Champions Club receive the following benefits:

$500 level

• Recognition on the Hunger Walk Run website

• Hunger Walk Run collectible pin

• Champions Club Certificate

• Fundraising badge on your personal fundraising page

• Access to VIP Tent on Event Day

• Invitation to Special Recognition Event

$1,000 level

• VIP Parking on Event Day

• Onstage Recognition during the Event

• Premier Recognition on the Hunger Walk Run website

• Hunger Walk Run collectible pin

• Fundraising badge on your personal fundraising page

• Access to VIP Tent on Event Day

• Champions Club Certificate

• Invitation to Special Recognition Event

*Champions Club status is based upon your individual fundraising efforts, not the amount your team has raised collectively.

Click here to learn more about the Champions Club.

We have our very first VIP Champion - Congratulations Tina Blackney from St. Luke Lutheran Church, Atlanta!

Pictured Above: Aimee Zangandou, Our Director of Refugee and Immigrant Services, walking at the 2021 Virtual Hunger Walk with other team members.

3. FUNDRAISE:

Check out the "Fundraising Made Easy" section of the Hunger Walk's website for ideas on how to get started toward your goal. There are many online and offline fundraising tools, as well as coaching, advice and tips. Or get creative! Have a great idea for a fundraiser? Please share those ideas with us - we love to hear about the innovative ways our teams are raising money. Email me at lorraine.dorough@weinspirit.org

Did you know that ACFB’s goal is $800,000 this year? Inspiritus raised over $92,000 last year so let's try to surpass that goal this year. $100,000? $200,000? Together, we can do it!

4. T-Shirts:

All registered walkers or runners are eligible to receive one official Hunger Walk Run event t-shirt per person. This year the walker shirt is orange and the runner shirt is plum. T-shirts will be distributed the day of the event and are subject to availability. There are plans for a team t-shirt pick-up day at the Atlanta Community Food Bank, date TBD. T-shirts will be mailed to all virtual participants.

5. Get Going!

With your generosity, the funds raised will help stock shelves in hundreds of food pantries, shelters, child & senior centers, and community kitchens across North Georgia. As of today, we have 14 teams registered and have raised $10,000! Let's keep this success going and add more teams for our strongest turnout yet. Hunger Walk is a great chance to get outside, get active AND support a great cause.

With Gratitude,
– Lorraine Dorough
Inspiritus

Thank You for Your Support This Year!

Dear Friends,

I wanted to reach out to all of you before the end of this year and extend to you my warmest wishes this holiday season.

Through your generous support, we were able to empower more people we serve on their journey from surviving to thriving during what was a busy and challenging 2021.

So many of you shared your generosity in various ways: through donations, virtual fundraising activities like the Hunger Walk, and your in-kind gifts (such as the recent 398 coat donations for our Hope Tree program)!

Thank you from all of us here at Inspiritus. We couldn't do what we do without you. Here's wishing you a happy and healthy start to 2022.

With Gratitude,

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

Giving Tuesday is Today!

Hi Friend,

Giving Tuesday is finally here!

This is a very important fundraising day for us. If you have already supported us this Giving Tuesday, we thank you! If you are looking to give for the first time today, see how your donation can help individuals and families on the path from surviving to thriving:

• $25 will help fight hunger and food insecurity for families in need

• $100 will provide critical supplies for children who are in foster care

• $250 will give hope to tornado and storm survivors in the South

• $1000 will help Afghan Allies and other refugees start a new life

Please show your support by donating today, and by sharing our Giving Tuesday video across your social networks using the hashtags #Inspiritus #GivingTuesday.

We are so grateful for your support!

With Gratitude,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Georgia residents: If you live in Georgia, Inspiritus is partnering with Georgia Gives this Giving Tuesday. GAgives is a program of the Georgia Center for Nonprofits. Your early donation will help kick-start our efforts! Please donate using the button below:

Outside of Georgia: If you live outside of Georgia, please donate using our main website link below:

Giving Tuesday is a week away!

Dear Friend,

We're just a week from Giving Tuesday! When you join us for #GivingTuesday on November 30, 2021, you help empower and guide more individuals and families on a path from surviving to thriving.

Your donations are especially important this holiday season, as you can help give stability to Afghan refugees like Nadir.*

*Names have been changed to protect the individual mentioned

Nadir, an Oxford educated Economist working at the US Embassy in Afghanistan was resettled in Atlanta recently with his wife and six kids. “We were told to pack and wait for the call. One day felt like a year waiting for that call. I couldn’t think straight. We packed biscuits and water for the kids. We left everything behind. All our money was frozen in the Afghanistan bank. When we received the call, we were told we had 45 minutes to get to the designated location to evacuate. The fear was enormous. On the drive there, no one was on the street because they were in hiding from the Taliban. That made it scarier because there were no crowds to blend in with. We made it in 15 minutes.”

