Our Stories
Volunteer of the Month: Juilee Shivalkar
Are you a social media fan? If you’ve been following our Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn accounts in the last three months, you’ve seen some of the stories Juilee Shivalkar developed during her internship. Juilee, who is an upcoming senior studying Classical Languages as well as Politics and International Affairs at Wake Forest University, paused her studies this summer to take… More >
RAISE Your Voice for Refugees
Earlier this month, Georgia Senator David Perdue, in partnership with Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton, re-introduced the RAISE Act (S. 1720), a bill which aims to cut legal forms of immigration in half over the next ten years and add new entry requirements for those who wish to come to the United States. The bill seeks to limit entry in many… More >
Our Fund-a-Need: Support for New Arrivals
The U.S. Resettlement Program is being threatened. The program is on a 120-day halt and the limit on the number of arrivals has been cut to 50,000 per year, the lowest in history. When the travel ban is lifted, we need the capacity to serve the refugee community with the highly trained, culturally competent staff that we have today. This… More >
Immigration Services: Beyond the Paperwork
If you visit our Immigration Services area, you’ll see paperwork – a lot of careful, detailed, organized paperwork. But every file has a story – a person, a family, a new life, a new citizen. Navigating the United States immigration system can be quite challenging, which is why New American Pathways’ work goes far beyond refugee resettlement. Our Immigration Team… More >
Volunteers of the Month: Christian Garcia and Anneliese Hermann
The New American Pathways’ Immigration Services team plays a vital role in the resettlement process, and it takes all hands on deck to make sure everything gets done. This summer, immigration interns Anneliese Hermann and Christian Garcia have worked diligently to help keep things running smoothly. “The amount of work that needs to be done requires a lot of people,”… More >
My Afternoon with the Al Homsi family
By: Amanda Ebling My name is Amanda, and I am a Shepherd Intern at New American Pathways, in the Career Services department. I’ve really enjoyed assisting the team that is committed to getting refugees employed and having opportunities to interact with refugees here; I know they are some of the most courageous, deserving people. I was recently invited to step… More >
Volunteer of the Month: Liz Truscott
Liz Truscott, a native of Connecticut and a graduate of University of Vermont, came to Atlanta in hopes of breaking into non-profit development. When we asked her what drew her to New American Pathways (New AP), she reflected back on her studies in college as a Social Work major: “My first experience in working with refugees came when I was… More >
World Refugee Day
World Refugee Day, an annual celebration established by the United Nations, brings together individuals across the world to commemorate our brothers and sisters that have been forced to flee their homes. With county government support and local events, Georgia joined countless other communities around the globe in this celebration. On Tuesday, June 13, the Dekalb County Board of Commissioners, in… More >
Cultural Orientation: An Outsider Looking In
By: Brittany Gilliland There are four languages mingling in the room, perhaps more if you count the baby babble. However, all the languages here share one thing in common: they are working to share simple, yet vital information about the United States. Cultural orientation at New American Pathways is one of the first experiences our clients, a mixture of refugees… More >
Volunteers of the Month: Finders Keepers Consignment
This month, we feature the wonderful leadership and staff of Finders Keepers for their dedication to serving the refugee community in so many ways. Bonnie Kallenberg, who is our thought leader this month, has been a fearless advocate for refugees since she first became aware of the local refugee community years ago. Having served on our board (then as RRISA)… More >
Balancing Motherhood As A Refugee
Can you imagine being a refugee in the process of resettlement for over fifteen years? Francoise Chimalonza, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo has experienced it firsthand. Fifteen years ago, Francoise fled the Congo due to a war and was placed for resettlement in Rwanda. Her final resettlement paperwork was not finalized until 2014, which is when… More >
Volunteer of the Month: John Bottini
While cultures, ethnicities, and religions may vary, one thing is true for people around the world – we all love our children. This basic truth helped our April Volunteer of the Month, John Bottini, to make greater, lasting connections with two new arrivals, and to help their family grow larger, and stronger, in their new community. John, environmental counsel at… More >
Rahim’s Path to an American Dream
It was always my dream to have a job in America. The AmeriCorps program has brought my dream to reality. I have been serving as the “Parents as Teachers” AmeriCorps team member at New American Pathways since October of 2016. This has been one of the best experiences of my life. Primarily, my goal in this position was to build… More >
