08/06/2026
A message from Kari: 🫶
As Great Neighbors, I want to make you aware that many families in our newcomer community have fallen into a specific limbo this summer, not yet having received a green card, though they applied exactly one year after arriving as refugees in the United States per law. Because their cards have not been processed by the government—some have waited over 30 months!—they are no longer receiving SNAP (supplemental nutrition assistance program) benefits and beginning on October 1st, will no longer be eligible for Medicaid. This is distressing and heartbreaking for this vibrant yet vulnerable population.
We are trying to close the gap by making sure all families who need food, receive it, and are working locally with the Emergency Food Network and Loaves and Fishes to ensure every family has the basics. However, we would also like to be able to make it possible for newcomers to purchase halal meat and other foods of their choosing at grocery stores. This is important to their culture and dignity, which is one of our organization’s core values.
Please consider making a donation to International Neighbors today so that we can help newcomer families access healthy, fresh foods this fall. Or, if you’d like to drop off grocery gift cards, we encourage ones from Food Lion, Kroger, Grand Market or Medina Market. Please email [email protected] to set up a time to deliver the gift cards to our International Neighbors office.
Over the last ten years, many obstacles have been presented to this resilient community, and I am confident our newcomers can survive and thrive with your help and generous welcome.
With great hope and thanks,
Kari