Your gift will empower Nadir and other Afghan Allies to rebuild their lives here in the United States. Not only can you help give stability to Afghan refugee and immigrant families seeking a new life this Giving Tuesday, you can help give comfort to children and adults struggling with developmental or intellectual disabilities, and safety to disaster relief survivors who have been displaced. Please consider the giving levels below:

Georgia residents: If you live in Georgia, Inspiritus is partnering with Georgia Gives this Giving Tuesday. GAgives is a program of the Georgia Center for Nonprofits. Your early donation will help kick-start our efforts! Please donate using the button below:

Outside of Georgia: If you live outside of Georgia, please donate using our main website link below:

Last year, you helped Inspiritus raise over $12,000. Join us next Tuesday, November 30, and help us surpass last year's goal!

Let's come together as a community to give... to serve... to THRIVE. Your donations help make our work possible. We hope you can join us. We are so grateful for your support!

With Gratitude,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Make a Difference This Giving Tuesday!

Dear Friend,

We're just 13 days away from Giving Tuesday! Last year, you helped Inspiritus raise over $12,000. We are so grateful for your support. When you join us again for #GivingTuesday on November 30, 2021, you help empower and guide more individuals and families on a path from surviving to thriving. See how your gift makes a direct impact below:

Your donations are especially important this holiday season. You can help give stability to Afghan refugee and immigrant families seeking a new life, comfort to children and adults struggling with developmental or intellectual disabilities, and safety to disaster relief survivors who have been displaced. Please consider the giving levels below:

Georgia residents: If you live in Georgia, Inspiritus is partnering with Georgia Gives this Giving Tuesday. GAgives is a program of the Georgia Center for Nonprofits. Your early donation will help kick-start our efforts! Please donate using the button below:

Outside of Georgia: If you live outside of Georgia, please donate using our main website link below:

This Giving Tuesday on November 30, we will come together as a community to give... to serve... to THRIVE. Your donations help make our work possible. We hope you can join us!

With Gratitude,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Give Hope This Holiday Season

Dear Friends,

The INSPIRITUS Hope Tree program gives the gift of hope to children in foster care, refugee and immigrant families seeking a new life, and adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities who may not otherwise receive a gift.

Last year we made some significant changes to what and how we collect Hope Tree gifts due to the Coronavirus pandemic. While we anticipated receiving less support than usual given the widespread impact of the pandemic, we were delighted by the very strong response we received. Thanks to your generosity, everyone on our list received a gift and we were able to meet our deadlines with time to spare!

While we’ve come a long way since the 2020 Hope Tree season, we also know that times are still difficult for many. As we plan for this year we are mindful of the increased number of refugees and immigrants we are serving, as well as the increased number of children in our foster homes. We are also aware that many of our donors and supporters continue to find themselves in different financial circumstances than they were in pre-pandemic days. Still, we trust that the Inspiritus community will rally around those we accompany as it always does, and that there will be more than enough to go around.

This year we are again making it easy to be part of Hope Tree giving. You can contribute in any of the following ways:

1) By providing over 400 gift cards!

We are collecting 250 $25 Amazon gift cards to be used for our Refugee and Immigrant Services and Children and Family Services participants. You can purchase those online here

We are also collecting 155 $25 Walmart gift cards for our Disability Services participants. You can purchase those online here

We do need to RECEIVE all gift cards by December 16, 2021 (whether you purchased them online or at a store).

If you purchased your gift cards offline, please send them to: Inspiritus 731 Peachtree St. NE Suite B Atlanta, GA 30308. If you have questions, please reach out to Sherise Boston, Operations Manager, at Sherise.Boston@weinspirit.org or 404-875-0201 (ext. 1010).

2) By providing over 180 coats!

Coats are being collected exclusively for new refugees & immigrants who will be spending their first winter in the United States. This includes those who have been resettled as part of the new APA (Afghan Placement and Assistance) Program. We may be welcoming an additional 400 Afghans by the end of the year. Our goal may increase to meet the need.

Go to Sign-Up Genius for coat donations here

Thank you for the meaningful ways you 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.

View fullsize

Also, be sure to join us for #GivingTuesday - the Global Day of Giving on Tuesday, Nov 30, 2021.

We're proud to be a part of this global celebration of giving through GAGives. In this time of uncertainty, there's a fundamental truth that gives us hope - that together we can do extraordinary things.

