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Soma Mining Disaster

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On May 13,2014  a mining disaster claimed the lives of nearly 300 miners in Soma in Manisa, Turkey. According to reports the death toll is still rising. The disaster was caused by a fire in the mine. Efforts were made to save the victims, however, only 88 have been rescued.

On behalf of Embrace Relief we would like to convey our condolences to the friends and relatives of the miners and our deepest sympathies to the families.

Now it is time to help the families of the victims. Embrace Relief has started a campaign for the families affected by the Soma mining disaster.

 

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Contribute by check: Make your checks payable to: “Embrace Relief” | Address: 545 Interstate Pl. Carlstadt, NJ 07072

 

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Flood in Bosnia

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Thousands had to leave their homes on Saturday May 11, when the worst flood in over a 100 years hit Bosnia and Serbia. at least 35 people died from the flood and more tens of  thousands were left homeless. Thousands were evacuated but some are still trapped in their homes by the flood.

The flood is threatening Serbia’s largest power plant in Belgrade. Volunteers from all over the country are desperately trying to protect the country’s largest source of electricity.  

The flood has left thousands with no shelter, food, drinking water, or clothes. The people of the Balkans need your help. We have started a campaign and are collecting donations to send supplies to the victims.

Donate1Contribute by check: Make your checks payable to: “Embrace Relief” | Address: 545 Interstate Pl. Carlstadt, NJ 07072

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Food Drive

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Since summer of 2014, Embrace Relief has donated over 58,000 pounds of fresh meat to families in need. During the summer months, Embrace Relief donated 17,000 pounds to people in Haiti, Dominican Republic, Kenya and Tanzania. In October 2014, we have donated 41,000 pounds of fresh meat to needy families and shelters all across the United States. Food is something we often take for granted and it is something so many people in the world don’t have. Fighting hunger is at the core of our mission.  

According to reports, in 2013 it was reported that 49.1 million people in the United States lived in homes where they were not sure if they would have food for the day or not. Of those 49.1 million people, 40% were not receiving any government food assistance–that’s 1.9 million people without any reliable source of food. This is in the US alone; hunger and poverty in countries such as Haiti, the Dominican Republic and much of sub-Saharan Africa are rampant. Food gives us the energy we need to function and live our daily lives. Hunger is part of a vicious circle. Hunger is a result of poverty, which is a result of unemployment. If a person suffers from hunger, it is likely they are unable to work; if they are unable to work they will stay in poverty, which means staying hungry and the cycle continues.  

Let’s break the cycle and fight against hunger. Let’s help those in need and put food on their plates.  You can contribute to Embrace Relief’s fight against hunger by donating here.

Albany, NY 

Kenya

 

Tanzania

New York & New Jersey Area

Pioneer Academy of Science – Haiti

Embrace Relief Southeasth Region Volunteers- Haiti

Ohio

Texas

 

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Food Drive at the Shop Rite Palisades Park

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Embrace Relief  & Turkish Cultural Center Bergen facilitated a food drive at the Shop Rite Palisades Park on December 18th,2014 from 2 pm to 8 pm. At the entrance of the store volunteers distribute food drive flyers that is shown below and  while customers were shopping, they  bought extra items to donate.At the end of the day customers` donations filled a shopping cart that  We have donated all items to the Center of Food Action (CFA) Hackensack.

We would like to thank  Shop Rite to give an opportunity to facilitate food drive for needy families and we would like to thank all shoppers, Shop Rite Palisades Park Employees, Turkish Cultural Center New Jersey volunteers, Embrace Relief and Center for Food Action.

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Health

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Embrace Relief is committed to providing support for the improvement of the health of people. We help provide this support through programs such as the hospital in Haiti and the Cataracts surgeries in Africa. Through these programs, not only do we provide much needed medical help to impoverished lands, but we also improve the lives of individuals.

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 HOSPITAL IN HAITI   CATARACT SURGERY  BLOOD DRIVE

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Syrian Refugees

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Our efforts began in the fall of 2013

Our efforts began in the fall of 2013, when a small group of community leaders from a northern Virginia took a trip to Turkey. One of the many places this group visited was a refugee camp. The visit to the camp made an immediate impression on these community leaders, and before they even left Turkey, they resolved to make a difference for these refugees in dire need.

