SUMMER E-NEWSLETTER 2021
Stories of Empowerment

There's a renewed feeling of hope this year. The pandemic is retreating, more volunteers are joining our programs in person, and many of the neighbors we accompany are feeling more self-sufficient in their communities.

Our Camp Mosaic is now underway! This camp program focuses on helping refugee children adjust to their new communities and provides therapeutic activities designed for kids who have experienced trauma.
Watch Our New Series!

Hopefully, you saw the first installment of our new media series, "Inspirations" featuring Aimee Zangandou, Director of Refugee & Immigrant Services. As Aimee continues to advocate for our refugee neighbors - we celebrate her insight and leadership every day! Watch Aimee's story here.

This heartwarming series is dedicated to empowering our neighbors on their journey from surviving to thriving. Stay tuned!
REFUGEE & IMMIGRANT SERVICES
Resettlement has ramped up in 2021! This year, Inspiritus staff in Atlanta and Savannah have supported 107 refugees and asylees with 112 job placements. Eleven refugee young adults were placed in skilled jobs between October 2020-March 2021 with an average wage of $17/hour. Our teams are actively studying both Nashville and Birmingham as possible expansion sites for resettlement work in partnership with our partners LIRS (Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service) and ORR (U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement).
DISABILITY & HEALTH SERVICES
Disability Services is now Disability and Health Services. The program name has changed to include the additional support services we now provide with Nursing and Behavioral Health Services. In January 2021, a strategic plan was implemented to develop new standard operating procedures, a revamped behavior support team, and new structuring to our programs in order to better meet the unique health needs of each individual we serve.
DISASTER RELIEF SERVICES
Our disaster relief teams have been on the ground in Middle Tennessee for nearly a year and a half, supporting the needs of families impacted by the 2020 Nashville Tornado, as well as those more recently affected by the floods in March of 2021. Inspiritus has been working closely with our inspiring local partners to respond to the floods: Hands On Nashville, Nashville VOAD, Tennessee VOAD, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, and the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA.
FAMILY & CHILDREN SERVICES
Our Children and Family Services teams have been immersed in grant and funding application season while continuing to serve more families through our PSSF (Promoting Safe and Stable Families) contract, plus we're opening new foster care homes!
We've been busy with our various programs: including the A+ Parents Program which involves comprehensive education for families at risk of intervention.

MIDDLE TENNESSEE PROGRAMS
Our Middle Tennessee programs continue to thrive: Inspiritus was selected as a 2021 Thrivent Choice Program Recipient! We are also celebrating 10 years of gardening at Cheatham Place, and to date 200+ gardens have been planted by residents in low-income communities. Our Thrive Studios Youth Arts 'spring breakers' completed a mural with artist Omari Booker, which can be seen on the “Local Distro” building-read more here.

We continue to need your support to keep our programs and services well-equipped to make a difference. Please consider making your end-of-year donation to Inspiritus. We are so grateful for supporters like you. We wish you safe and healthy holiday season!