Save the date and be sure to bookmark this link: https://www.gagives.org/organization/Inspiritus

With Gratitude,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Thank you for joining our virtual "State of Inspiritus"

Dear Friend,

Thank you for attending our first annual "State of Inspiritus" virtual event last week. We were thrilled to share with our dedicated supporters how you help make this work possible and the lives impacted

The inspiring stories from our program leaders and organizational insights can be accessed in the recordings below. Please feel free to share these with friends and colleagues who may be interested.

Click links to view:

A Thriving Future

A high-level look at the road ahead (5 mins)

Adapting to Change

An insightful discussion of challenges Inspiritus navigated in recent years (15 minutes)

Surviving to Thriving

What success looks like across Inspiritus’ five major program areas (16 minutes)

Together, We Thrive

Inspiring and strategic ways our community stepped-up and made a difference (5 minutes)

Better Equipping Our Community

How you can safely impact our community and five major programs (14 minutes)

I would like to extend a special thank you to our program panelists, Renee, Sherry, Janet, Becca, and Suzette, and their dedicated teams. They are how we guide so many of our neighbors on the path from surviving to thriving.

Also, please look for our Hope Tree gift program email in the next week. It is another way you can show your support and make an impact directly. By donating gift cards and coats, you will be helping the many individuals and children we serve who otherwise may not receive gifts this holiday season.

We are so grateful for your support.

Warmest Regards,

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

Inspiritus on CNBC: Afghan Ally Interview

Dear Friend,

We at Inspiritus feel it is important to give refugees an opportunity to tell their stories about their journey to the United States and for Americans to learn about the experience refugees go through in their pursuit of coming here.

Recently, an Afghan ally being resettled in Georgia by Inspiritus had the opportunity to share their story with CNBC on “The News with Shepard Smith.”

This impactful news piece shares the story of Syed (not his real name), a refugee who tried eight times to enter the airport in Kabul, Afghanistan so he could he fly his wife and children to safety. A former employee at the U.S. Embassy, he had the necessary paperwork but the large number of people attempting to flee made gaining access to the airport next to impossible.

On their second-to-last try, they got closer to the airport and he stepped out of line to ask a question. The Taliban beat him in front of his family. Twenty minutes after Syed and his family went home a suicide bomber struck the airport killing dozens of people.

On their final try, Syed and his family were able to enter and be approved for departure. Unfortunately, the Taliban guards seized all of their luggage and threw away all of the family’s belongings despite their pleading.

Hear Syed's story in his own words below:

We often say that refugees arrive in the United States “with only the clothes on their backs”. While each client’s story is different, Syed’s example helps us gain greater understanding into why that may be the case, especially for those coming to the U.S. from Afghanistan.

Coming to America is “a big chance, very big chance,” Syed told CNBC. “I’m trying to rebuild my life again like from zero.” His dream now is to work in finance again.

Syed isn't alone. All told, Inspiritus expects to welcome 200-300 families in the next 12 months, including 500 Afghan allies and 850 refugee arrivals from other countries. Most of these new neighbors will be children, accompanied by their parents.

When you donate to Inspiritus, you provide emergency financial support for families to cover any unmet housing and medical costs. You support the distribution of food, school supplies, hygiene kits and other resources to new Americans. You invest in our local staff capacity—the heart of our essential programs and services—so there are compassionate and empathetic professionals ready to welcome families to their new home and help them secure employment, learn English, enroll in school and start to rebuild their lives. No donation is too small!

We appreciate your support of our work to help individuals like Syed and his family go from surviving to thriving.

Thank you,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

You're Invited to the "State of Inspiritus" Virtual Event

Dear Friend,

You're invited to our 2021 State of Inspiritus virtual event on Tuesday, October 19 at 7pm EST. It will take a look at what we've accomplished, the challenges we faced in recent years and the road ahead. You will hear inspiring stories from Inspiritus program leaders, how our staff and community helped individuals on their journey from surviving to thriving, and the many ways you can impact lives across our five major program areas, including:

• Disaster Relief

• Children & Family Services

• Refugee & Immigration Services

• Tennessee Empowerment Programs

• Disability & Health Services Programs

We hope you’ll join us on October 19 for this special event–register today by clicking on the button below.

Also, please download and share this flyer detailing the event. We look forward to seeing you at the State of Inspiritus on October 19!

Warmest Regards,

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

Day 19: Middle Tennessee Floods & Hurricane Ida Update

Dear Friend,

Inspiritus Response teams are still on the ground in Waverly, Tennessee following last month’s deadly floods, and will serve this community for at least a month. We have now extended our time on the ground to six weeks, thanks to the generous support of donors like you.

