“To be called a refugee is the opposite of an insult; it is a badge of strength, courage, and victory.”
— Tennessee Office for Refugees July 10, 2023 |
|
|
Executive Director Samira Is Named One of Utah's 40 Over 40 for 2023 |
|
|
Samira Harnish was awarded Utah's 40 over 40 this year and we at WoW are so proud to announce this remarkable achievement! Her nomination stood out among numerous outstanding candidates, and her accomplishments, leadership, and contributions have truly set her apart in our state. Utah's 40 Over 40 recognizes and honors women who have made significant impacts in their respective fields and communities, showcasing their wisdom, expertise, and dedication.
This prestigious recognition is a testament to Samira's exceptional achievements and the positive influence she has had on everyone here at WoW. We are inspired by her continued commitment to excellence and her unwavering passion for making a difference.
|
|
|
Section 8 Waitlist Clinic |
|
|
Section 8 is a federal program of the Housing and Urban Development department that subsidizes the cost of housing for low-income tenants. Because affordable housing in Utah is in high demand, the waitlist for Section 8 has been closed for a long time, and those on the waitlist often have to wait for years to be considered for the subsidy. Women of the World was excited to hear that as of June 1st, the Section 8 waitlist would be reopened for applicants. Because many of our clients are in need of affordable housing, we planned an open clinic for anyone interested in signing up. In just four hours, we assisted more than 30 families to register for the waiting list, and made a number of appointments for those we couldn't service during the clinic. We also taught them how to update their information every three months so they could keep their spot on the waiting list current. Women of the World aims to help our clients access all the tools and skills necessary to for self-sufficiency and economic stability, and helping them attain affordable housing is an important part of that. We're happy that the Section 8 program is expanding so more of our clients can house their families and focus on building other aspects of their lives. |
|
|
During June and July, WoW is hosting "Legal Literacy" workshops to help our clients better understand how to operate in Utah's legal system. Workshop topics include Law in the Daily Life, Divorce and Custody, Immigration, Workplace Discrimination, and General Housing Issues. Taught by lawyers and other community members with extensive legal knowledge, these workshops are well-attended and result in lively discussion. Because most of our clients are new to the United States and unfamiliar with local legal practices, learning their rights and responsibilities, as well as how to navigate an unfamiliar system, is imperative to their economic and social stability. These workshops serve as yet another way Women of the World empowers its clients to become more self-sufficient and economically stable as they care for themselves and their families here in Utah. Women of the World is grateful to our many community partners who have made these workshops possible, and for the incalculable benefit they have brought to our many attendees. We also want to give a shout-out to our volunteers who give their time to provide translation and childcare, allowing many women to attend who would otherwise not have been able. |
|
|
Show Up Utah! Family Service Fair |
|
|
Show Up Utah! is an initiative started by Utah's First Lady Abby Cox that seeks to "encourage Utahns everywhere to reach out wherever they are and however they can to lift others, serve, show support and be willing to learn about and appreciate different points of view." The Family Service Fair at Thanksgiving Point on Monday June 5th was an opportunity for families and individuals to learn about many different opportunities to volunteer in their communities. Women of the World was represented at the fair by our Programs Operations Manager Ryan, who explained to potential volunteers our many opportunities for service: childcare, teaching English, and mentoring one-on-one with our clients to help them with a variety of individualized needs. More than thirty individuals signed up to learn more about volunteer opportunities at WoW, and we are so excited to connect more of our community with our phenomenal clients at Women of the World. Thank you to First Lady Abby Cox and her marvelous team for helping us connect with the community and secure compassionate help for forcibly displaced women in Utah! |
|
|
Bolder Way Forward Initiative |
|
|
Women of the World is thrilled to be participating in a bold new initiative spearheaded by Dr. Susan Madsen and the Utah Women in Leadership project, titled "A Bolder Way Forward." It seeks to improve the lives and prospects for Utah women and girls. Markers for equality and opportunity for women in Utah consistently rank as some of the lowest in the country, and this initiative is a grassroots effort to combine the efforts of hundreds of people and organizations across the state who are committed to improving the lives of Utah's women. Women of the World Program Managers Candice Stratford and Ryan Cook attended the June 9th Kick-off event, learning more about the efforts of partners invested in alleviating poverty, promoting financial literacy, and improving women's workforce readiness. Later in the month, WoW's Executive Director Samira Harnish joined the Refugee and Immigrant Leadership Impact Team that will help inform and collaborate with all the many partners in the initiative. It is exciting to see the passion of so many Utahns for this project, and Women of the World is proud to be a partner in this endeavor. |