Students Rule – On and Off the Field
A few weeks ago, we accepted three new students from Afghanistan into our afterschool program. These students are all siblings with varying levels of English speaking and reading. They have already impressed me with their respectfulness, eagerness to learn, and positive attitudes. The youngest sibling came to us knowing the alphabet and a few sight words, and has since learned… More >
Bhim’s Story: An American Dream
Becoming a refugee usually means hardship. Those who receive the government status of refugee are given it because they’re fleeing from proven persecution. That statement… More >
Volunteer of the Month: Myrtle Lewin
Myrtle Lewin is a retired Agnes Scott mathematics professor, advocate for all things social justice, and just about the cheeriest person you’ll ever meet. It’s no wonder why the room lights up when she walks in: Her natural positive attitude is exactly what drew us to name her as our Volunteer of the Month! Myrtle’s interest in education is one… More >
Santa Jayme Rides the Holiday Welcome Wave
New American Pathways’ Resource Coordinator, Jayme Hogan-Yarbro, coordinated her second holiday drive for the refugee youth we serve – and it resulted in the most successful drive ever! Having conducted last year’s holiday drive, I knew to expect an outpouring of support and participation from friends of New American Pathways when we kicked off the 2016-17 drive. What I didn’t… More >
Volunteers of the Month Central Michigan Alternative Break Group
During the last week of December, New American Pathways had the pleasure of hosting an Alternative Break Group from Central Michigan University (CMU). This group of 12 students served with us over a two-day period, helping to set up an apartment for a newly arriving refugee family, organize our storage unit, and even assist in our afterschool program! Students who… More >
Old Traditions with New Friends
Abdul Haikal and his family enjoyed a very special first Thanksgiving this year with some new friends – the Brenners. The Brenner family is a… More >
Thanksgiving Traditions
When your staff is made up of over 50 different people, from 15 different countries who speak nearly two-dozen languages, Thanksgiving traditions are bound to be fun – and delicious. Several international members of the New American Pathways team were kind enough to share their plans for the holiday – some of their favorite foods, traditions, and high points of… More >
Volunteers of the Month: The Galloway School
For the past two years, students from The Galloway School have spent part of their time serving, and learning, in the Clarkston community! The excursion was designed to give Galloway students an opportunity to impact their community with greater understanding, action and compassion. The Galloway School is a private, co-ed school founded in 1969 that follows a unique 4-D learning… More >
October Volunteer of the Month: Stephanie Davis
Stephanie Davis is an advocate, a philanthropist and a mentor. The former executive director of Atlanta Women’s Foundation and Georgia Women for a Change, Stephanie has led a life committed to women’s rights and support. She recently joined our English at Home program as a mentor and has served with our Civic Engagement program by assisting with voter registration at… More >
From the Road: das Willkommen
New American Pathways’ chief executive officer, Paedia Mixon, was recently in Germany with representatives of Welcoming America and other leaders from Georgia. The group learned from their German colleagues, who visited Atlanta earlier this year, about their approach to refugee integration. Reflections from Mannheim – September 2016 This year I have had the pleasure of participating in the Welcoming Communities Transatlantic Exchange,… More >
Volunteer of the Month: Asad Tabchi
For all new Americans, the first few days after arrival here are tough, and adjusting to a new life in a new country can be… More >
Welcome Home: My Airport Experience
Social Media Intern Isamar Vega-Rodriguez took a break from her regular work to learn about the efforts that go into welcoming a newly arriving family. As the Social Media Intern, I recently had the privilege of stepping out of the office with the intent to do something different; something every New American Pathways staff member, intern and volunteer looks forward… More >
Building a Future #WithRefugees
World Refugee Day, celebrated on June 20th every year, encompasses hundreds of celebrations across the world. To keep the events connected, each year’s celebration presents a theme, and this year it is “#WithRefugees” – a call to all of us to show our support for refugees arriving in our communities. But being #WithRefugees doesn’t just mean today – it means… More >
Volunteer of the Month: Karl Widjojo
“Reflecting on my work with refugees, I’m reminded that every person has the capacity to excel in certain things. Having served with an organization that educates refugees, I know the work that we do gives them an opportunity to develop their capacity to excel,” states Karl Widjojo. After a year of service in our Bright Futures Afterschool and Summer Programs,… More >