In a matter of weeks, they worked with local leaders and community organizations in northern Virginia and collected 6000 blankets and $10,000 as well as food and other needs, and delivered them to the very same refugee camp in January, 2013.

These same local leaders, together with Embrace Relief, collected six containers full of blankets and shipped them to Turkey. We collected $110,000, as well, for food and other needs. Embrace Relief distributed these blankets to refugees throughout cities that border Syria. We provided food assistance and blankets for 1200 refugee families living in Istanbul alone and sponsored hot meals for 4000 refugees during the cold months from January through April 2015, in Kilis.

Many thanks for your donations and sincere efforts to help bring comfort to refugees from Syria fleeing the devastation in their homelands.

 

2015 Goal:

We are continuing the coat and blanket collection again for the 2015 year.  This need unfortunately continues with the Syrian refugees in Turkey.  Our goal this year to increase our collection from 6 containers to 10 containers. The blanket and children’s winter coat drive will be held November 7 through December 5. The collected items will then be packaged and readied for shipping to Turkey shortly thereafter.

This year we will not stop with the blanket and coat drive.  The needs of the Syrian refugees do not end with coats and blankets.  Our goal is to start a school for their children to continue their education.  We will find the location, furnish the school with all needed supplies, provide employment for teachers of Syrian refugees and compensate the rent and salaries.

As always your support is needed in order to make this happen.  Your generous donations will provide children with education and employment to families in need.  Together with your help we can make a difference.

 

How to Organize Your Own Blanket Drive

You can organize your own blanket drive on your campus, in your workplace or in your neighborhood. We have drop-off locations in the Greater New York Area, in Washington DC or in the Midwest for your collections. You can also ship them to our main warehouse in NJ: 

1500 Main Ave 4th Floor
Clifton, NJ 07011

Whether you can start a collection campaign or not, it is always possible to help our cause through monetary donations.

 

Facts & Figures

 

The Syria conflict has triggered the world’s largest humanitarian crisis since World War II. Humanitarian needs continue to rise, population displacements are increasing, and an entire generation of children is being exposed to war and violence, increasingly deprived of basic services, education and protection.

Estimated number of people in need of humanitarian assistance inside Syria: 12.2 million

In hard to reach/besieged areas:
4.6 million

Estimated number of internally displaced: 7.6 million (UNOCHA)

Number of refugees – registered & awaiting registration:
4 088 099

Turkey: 1 938 999

Lebanon: 1 113 941 

Jordan: 629 266

Iraq: 249 463

Egypt & North Africa: 156 375

(UNHCR)

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Syrian Refugees

$81,811.00 of $100,000.00 raised
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Donation Total: $50.00

 

 

▶ 2013 Blanket Drive Event News

 ▶ 2014 Blanket Drive Event News 

 

 

CO-ORGANIZERS

 

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Lumina University Book Drive

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Lumina University was established in 2010 in Bucharest, Romania. In 2014, Lumina established two courses of study taught in English; Business Management and International Relations. The University is also developing several other majors taught in English to be offered int he coming years including banking, finance, accounting, IT and more.
Our goal was to collect 20,000 books, and with your generous donations, Embrace Relief successfully have collected 22,000 books and shipped them to the Lumina University in Romania so the students can have direct access to English literature.

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The Kick-off for 2015 Blanket Drive

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It’s officially here! The press release of the annual blanket drive for Syrian refugees was held on November 5th at the Fairfax County Government Center in Virginia.

Our world is experiencing the biggest refugee crisis since WWII with approximately 60 million refugees on the face of the Earth. One of the biggest catalysts of this huge crisis has been the civil war in Syria, which has started in March 2011. More than four million Syrians had to flee their homes since then to save their lives according to a recent report of UNHCR. A number of neighboring countries, as well as some European and American states, gave shelter to the escaping masses. Syria’s northern neighbor Turkey is on top of this list of host countries with more than 2.2 million Syrian refugees (official numbers). Both governmental and non-governmental organizations have been relentlessly working to assist those people in need since the beginning of the war, yet it is hard to reach everyone with such huge figures. And when they are faced with harsh winter conditions, it is even harder for Syrian refugees to survive.

