Not only did our 2018 Secret Santas help us share gifts with all of our Bright Futures refugee youth, they enabled us to provide gifts for newly arriving families and other women, children and families served through our longer term programs like Parents as Teachers, English at Home and ongoing case management.
Here is just one story about one woman, Claudine, who received a special gift this season from a community donor.
Originally from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Claudine is a 24-year-old refugee who is a wheelchair user with limited mobility.
Despite her challenges, Claudine has an incredible presence and cheerful personality. She is one of eight siblings and does not receive many gifts or surprises. But this December Claudine received an amazing surprise gift, one that was just for her: a Kindle Fire tablet!
Given by a donor who reached out to New AP through Facebook, the Kindle Fire tablet brings Claudine so much joy. Ongoing Services Senior Coordinator Sarah McCormick picked Claudine to receive the gift, because she knew it could be life changing. Because Claudine is limited in communication and mobility, having the tablet allows her to communicate better and use different platforms to learn English. She watches YouTube videos and movies to help her improve her English.
Claudine exclaims, “Thank you!” to the community that made it possible for her to finally own her own tablet.