|
|
After a month of building friendships and collaborations, Women of the World bid a sad goodbye to Norma Urena, Founder and Director of Nukari Foundation in Ecuador. Norma's foundation works to empower indigenous women in Ecuador, and she worked with us as a YLAI Fellow for four weeks to learn more about Women of the World's mission and development model. Norma's experience with WoW helped her to focus and refine her vision for Nukari, but she also used her own training in English Language Acquisition to advise WoW's Intensive English and Conversational English classes. We wish Norma good luck as she implements her vision for empowering women in Ecuador and look forward to future collaboration that will improve the lives of the women involved both with Nukari and Women of the World. |
|
|
World Refugee Day Celebration |
|
|
June 20, 2023 was the 22nd Annual World Refugee Day, a day set aside by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to "honor refugees around the globe...and celebrate the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution." Salt Lake County's celebration was sponsored by the Department of Workforce Services Refugee Services and held at Big Cottonwood Park on Friday and Saturday, June 19-20. It featured live music, a global market, kids' activities, and, of course, delicious global cuisine. The Refugee Fair also showcased local refugee service providers, and Women of the World hosted a booth to highlight our many programs that help to empower forcibly displaced women in our community. Our case management and admin teams took turns staffing the booth to answer questions, explain our programs, and solicit new volunteers and partnerships. Women of the World is happy to be part of this celebration of our new American neighbors and to help improve the lives of refugee women and their families. |
|
|
On Tuesday, June 13, WoW was visited by a delegation from First Utah Bank, led by outgoing vice-president Shilpi Blanchat and incoming vice-president Jean John, during which they presented Women of the World with an unsolicited and surprise donation of $36,127. Women of the World is so grateful to First Utah Bank and to all its donors who help us realize our vision of empowering women from all nations to achieve independence, economic success and a voice in the community. We are committed to being responsible stewards of all donated funds; they are used to ensure that refugee and immigrant women have help to find the resources they need to support themselves and their families. Thank you so much, First Utah Bank, for caring for our amazing women at Women of the World! |
|
|
WoW Staff and Board Social |
|
|
To honor the staff and board members of Women of the World, Samira and Justin Harnish, WoW's founders, hosted a dinner and social at their home on June 22nd. Samira, who is also the Executive Director, expressed gratitude to the board of directors, whose work and vision have helped steer Women of the World's growth over the last year. She also highlighted the dedication of staff who are celebrating their one- and two-year anniversaries, and presented our first Employee Appreciation award to Ghinwa Hneide (see below). Most importantly, WoW's staff and board had the opportunity to relax, socialize and celebrate as they enjoyed an abundance of Samira's delicious food in the Harnish's beautiful yard. All of us here at Women of the World feel incredibly lucky to work with such an amazing group of people who share a passion for empowering women! |
|
|
Many of our wonderful staff celebrated their work anniversaries in the month of June. We're so grateful for their hard work and dedication to Women of the World and its mission. We couldn't do what we do without them! Celebrating 2 years at WoW: Ghinwa Hneide, Case Manager and Workshop Manager Roxie Harshbarger, Case Manager and Employer Partnership Manager
|
|
|
Celebrating 1 year at WoW: Ryan Cook, Operations Manager of Programs Katie Filipescu-Sanchez, Office Administrator Ruby Wahinehookae, Case Manager and Resource Specialist
|
|
|
We've instituted something new here at WoW: Employee Appreciation. At monthly board meetings, an employee will be highlighted for their exceptional work and dedication to WoW's vision. For our first Employee Appreciation award, Ghinwa Hneide was recognized for her incredible work building our workshop program. She has worked tirelessly for more than a year to create weekly workshops that educate and empower our clients. She partners with local business, legal, and service organizations to provide expert training and advice on topics like first-time home buying, college readiness, divorce and custody, immigration, and navigating the healthcare and public school systems. Ghinwa is beloved by clients and staff alike, and Women of the World is grateful to have her as a fierce advocate and true friend. Thank you, Ghinwa, for all you've done and continue to do for Women of the World! |
|
|
1. Housing Workshop series (July 13, 20) 2. July 3-4 – Office Independence Day Holiday 3. July 5 – First day of Session 2 of Intensive English 4. July 5 – One Refugee intern Naween starts as an WoW office Intern 5. July 10 – 4 week Girls in STEM class begins at the WoW offices, in partnership with Thanksgiving Point 6. July 10 – Volunteer Orientation, 5:30pm 8. July 24 – Office Pioneer Day Holiday |
|
|
|
|