For that reason Embrace Relief has been organizing blanket drives in tandem with “Kimse Yok Mu” of Turkey and Northern Virginia Regional Commission consisting of 14 governments in Virginia since 2013 to aid Syrians refugees in Turkey. Over the past two years more than 40,000 blankets have been collected and $115,000 in funds has been donated. They were transported by Paxton Van Lines to the Port of Virginia where they were shipped to Turkey via Maersk. Both companies generously donated their services and are once again donating them in 2015.

This year we are aiming at least ten full containers for our blanket drive, which is to take place between November 7 and December 5Last year, nearly 18,000 blankets were collected and shipped to assist the displaced families. The campaign of 2015 has been expanded to include coats of all sizes (infants through adults). To kick off the drive Embrace Relief CEO Osman Dulgeroglu has come together with local governmental leaders and the press to kick off this year’s campaign at Fairfax County Government Center, VA on November 5th.

The program started with the opening speech of Mark Gibb, Executive Director of Northern Virginia Regional Commission. With his usual tranquil air, he talked about his first encounter with Syrian refugees in Turkey and underlined the importance of blankets for the displaced Syrians, adding this year’s campaign was expanded to include coats as well. He also donated the first coat to the initiative during the press release. Taking out a green, cozy coat from under the podium he said: “This coat here belonged to my son and we’ve been saving it for our grandchild, but this morning my wife told me Syrian refugees would need it more, so I’m going to donate it to our campaign.”

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This coat here belonged to my son and we’ve been saving it for our grandchild, but this morning my wife told me Syrian refugees would need it more, so I’m going to donate it to our campaign” said Mark Gibb, Executive Director of Northern Virginia Regional Commission at the press conference

Speaking at the press release, Embrace Relief CEO Osman Dulgeroglu reiterated the vitality of the initiative and brought about some new good news: He announced Embrace Relief’s newest project, an all-girls high school to be established in Kilis, Turkey, where approximately 80,000 displaced Syrians are taking refuge. The school will only serve the children of the Syrian community in the city under the supervision of Syrian teachers who have the advantage of speaking the native tongue.

Here is what some of the speakers had to say:

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Chairman Sharon Bulova – Fairfax Board of Supervisors

“Last year’s collection drive was incredible with literally thousands of blankets being dropped off at Fairfax County locations. We were honored to work with our community partners and local faith organizations to help those in need of warm blankets. I know our community will be there once again to join this great effort.”

 

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Chairman Scott York – Loudoun Board of Supervisors

“Having witnessed first-hand the plight of the refugee families and the enormity of their needs I can tell you from personal observation this project is most needed, particularly now as this crisis worsens. It does one good to know that a child, a Mom and family have something to keep them warm during the winter months.”

 

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Vaner Kaplan – Executive Director of American-Turkish Friendship Association

“The generosity of the residents and business community in Northern Virginia was overwhelming last year. We are grateful to all who participated and we are hopeful that we will be able to match last year’s total. The need is even greater this year as there are now more than two million refugees living in Turkey.”

 

 

To learn more about our blanket & coat drive and to participate click here

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TEXAS Bastrop County Fire Relief

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Texas Needs Your Help!

Embrace Relief Raising Funds for the Texas Bastrop County fire relief.

 

 

4,582 acres of forest and 64 homes are lost because of the Texas Bastrop County fire!

Please click the links below for news coverage:

 

KVUE-ABC local TV channel:

Statesman Newspaper -1

Statesman Newspaper -2

Please send us your generous donation so that we can deliver it to those who are in need!

You can make your donations by clicking here:

 


For check donations: Please make your checks payable to “Embrace Relief Foundation Inc” and place the memo as Texas Bastrop County Fire Relief. The checks should be sent to 9301 West Belfort Ave. #152. Houston, Texas 77031.

Contact us directly:

Embrace Relief Southwest USA:

9301 W. Bellfort Ave. #152 Houston, Texas 77031

Office : 713-974-1412 ext: 152

Email : swregion@embracerelief.org

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SCHOOL FOR SYRIAN CHILDREN

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Embrace Relief has initiated a project to the benefit of the Syrian refugees currently residing in Turkey by providing them with quality education.

 

In order to facilitate this project, Embrace Relief has committed to sponsoring the costs of a private school run by Syrian refugees in Istanbul for a whole year, which provides education to 250 students in total (from grade 1 to 12).

