We offer a simple welcoming gesture, but it is one that lasts a lifetime.
OPEN HOUSE
SATURDAY, FEB. 23RD
10 am - 2 pm

The Welcome to America Project has had a busy year! We have a new Agency Director, Operations Manager, a new warehouse & great plans for 2019. Come hear all about it as we celebrate you, our friends & our supporters.

1711 W UNIVERSITY DR #158
TEMPE

Please RSVP by Feb. 19th to rsvp@wtap.org
WAREHOUSE WISHES

URGENT NEEDS:
Blankets (twins preferred )

ADDITIONAL NEEDS:
Shower Curtains, Liners & Hangers
Paper Towels & Toilet Paper
U-Locks for Bikes (combo preferred) Teapots & Tea Kettles
Alarm Clock Radios
Please be sure all donations are clean, gently-used or new.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Home Visitors
On Tuesdays & Wednesdays, join our resettlement agencies to visit newly arrived refugees. Begin the welcome process and determine what the families need to help them become
self-sufficient.

Office Support
We have a variety of office projects including help with Excel and Salesforce Programs if you are computer savvy!

Interested? Email the

MONTHLY INSPIRATION

Get inspired with this month's refugee stories - click here!
Welcome to Our New Operations Manager
Accomplished professional and committed volunteer Julie Ransom has joined WTAP in a newly created position, Operations Manager. Julie will help to bring enhanced structure to our volunteer, donor, grants and compliance processes. 

Julie joins WTAP with a broad range of experience in human resources and volunteer management, and is especially skilled in organizational and project management. Spending most of her career in the healthcare field, Julie oversaw daily management of the Human Resources departments and volunteer engagement at Tempe St. Luke’s Hospital and St. Luke’s Medical Center.

She has a passion for volunteerism, and enjoys volunteering at local organizations, which is how she came to WTAP. Julie is on the Executive Board for the Cactus Wren Chapter of the National Charity League, having formerly served as the Chapter President. She’s also served as PTO President at her daughter’s schools as well as serving on the Principal’s School Council for both middle and elementary school. A graduate of the University of Arizona, and an Arizona native, Julie enjoys spending time with her husband, three daughters (all volunteers, themselves) and their lovable labradoodle, Lola. Welcome Julie!


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Metro Tech HS Students Revolutionize WTAP Clothing Closet

With bright minds and kind hearts, students from Metro Tech High School have revolutionized the Clothing Closet experience to create a mall-like experience for our refugee neighbors.

Once per month, our WTAP Clothing Closet truck travels to refugee-area apartments to share clothes, shoes, toiletries and books, all in an effort to accelerate self sufficiency. The students observed that items were stacked on tables and thought there could be a better way. The students then designed and constructed four kiosks that will display items in an efficient and fashionable manner.

Kiosks were debuted at our February Clothing Closet to rave reviews from refugees and volunteers. Thank you Metro Tech for helping refugees to feel welcome in America. 

Soccer Anyone?

That's about the most welcoming thing that we can say on a Saturday delivery. No matter what the country of origin, soccer is a common language and a great way for volunteers to connect with our new refugee neighbors. 

Because of the kind heart and initiative to act of high school student Connor White, we take soccer balls to every home delivery. Connor's volunteer service with refugees along with his passion for soccer brought him to form his own non-profit, FreeKicks . Connor now collects soccer balls, jerseys and related equipment to share with those less fortunate. FreeKicks has been keeping WTAP in supply for over a year. Connor will be heading to college in the Fall, and his younger brother, Matthew, will be stepping in to run the program.

Soccer balls are perfect icebreakers. Plus, they are tools to teach English. Volunteers roll out a soccer ball on delivery and watch refugee kids from around the world join in to play. Their only common language is English so the conversation begins. All thanks to Connor White and FreeKicks!
Connor White was recently nominated for the I AM SPORT Award, a contest created to honor high school student athletes who are committed to giving back to the youth in their communities. Please vote for Connor here! You may vote once per day, and voting ends on March 5th! Thank you!
Not Just Football

You are invited to a screening of the newly released Darfur United Men's Team documentary film, Not Just Football. The film follows the journey of the Darfur United teams and its players from the genocide in Sudan to the World Cup. This event is hosted by a WTAP partner - Darfur and Beyond.

Thursday, February 28th at 6 pm
Franciscan Renewal Center
5802 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale, AZ. 85253

For more information and to register, click here!
Make Your Donation
to WTAP Today!
Arizona provides a tax credit for individuals who make contributions to charitable organizations, known as Qualifying Charitable Organizations (QCO). Individuals making cash donations to The Welcome to America Project may claim these tax credits on their Arizona Personal Income Tax returns.

DONATION DROP OFF TIMES
Tues, Weds & Sat - 8:00 to 11:00 am
1711 W. University Dr. #158, Tempe, AZ 85281