We are also on the ground in Louisiana where we are purifying water for communities in need. Our team first arrived in Metairie, LA over Labor Day weekend with our new WOW Cart, which can purify 6,000-10,000 gallons of water per day and we are now providing pure water to communities without.

An Inspiritus volunteer is supporting this homeowner by assessing her home's needs and helping her connect with volunteers from our VOAD partner, Team Rubicon.

WHAT WE ARE DOING (Day 19 Update)

• Volunteer Housing Camp (TN): 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 (TN): 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 (TN): 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 (TN): 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 (TN): 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 (TN): Volunteers are actively deploying to conduct heavy equipment demolition of private properties.

• Water Purification (LA): Volunteers are purifying water in Louisiana with our new WaterStep WOW Cart, which can purify up to 10k gallons a day.

“Without Inspiritus and the leadership they’ve provided to the VOAD [Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster], we could not have responded to this crisis effectively and would have had to muddle through. We are a small jurisdiction with a small public safety team and their [Inspiritus] partnership was essential. We are months ahead of where we would have been, thanks to Inspiritus.” -Officer John Chapman, Incident Commander, Humphreys County Sheriff’s Department

Photo: Tennessee First Lady Maria Lee with Inspiritus' Sherry Buresh and the Humphreys County Assistant Incident Commander and Colleague.

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

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 in Waverly, TN at our local Volunteer Housing Camp for the month.

Prayerfully consider joining us in Waverly, TN now through October 1. We especially need Team Leads to guide volunteer groups with Muck & Gut and Debris Removal, but all hands are welcome and all skills can be helpful. Please contact Sherry Buresh: sherry.buresh@weinspirit.org.

Volunteer setting up Inspiritus' Water-on-Wheels Mobile Water Cart (W.O.W. Cart) donated by Waterstep.

Volunteers in Waverly, TN, helping to load supplies from the Distribution Resource Center

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 manage the Humphreys County Volunteer Reception Center, Volunteer Distribution Center, and the Volunteer Responders Housing Camp, while also training and deploying volunteer teams to assess and provide homeowners with debris removal and muck & gut services.

Partners collaborating with us include:

• The Southeastern Synod of the ELCA

• 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

Inspiritus in the News: Helping Afghan Allies

Dear Friend,

I hope you had a restful Labor Day weekend. I am so excited to share some good news with you. As you know, we have been actively spreading the word about our efforts to welcome Afghan Allies, to help raise funding so that every family we welcome can successfully go from surviving to thriving.

Recently, many news outlets have helped us get the word out. I'd like to share some of those highlights with you today.

On Labor Day, Inspiritus was included in a front page story in The New York Times and on "Your World with Neil Cavuto" on FOX News. Special thanks to John Moeller and Aimee Zangandou for their tireless advocacy on behalf of the Afghan families we are welcoming.

Click here to watch John's interview on Fox News or on image below:

Click here to read the The New York Times article featuring Aimee Zangandou.

In addition to those exciting national news stories, John, Aimee, and other Inpiritus staff and volunteers have been busy helping local news outlets share how the public can join us in welcoming Afghan Allies.

In Georgia, listeners to the 19 radio stations of Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB) learned more about Inspiritus thanks to an interview with Aimee Zangandou, Inspiritus' Director of Refugee & Immigrant Services. GPB mentioned that the federal government offers only a 90-day period of assistance and nonprofit organizations need additional funding to help these families succeed. Click here to hear Aimee on Georgia Public Broadcasting, PBS, and NPR.

In Savannah, where nearly 100% of Afghans and other refugees Inspiritus resettles are financially self-sufficient within six months of arrival, media outlets are stepping up and helping to educate the community about Inspiritus and the Afghan families we are preparing to resettle locally.

Thank you to Savannah’s WTOC Ch. 11 CBS, WTGS Fox28, WSAV Ch. 3 NBC and WJCL 22 News ABC for their ongoing commitment to telling our story. This recent WJCL interview (featuring Aimee) typifies the support we have received from the Savannah media.

Please feel welcomed to share these news articles with your family and friends. Each one highlights a different aspect of our work to help Afghan allies who have given so much to support U.S. military efforts.

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. You will help make sure every family we settle here in Georgia will have the housing, food, and clothing they need to go from surviving to thriving.

Please continue to join us in prayer for our Afghan friends, as well as our hard working staff, volunteers and donors who are giving them the hero’s welcome they deserve. Thank you for joining us in this mission.

Sincerely,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

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