 

Syrian Al Rahma Education Center in Uskudar, Istanbul is a private school in Turkey providing education to the children of displaced Syrians living in Istanbul. The facility is currently serving 250 students in total in two separate sessions (elementary grades in the morning session, and middle and high school students in the afternoon session). By providing education in two shifts for two groups of students a day (morning and afternoon), a total of 250 students can be instructed daily.

The budget for this project is $100,000. This budget will cover the costs of the institution for one school year (including the salaries). During this inaugural year, Embrace Relief in collaboration with its sister organization Kimse Yok Mu in Turkey will monitor the educational progress of the school to ensure the expectation of quality is being met as well as to promote accountability and transparency within our organization.

 

One of the most overlooked basic needs of Syrian refugees is their right for education. While some of the children are fortunate enough to enroll in a small number of schools opened by both the state and local aid organizations/individuals, the vast majority of children are not able to access even primary level schooling. In contrast, there are many unemployed Syrian teachers who are qualified and more than willing to educate. The gap between supply and demand of education, due to insufficient funds, is a severe problem that will result in major socioeconomic and educational discrepancies in the near future.

After the start of the civil war in Syria, a vast influx of refugees entered Turkey. In the beginning, the funding for aid operations were covered by Kimse Yok Mu and donor partners and were adequate to meet the needs of the first wave of refugees, however, the overwhelming number of people (currently estimated at 2.1 million) who have fled Syria and Iraq into Turkey, has diminished available funds faster than anticipated. The vast majority of refugees who are living in Turkey are unable to fully benefit from current aid initiatives; falling victim to dangerous job opportunities and have little to no access to legal representation.

One of the most overlooked basic needs of Syrian refugees is their right for education. While some of the children are fortunate enough to enroll in a small number of schools opened by both the state and local aid organizations/individuals, the vast majority of children are not able to access even primary level schooling. In contrast, there are many unemployed Syrian teachers who are qualified and more than willing to educate. The gap between supply and demand of education, due to insufficient funds, is a severe problem that will result in major socioeconomic and educational discrepancies in the near future.

If knowledge cannot be transferred from the current population to the next generation, then the human capital, required to rebuild Syria in the aftermath of the civil war, will not develop. Consequently, the conflict in and around the country would significantly be prolonged. The uneducated generation will be highly susceptible to be taken advantage of by radical groups. The refugees who choose to remain in a number of neighboring countries will face a number of serious challenges as well. Their job opportunities will continue to be highly restricted, and they will constantly face language barriers, which will prevent them from using even the most basic services of the country. The negative perception about these refugees due to their low level of education will also result in increased racism and xenophobic conflicts between them and the host countries’ citizens.

 

If knowledge cannot be transferred from the current population to the next generation, then the human capital, required to rebuild Syria in the aftermath of the civil war, will not develop. Consequently, the conflict in and around the country would significantly be prolonged. The uneducated generation will be highly susceptible to be taken advantage of by radical groups. The refugees who choose to remain in a number of neighboring countries will face a number of serious challenges as well. Their job opportunities will continue to be highly restricted, and they will constantly face language barriers, which will prevent them from using even the most basic services of the country. The negative perception about these refugees due to their low level of education will also result in increased racism and xenophobic conflicts between them and the host countries’ citizens.

Moreover, the difficulties for any late attempts to boost education services would be increased since the teachers who are currently academically qualified would have retired, changed occupations or left the workforce altogether due to illness or death. Because of this, substantial efforts to provide access to education for the current Syrian refugees in Turkey and beyond need to be taken immediately.

The education of refugee children provided in host countries, specifically for females, is especially important for their wellbeing and survival. There are several significant reasons for this fact. One: children at the primary education level can get an early head start to developing literacy and analytical skills, along with an early introduction to the language of their host country. Two: teaching the primary level curriculum becomes harder as the age of the child increases into adulthood. And three: the education of female refugees requires special attention because of the myriad of challenges faced by them. Women are significantly more susceptible to become victims of human trafficking, organ trafficking, and physical and sexual violence. Female refugees, because of the cultural practices that they come from, in addition to language barriers, have fewer or no way to state their problems and be represented. Female refugees have fewer means to earn income, are less likely to be employed, and when they are able to get a job they have a higher risk of being abused and taken advantage of in the workplace. Furthermore, female children are also at a higher risk for becoming a child bride.

