Refugee Services Ecosystem
Refugee services in Clarkston are made up of many different partners working together and individually to support these communities. In the scope of this module, New American Pathways is the focus.
New American Pathways
We had the privilege of speaking to the CEO of New American pathways, Paedia Mixon, via phone interview. Mixon shares how the organization has “services that follow people from arrival through citizenship.” She speaks on how the organization is there to help people not just in getting a job but really in learning the nuances of our country that others may not understand. For example, they help refugees understand things anywhere from what are acceptable and unacceptable reasons for missing work, how to do taxes, and what is not acceptable for an employer to do in the work environment.
Team members got to interview classmate Carolina volunteered with the Immigration Pathway at New American Pathway and shared how difficult the process to citizenship can be with all the paperwork and applications refugees must work through. She encourages people take the chance to volunteer at an organization like this to note how privileged citizens are in not having to go through all these processes we may not even be aware exist.
Feel free to hear more of Paedia and Carolina’s thoughts and insights in the Global Spaces podcast, Clarkston episode starting at (00:05:12) and (00:06:40) respectively. Also check out the video below to see an initiative benefiting New American Pathways and learn more about this supportive community!
More Refugee Services
Apart from New American Pathways, services and support for the refugee community include: Friends of Refugees; The Burmese Rohingya Community of Georgia (pictured to the left); Refuge Coffee Company; the Young Physicians Initiative; Global Village Project and more!
Image from: BRCG Instagram
The Burmese Rohingya Community of Georgia
“The Burmese Rohingya Community of Georgia, Inc. (BRCG) is a community-based nonprofit organization located in Atlanta, GA, USA.”
Their mission focuses on the promotion self-sufficiency and equity for immigrants, refugees, and the underprivileged through comprehensive health and social services, community development, cultural activities, capacity building, and advocacy. Strengthening the bonds between the Rohingya Community and American people is also a key component to their mission.
Learn more at: Burmese Rohingya Community of Georgia
Logo from: Friends of Refugees Website
Friends of Refugees
Friends of Refugees embraces a vision of “abundant life, flourishing communities” while following guidelines that ensure they are uplifting the community they are serving by providing “environments where people are free to contribute not only to their own well-being, but also to the well-being of their families, neighbors and communities.”
Learn more at: Friends of Refugees
Refuge Coffee Co
Refuge Coffee Co provides more than just a yummy cup of joe by providing support and encouragement to their employees. Read the powerful story of Refuge Coffee Co and GSU student, the bright young Somayyah!
The Young Physicians Initiative
Dr. Heval Mohamed Kelli came to America as a refugee from Syria and after years of hard work became a doctor. He is now giving back to the community of Clarkston and refugee youth. Watch the video linked below to see more on his story.
Learn more at: Young Physicians Initiative