From One to Another
Above: Jasmin (right) fled his native Bosnia in 1993. In 1999, he began working at Elite Flooring in Norcross. Now, as warehouse manager, he is able to help hire other refugees, like Hayder, who recently arrived from Iraq. When Jasmin Gredelj first interviewed two New American Pathways clients for a job in 2014, he was already well acquainted with… More >
May Volunteers of the Month: The Atlanta Havurah
A group of Jewish families from all different congregations and communities has broken the mold of traditional co-sponsorship. The group calls themselves “The Atlanta Havurah.” Havurah is the Jewish word meaning “fellowship of like-minded Jews.” Of the many volunteer opportunities New American Pathways has to offer, co-sponsorship of a newly arriving refugee family could be considered the most unique –… More >
Breaking Bread Together
We hope we started a few ripples last week at our annual spring luncheon, Breaking Bread Together. Hosted at the Solarium in Decatur on April 14th, Breaking Bread had two main goals: to celebrate our volunteers and to highlight one of our unique programs. This year we put the spotlight on English at Home, an in-home, personalized volunteer tutoring program… More >
April Volunteer of the Month: Hadley Standring
Our Volunteer of the Month, Hadley Standring, is a Master of Social Work (MSW) candidate at the University of Georgia (UGA). She started her service in August 2015 and is nearing the end of her year-long internship. While most of the process leading up to Hadley’s placement with our organization was out of her control, she has had to navigate… More >
From Fear to Friendship
Hadley Standring is the current Masters of Social Work (MSW) Intern at New American Pathways, serving with the Resettlement and Resource Navigation and Communications Departments…. More >
Reflections of Grace, In Service
Mariam “Grace” Miner is the New American Pathways English at Home AmeriCorps Service Member. She helps ensure successful matches between volunteer tutors and new Americans, provides training and materials for tutors, and consistently checks in with ongoing matches for updates. Below, she talks about her experiences with the program, and provides insight on how English at Home works. When I… More >
A Gift for Singla
She moved to the U.S. at 61 years of age to start a new life with her family, after living in a refugee camp for… More >
In Her Own Words
In 2015, New American Pathways client Dhan Rai, a participant in our Parents as Teachers (PAT) program, wrote about her experiences in PAT. We are… More >
January Volunteers of the Month: Louisa Merchant and All Saints’ Episcopal
All Saints’ Episcopal Church is one of New American Pathways’ longest-serving faith partners. Their phenomenal refugee ministry has been running for 25 years, since the early 90’s when a parishioner was inspired to help Bosnian refugees. All Saints’ helps newly arriving refugees adjust to life in America through co-sponsorship, where a faith or community partner works with New American Pathways… More >
Thanks for a Season of Tremendous Giving
New American Pathways Resource Coordinator Jayme Hogan-Yarbro looks back on her first year collecting in-kind donations for new arrivals this past winter – and all the community members who made this holiday season a huge success. This year, the dedicated friends and supporters of New American Pathways got in the holiday spirit by giving to our organization and donating… More >
It’s All About the Bike
Shakir (right) arrived in the U.S. in 2014 and works with Communicycle in Clarkston. Shakir worked with New American Pathways’ Melodie (center) and Kate (left)… More >
A Life in Service
Ehsan (left) works with Mount Paran Church’s mission department. Ehsan always makes sure to remember his fellow refugees when donation drives come around. If you… More >
December Volunteer of the Month: Jynnah Radford
“I know how it is to restart your life. I also know how important it is to connect your old life with your new life.” Jynnah Radford describes how she has been able to empathize with the refugees New American Pathways serves and connect with her volunteer service and her internship in our Career Services department. Jynnah’s family is from… More >
How You Can Show Your Support For Syrian Arrivals
Since Governor Nathan Deal announced that he had asked the Federal government to stop sending Syrian refugees to Georgia, we have had many questions from supporters about how best to reach out to show their support for continued Syrian arrivals in Georgia. Here are two easy ways to reach out to the Office of Governor Nathan Deal to show your… More >
November Volunteer of the Month: Callie Crabb & Westminster Schools
Long before New American Pathways was formed, The Westminster Schools had a close relationship with both Refugee Family Services (RFS) and Refugee Resettlement and Immigration Services of Atlanta (RRISA). School leaders see the value of teaching their students about the greater Atlanta community, the value of diversity, instilling empathy, and thinking globally. Callie Crabb is the Program Manager for the… More >
Help Syrians and Other Refugees Thrive