In a world where the number of refugees has reached a record sixty million people[1] with no indication of a decline, finding a solution to providing opportunities to those who desperately need one — is one of the biggest and most meaningful challenges of our time. By focusing on these two groups of vulnerable people, our organization seeks to minimize the additional challenges faced by them caused by the lack of access to education.

 

Our project aims to support the education of Syrian primary schoolers and female students. By doing so we aspire to:

– Give children the opportunity fulfill their potential,

– Significantly reduce their risk of being manipulated by radical and terrorist groups,

– Reduce the tensions between refugees and local citizens by creating a qualified workforce,

– Prevent the abuse of women and children by harsh conditions of the informal employment market,

– Contribute to the rehabilitation of both students and teachers from tragic experiences they lived through by providing them a sense of normalcy and job security,

– Provide income to teachers, and provide an environment where they can utilize their abilities and educate the children.

While it is a medium-term solution, boosting education and providing schooling will give refugees the necessary tools for finding future opportunities and rebuilding their lives after the conflict is over. It is economically feasible, but more importantly a humane project. The overall results will mitigate the damage caused by educational deficits, and decrease the security risks posed by refugees facing the difficult realities of refugee camps and feeling compelled to make dangerous choices.

[1] UNHCR. Worldwide displacement hits all-time high as war and persecution increase. http://www.unhcr.org/558193896.html

 

School for Syrian Children

$11,030.00 of $100,000.00 raised
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Donation Total: $20.00

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Earthquake in Ecuador and Japan

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As the international aid pours in to Ecuador and Japan after powerful earthquakes hit these two countries, Embrace Relief is also initiating a disaster relief campaign to help people.

The 7.8-magnitude quake, which struck Ecuador Saturday night, has killed at least 413 people so far according to the official reports. More than 2,500 people were injured and state of emergency has been declared in six provinces of the country.

Meanwhile Japan was hit by twin earthquakes on Thursday and Saturday last week, with magnitudes of 6.4 and 7.3, respectively. The death toll has reached to at least 44 and about a thousand people have been injured, while the quake relief work continues amid aftershocks.

Now we’re announcing a relief campaign to help people in these two disaster-stricken countries. You can help heal their wounds with your contributions today.

 

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Earthquake in Ecuador

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Earthquake in Japan

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Houston Needs Your Help! Historic Flooding in Houston

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Houston Needs Your Help! Historic Flooding in Houston!

Greater Houston Metro Area Flooding Relief Campaign

 

It is time to show our solidarity with our fellow Houstonians: Embrace Relief is launching a relief campaign to help victims and families affected by historic flooding in Houston Metro area.

More than 13 inches of rain fell in just less than a few hours which lead to heavy flooding that inundated thousands of the homes, shut down several major highways and left at least 8 people dead.

 

Heavy rains in the Southeast Texas, especially in Houston Metro area, have caused extensive flooding and forcing evacuations. This unexpected flood cost at least 8 lives according to various news reports. Late Monday, April 17, Governor Abbott declared a state of disaster in the following Texas Counties: Austin, Bastrop, Fort Bend, Colorado, Grimes, Harris, Montgomery, Waller and Wharton Counties. Monday morning, heavy rains created powerful thunderstorms that led to several fatalities, damaged thousands of homes and paralyzed the region. Many of the Schools and businesses were shut down for the Monday and Tuesday. Bus and rail services are suspended in Houston.

 

 

Here are a few links for further information on this historic flooding:

The Weather Channel:   Evacuations Ongoing in Houston as Creeks Rise; Coast Guard Finds Body After Boat Capsizes in San Jacinto River; 8 Dead

Houston Chronicle : More rain expected to hit Houston in wake of massive floods

USA Today :   Houston copes with deadly, historic flooding

 

Houston Flooding

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Donation Total: $100.00

*Checks: Please make your checks payable to: “Embrace Relief Foundation, Inc” and place the memo as “Houston Flooding”. The check should be sent to 9301 W. Bellfort Ave. Suite #152, Houston, TX 77031.

