In November, the Special Projects Committee announced that the large grant awards had been given out to a variety of organizations which were sponsored by MVWC members. We will be profiling a few of these groups over the next few months to help you understand how your donations impact our community.
The first group to be profiled is The Welcome to America Project (WTAP), originally sponsored by Pam G and mentored during the application process by Erin F.
History and Mission: September 11, 2001 forever changed our nation and for one family, the loss of a brother on that day not only changed their lives, but started a mission of care and empowerment. After reading a news article of an Afghan refugee family living in Phoenix, Carolyn Campbell and Phil Manning realized this family shared the same hopes and dreams they did – safety, housing, and a future free of fear. The couple quickly began collecting donated household goods and clothing for the family. In doing so, they established both a memorial to their loved one and the WTAP.
Since then, for 20 years, WTAP has remained rooted in its mission of addressing the urgent needs and immediate well-being of newly arrived refugee families through the provision of emergency supplies, necessities, and education. Through this work, WTAP not only stabilizes newly arrived refugee families, but also creates a pathway towards successful integration and a positive impact that lasts a lifetime for refugees, communities, and volunteers that serve.
Services: Through their signature program, the weekly “Welcome” Deliveries, WTAP and volunteers turn an empty house into a home by greeting refugees at their new residence and delivering emergency essentials and necessities, including cleaning and hygiene supplies, bedding, towels, kitchen necessities, furniture, and clothing. Additionally, each family receives strategic items including a computer for work and school; a bike for transportation to work or school; and a smart television to help learn English.
WTAP also addresses critical needs through the Mobile Clothing Closet, which travels to apartment complexes and schools with large concentrations of refugees and in a dignified manner, shares vital essentials such as undergarments, clothing, shoes, and hygiene items.
In collaboration with Arizona State University (ASU), WTAP is also addressing one of the most critical aspects in helping refugees thrive: learning English and improving digital literacy. Together they offer a blended learning model that combines ASU’s online language program with in-person support through WTAP volunteers.
In 2021, WTAP served 1,660 newly arrived refugees, including 403 families, from 26 different countries – providing 369 bikes and 145 computers. In regard to demographics, WTAP’s recipients were 53% female, 47% male; 41% African, 40% Asian (i.e. from Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Burma/Myanmar), 4% North American (i.e. from Cuba, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico), 1% South American (i.e. from Colombia, Venezuela), 14% non-specified; 43% under age 17, 55% age 18-64, and 2% over 65+
WTAP needs your support. WTAP’s work is only possible with generous donors, like the Moon Valley Women’s Club, that believe in WTAP’s impactful mission. To learn how you can further support WTAP, from donations to volunteering, please visit their website at www.wtap.org.
Thank you for your remarkable generosity and partnership in welcoming refugees upon arrival and providing critical supplies that enhance immediate wellbeing and ultimately foster pathways to integration.