Meet one of the few families who have arrived in Georgia after displacement in Syria. New American Pathways staff greeted the family and took them to their new home. Now they will start a new life in Georgia with the support of our programs that guide them on their pathway to success — through resettlement, employment, educational opportunities for their children, and a… More >
Engaging Community Leaders
The refugee and immigrant community has a strong voice, and we at New American Pathways are ready to help them raise it. Earlier this month, we partnered with Church World Service to host an all-day advocacy training. Participants learned how to register voters, recruit supporters, and share their life stories and missions effectively. Encouraged by this training, participants expressed they… More >
From New Americans to Civic Leaders
In July 2013, Safia Jama (left) was a new American citizen being honored for her incredible journey at the first annual Red, White and New… More >
October Volunteer of the Month: David Ross
After 15+ years with New American Pathways, David Ross (left) still enjoys the little things in volunteering – like showing up to a day of voter registration… More >
Young Women’s Leadership Attends the Lantern Parade
The Young Women’s Leadership Program by New American Pathways serves 21 refugee girls from the metro Atlanta area. The program is designed to better prepare these young women for a future of success through helping them obtain personal, professional and academic goals. In September, they welcomed their new cohort and many returning mentors for their first workshop of the new… More >
September Volunteer of the Month – Lori Laliberte
Every office has that one person: that one go-to volunteer or staff member who is always willing to take on a new role or to help someone else who has an overloaded schedule. At New American Pathways, for the last year and a half, that person has been Lori Laliberte. Lori has been volunteering with New American Pathways since early… More >
New American Citizens Recognized at 2015 Red, White and NEW
Our Red, White and New honored citizens: Saad AlSaad (far left), CEO Paedia Mixon, Lilly Chhetri (center), Padam Giri, and Jeanine Ndayishimiye, wife of Ntirandekua Melchiade. Saad AlSaad: Saad is a hero to two countries. Beginning in 2007, Saad worked as a translator with U.S. and Multi-National forces and helped to build the new Iraqi Army. Saad’s family, including his… More >
Samer Featured on 11Alive
New American Pathways client Samer was featured on local 11 Alive news on September 9, 2015 to discuss his own story of resettlement in the… More >
August Volunteer of the Month: Mike Iverson
When Mike Iverson laughs, you can’t help but laugh, too. He is a giving person with a joy for life that is contagious. A longtime supporter of New American Pathways, Mike has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2011 (then RRISA). He is the current Treasurer and chair of the board’s Finance Committee. But this year, Mike… More >
Connections and English Lessons
By Kelsey Smith, ESL Coordinator at New American Pathways Although my students cannot yet read the following words of Herman Hesse, I believe they would agree with them: “As a body everyone is single; as a soul never.” The outer trappings of these adult students are so different from one another. They come from so many different countries—Burma/Myanmar, Somalia, Syria,… More >
Early Intervention is Changing Lives
How many times do you go to work and change the course of a family’s life forever? The Parents as Teachers (PAT) educators at New American Pathways do that every day – sometimes in more tangible ways than others. Every time they make a home visit they are helping parents to better understand their children and the milestones they are… More >
July Volunteers of the Month: Kaleigh and Ben Bolin
For Kaleigh and Ben Bolin, the long drive is almost as rewarding as the work itself. Kaleigh, a family match English tutor and office volunteer, and Ben, a one-to-one civics tutor, have been volunteering with New American Pathways for over six months, despite living in Clemson, South Carolina. Twice a week, Kaleigh makes the four-hour round trip drive to our… More >
Spotlight On: Community Engagement
New American Pathways envisions a Georgia where refugees are leaders in their communities, engaged in solving problems and sharing new ideas. Community members have the right to participate in decisions that impact their current and future well-being. Leaders are experts in the needs of their communities and finding the best solutions. Communities are more successful in reaching their goals when… More >
June Volunteer of the Month: Leva Teymouri
Leva Teymouri is relentlessly positive. Earlier this summer, when she found out she had been accepted as a transfer student to Emory University’s prestigious Law School to study Human Rights Law, her mother cried with joy. But Leva basked in an achievement she knew was coming. “I knew it was going to happen,” Leva says, with more accomplishment than pride… More >
May Volunteer of the Month: Lauren Fink