Contact us via 601 316 5779 or swregion@embracerelief.org

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I Am My Neighbors’ Neighbor

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I AM MY NEIGHBORS’ NEIGHBOR

A story about Bastrop County, TX, our neighboring community

from Embrace Relief SW

 

Time after time we are told to live our lives by loving our neighbors just as we love ourselves. We’ve been taught this concept from family members that came before us and we’ve read about this in our traditions. There is something about that feeling of giving to someone in need that just blossoms a great sense of joy in one’s soul which can not be given by material possessions.

As life continues to occur, it brings joy and also hard times for ourselves and for the people around us. It is during these times in our lives that we are given the opportunity to take action in part to bring back the joy to the lives of others and making a difference. We all have this choice to make. Will we be the differences in our neighbor’s lives when needed? After all, I am my neighbors’ neighbor and sometimes that’s all it takes.. And just as life happens, there was a fire that hit Bastrop County right outside of Austin, TX causing 1700 homes to destroy. Then yet another fire that burned October 13th through the 24th of 2015. Less than a week later Bastrop County was hit again with a flood on Halloween resulting in an additional 221 homes being damaged with 61 destroyed and 34 majorly damaged. A county of merely 75,000 people suffered 3 major disasters in five months.  Our neighbors lives were destroyed, their homes lost yet again. Bastrop County lost 64 homes and scorched 4,582 acres. For a few, this was the third time in six years they have lost their homes to a wildfire. For others it was the second time in four years in which they are being forced to start over again, and for some it was the second time within six months that their property had been on the list of properties damaged or destroyed by a disaster (BCLTRT).

The residents of Bastrop County are our neighbors. They are in need and we are our neighbors’ neighbor.

 

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By the end of the night Embrace Relief, TTACC and Raindrop Foundation signed a check of $51,000 over to Christine Files, Chair of the Board of The Bastrop County Long Term Recovery Team

Initially the Turkish American Community had not had much contact with anyone from the Bastrop County, but that didn’t matter. Once our community learned what had happened with the Hidden Pine Forest Fire, we took initiative to be a part of recovering what had been lost. On October 2, 2015 Embrace Relief, along with Texas Turkish American Chamber of Commerce and Raindrop Foundation organized a fundraising dinner at the Raindrop Foundation branch in Austin for efforts to raise money for the families that were victims of the fire. Glenn Hegar, Texas State Comptroller of Public Accounts, and Paul Pape, Bastrop County Judge attended the fundraiser and each gave their support by participating in giving a speech. By the end of the night, Embrace Relief, TTACC and Raindrop Foundation signed a check of $51,000 over to Christine Files, Chair of the Board of The Bastrop County Long Term Recovery Team. With great efforts of our teams and donors we were able to lend a helping hand to our neighboring community.

 

Once a considerable amount of money was raised and a family in need was identified, the Mennonite Disaster Services, a longtime partner of The Bastrop Long Term recovery Team, began preparations for construction for the home of Dennis Moninger, his son Michael and daughter Hannah. The Mennonite Disaster Services consists of many volunteers from parts of Indiana, Michigan and Canada. Within about six months of construction work the home built by this team was ready for Mr. Moninger and his family. On March 24, 2016 the Mennonite Disaster Service and Bastrop County Long Term Recovery Team invited Mahmut Gok, Southwest branch Executive Director of Embrace Relief, who was also present at the Fundraiser in Austin, and President/CEO of Raindrop Foundation, Mehmet Okumus to their hosted dedication home service in welcoming the family to their new home for handing over the keys ceremony.

 


 

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Everyone present during the ceremony enjoyed a great barbecue plate provided by the Northwest Catering team

The home dedication was a great turnout with a house full of people from Mennonite, BCLTRT, Embrace Relief, Raindrop,
TTACC, and members of the Bastrop Community such as Judge Pape, neighbors and the fire department. Mennonite Project Coordinator, Carl Dube, hosted the event wonderfully as members from each organization said a few words to the family and presented gifts to them as well. Everyone present enjoyed a great barbecue plate provided by the Northwest Catering team. By the Grace of God and his giving neighbors, Dennis Moninger’s family now has a new home. It takes a lot for a person to decide on staying and to start over after three disasters. We thank him for not giving up and leaving the community. Looking around over his land surrounded by people from all walks of life, Mr. Moninger stood in awe knowing that it is well: People he never met before attending such an important day for his family all because we are neighbors. “Words fail me,” Moninger said, smiling. “There’s a lot of good people in this world. You’re led to believe it’s not a good place, but that’s not true. It is.” (www.stateman.com)

 

Dennis Moninger stands on the front porch of his new home with his 14-year-old son Michael and 15-year-old daughter Hannah on March 24, 2016. JILLIAN BECK/ACN NEWSPAPERS

Dennis Moninger stands on the front porch of his new home with his 14-year-old son Michael and 15-year-old daughter Hannah on March 24, 2016. JILLIAN BECK/ACN NEWSPAPERS

 

Besides Mr. Moninger and his family, there are still lots of people that are in need of help. Let’s be a good neighbor and lend a helping hand in anyway we can!

The post I Am My Neighbors’ Neighbor appeared first on Embrace Relief.

Coins for Kids

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“Coins for Kids,” is a chapter project that empowers children to help other kids in communities with great needs. Children are asked to raise money that will be used for Embrace Relief projects that support kids’ educations.

We believe that it is important to teach kids how to give back and who to give back to at a young age, so as they grow and become more independent, they will continue to be philanthropic. As they learn and understand that many kids do not have access to education, food, water, toys, and so forth, they will develop empathy and continue to feel the desire to help other children.


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The Coins for Kids campaign consists of a paper coin bank that the children will receive and assemble into the shape of a box. There are illustrations on the boxes portraying children from some of the places around the world that we currently help. The kids will be able to color in the box, and make it unique for them. Their goal then will be to raise money in the coin box within 6 months, so that it can go towards kids in need.

 

The project is open to children ages 4-17. Children ages 4-12 must collect at least $50 within six months, and kids ages 13-17 must collect at least $100 within 6 months. 6 children who have completed the campaign will be selected at random for the prizes, and prizes will be different for age groups.

3 children ages 4-12 will be selected for a $200 amazon gift card, and 3 children ages 13 and older will be selected for a trip to Haiti to help out at one of the orphanages we currently sponsor!

However, the biggest prize for us and our children is to improve our sense of solidarity and increased social consciousness. We will also provide certificates of participation to all of the kids who take part in this campaign.

Don’t forget to take photos of kids coloring their boxes and tag Embrace Relief on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram @embracerelief, and use the hashtag #CoinsforKids!

 

 

 

 

PROJECT TIMELINE

 

November 1, 2016

 

The project will begin on November 1, 2016, and will be active for 6 months.

 

April 30, 2017

 

The final date to submit any funds collected will be April 30.

 

May 1, 2017

 

Winners will be announced on our website and via email on May 1.

 

Memorial Day Weekend (May 26-29, 2017)

 

Winners of the Haiti trip will travel during Memorial Day Weekend. More information regarding the trip will be explained to winners and their families.

 

Summer 2017

 

The project that the funding will be used towards will be completed summer 2017. Dates and project details to be announced later.

 

JOIN TODAY shaped label on price tag

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Chicago Education Fund

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CHICAGO EDUCATION FUND

 

Embrace Relief will be establishing a scholarship fund for college Students. As many of you know, Embrace Relief is dedicated to assisting our local communities in need and helping those who are financially struggling.

The cost of higher education in the United States is incredibly high and is only continuing to rising, making it even more difficult for a growing number of people. According to the College Board, the average cost of tuition and fees for the 2013–2014 school year was $30,094 at private colleges, $8,893 for state residents at public colleges, and $22,203 for out-of-state residents attending public universities. For the majority of students, the only way to attend college is through securing student loans which often times only cover the cost of tuition.

 

Criteria for Applicants

Embrace Relief is raising money for Education Fund to give scholarships to a number of hardworking students for their undergraduate studies. In order to be eligible for a scholarship, applicants must meet the following qualifications:

1) A Child of a political victim family or he/she is self a political victim.

2) Possess a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

To apply, an applicant must write a 750-1,000 word essay about what he/she plans to do in college, how he/she plans on giving back in his/her life, and what volunteering means to him/her. We are accepting applications anytime. Please submit essays along with your full name, University, and cumulative GPA.