This month, we honor Lauren Fink as an “everyday hero.” Lauren previously served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Tanzania and is a recent graduate of Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health, where she helped coordinate the Clarkston-Rollins Connection. Through the Clarkston-Rollins Connection, students engage in service opportunities with the Clarkston community in partnership with refugee-serving organizations like ours. Along with… More >
Catching Up with Dr. Lazim
In December we shared the story of Dr. Ahmed Lazim, a gifted surgeon from Mosul, Iraq forced to flee his home due to threats from ISIS terrorists after his brother had served with the U.S. Armed Forces. Dr. Lazim had begun working with our new Vocational Counseling program and was on his way to finding a job in the field… More >
April Volunteer of the Month: Alastair Churchward
This month, we honor Alastair Churchward as an “everyday hero.” After serving in the Peace Corps, Alastair returned to Atlanta and sought out volunteer opportunities to re-acclimate to living in the United States. For more than a year, Alastair has provided much-needed support in our Pathways to Bright Futures afterschool program by tutoring, participating in recreational activities and mentoring our middle school… More >
New Video: The Story of Cer
At our Breaking Bread Together event on April 14, 2015, we premiered the second video in our series, Pathways to Success. The Story of Cer… More >
AmeriCorps Week: Reflections on Service
For AmeriCorps Week, Young Women’s Leadership Program AmeriCorps Service Member Anna Gray writes about her experience working with some of the students from the program in planning for their future: During my AmeriCorps service with the Young Women’s Leadership Program, I make sure our students know about all of their options, from prestigious four- year institutions to JobCorps or a technical… More >
March Volunteer of the Month: Shelly Roberts
This month, we honor volunteer Shelly Roberts as an “everyday hero.” Through our Family Match program, Shelly tutors two refugees in conversational English every week and diligently seeks any materials and props possible to aid in their learning. But her work goes beyond teaching language skills: Shelly helps clients navigate their new home by helping them with any needs or… More >
February Volunteer of the Month: Chris Hanna
This month, we honor volunteer Chris Hanna as an “everyday hero” in our afterschool program. She helps the kids at one of our elementary school sites with their homework, reads books to them and helps out with various afterschool activities. Our afterschool staff and kids really appreciate her support and the joy she brings to the classroom. Recently, Chris even… More >
Beena Dahal
Beena Dahal has worked in the Parents as Teachers (PAT) program at New American Pathways since 2013 when the program was part of Refugee Family Services (RFS). In the summer of 2013, Beena became an American citizen and was honored at the second annual Red, White and New event. Beena’s husband – also a new citizen – her mother and… More >
State Champion Clarkston High Cross Country Team made up of Mostly Refugees
The Clarkston High cross country team became this year’s state champions without the aid of matching track suits or brand new shoes. They became known as the “Underfunded Underdogs.” The team is made up of mostly refugees, and, although not mentioned in the article, three of the students are former clients – two from the afterschool program and one through… More >
Chief Advancement Officer Emily Pelton works with Mayor Reed
Chief Advancement Officer Emily Pelton was among the Welcoming Atlanta Working Group who offered suggestions which became Mayor Reed’s 20 Results the city will use to focus on community engagement of new Americans. Emily will continue her work as part of a newly formed task force on welcoming immigrants.
Summer Camp Staff and Students Featured in GPB News
This summer, our incredible summer camp staff and students were featured in a piece by GPB news. The story focuses on the way summer camp, and afterschool, help students make a smooth transition into American schools Link
Peter Armstrong named CFO of the Year by the Atlanta Business Chronicle
Our Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Peter Armstrong was named CFO of the Year by the Atlanta Business Chronicle this Year via Atlanta Business Chronicle
Emily Pelton named to Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed’s Welcoming Atlanta Working Group
Chief Advancement Officer Emily Pelton was recently named to Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed’s Welcoming Atlanta Working Group. via Midtown Patch Link
Joseph Majak discusses the Atlanta based “Lost Boys” of Sudan
The Sunday, January 12 edition of the AJC featured RRISA contractor Joseph Majak discussing the view of the Atlanta based “Lost Boys” of Sudan, on the war that again rages in their home country. You must have access to My AJC to read the article, but the video is available for all viewers. Via AJC
A Dream Come True
New American Pathways is dedicated to helping our clients achieve long-term goals. This month, Yahya, a former client of our savings match program, came back for a visit. He used the funds he saved through the program to get his training to become a professional truck driver. Now he’s driven all through his new home country –and even seen both… More >