 

If you have questions, please contact midwest@embracerelief.org

 

Chicago Education Fund

$
Personal Info

Donation Total: $100

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Hurricane Harvey

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HELP PEOPLE AFFECTED BY HURRICANE HARVEY!

 


 

Hurricane Harvey makes heavy landfall in Texas, causing major flooding throughout towns and cities. The Lone Star State is facing catastrophic flooding and devastation, including greater Houston area.

 

In collaboration with Enes Kanter Foundation, Embrace Relief is launching a relief campaign to help victims and families affected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas. Please support recovery efforts today:

 

 

 

EMBRACE RELIEF DAYTIME SHELTER IN TEXAS (10:00 AM to 09:00 PM Daily)

Embrace Relief & Raindrop Foundation opens its doors as daytime shelter (10:00 AM to 9:00 PM) to victims of Hurricane Harvey starting from Thursday, August 31, 2017.

Hot meal will be served (11:30 AM Lunch & 6:00 PM Dinner).

 

Address:

9301 W. Bellfort Avenue

Houston, TX 77091

601 316 5779

swregion@embracerelief.org

 

If you would like to make donations, you can bring any of the following supplies:

 

Bottled water: 20 case

Can soda: 20 case

Personal hygiene items: Tooth Brush, Tooth Paste, Hand Sanitizer, etc.

Disinfectants: Cholorox, Wipes, etc.

Toilet Paper, Paper towels, Plastic bags.

Non- perishable food items.

Diapers & Baby foods.

 

LIVE COVERAGE:
 
 

 

Hurricane Harvey

$
Personal Info

Donation Total: $100

The post Hurricane Harvey appeared first on Embrace Relief.

Help Puerto Rico

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HELP FOR PUERTO RICO

Puerto Rico is suffering its history’s biggest natural disaster. While still recovering from Hurricane Irma two weeks prior, Hurricane Maria completely destroyed the island’s power grid, leaving all 3.4 million residents without electricity for an indefinite period of time. Communication networks are crippled across the island, approximately 80 percent of the territory’s agriculture is lost due to the hurricane, and less than half the population have potable water now. Puerto Ricans are in urgent need of clean drinking water and food, or things will get worse soon.

 

Help Puerto Rico

$
Personal Info

Donation Total: $100

 

 

Embrace Relief was one of the first respondents to the people in need after the disaster. We’ve already delivered to the authorities a truckload (26′) of water and food to be shipped to Puerto Rico immediately, and more is on the way.

 

 

 

 

You can join the relief efforts today by your monetary or in-kind donations today. Currently, we are accepting the following items:

 

     
  • Cases of water
  • Canned food – Non-perishable food
  • Batteries – Flashlights – Portable Lanterns
  • Diapers – Baby wipes
  • Feminine Hygiene Products

 

All items must be unopened and in their original packaging. You can bring them to the following address between 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday, and 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday:

 

18 Passaic Ave Unit 1 Fairfield, NJ 07004

 

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Iran-Iraq Earthquake

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IRAN-IRAQ EARTHQUAKE

 

Iran-Iraq Earthquake

$
Personal Info

Donation Total: $100

On November 12, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 occurred on the Iran-Iraq border. The quake, which reached a depth of 23 km (just over 14 miles) according to the US Geological Survey, was felt across the region with aftershocks hitting Pakistan, Lebanon, Kuwait and Turkey, news agencies in those countries reported.

 

 

 

 

 

Over 500 people died in the deadliest earthquake of 2017, and it is estimated that about 70,000 people are now in need of shelter in this cold winter season. 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos from Sharazur District In Iraq

 

 

Embrace Relief has been very quick in responding to the victims in the region and extended a helping hand to families by distributing tents in villages heavily damaged by the earthquake.

Our volunteers quickly provided shelter to twenty families who lost their homes in the villages of Kani Bardina, Cerdasana and Kaneskan in the Sharazur District of Sulaymaniyah Governorate. More is on the way. 

 

 

 


DONATE NOW TO HELP MORE PEOPLE IN NEED AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE!

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Refugee Relief

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Every day we wake up in beds, warm blankets wrapped on our bodies and soft pillows beneath our heads. We walk into our bathrooms and draw hot water in which to wash our faces and brush our teeth. We enjoy a hot cup of coffee and breakfast. These are things that we take for granted every single day.

Now imagine that all of a sudden it was taken away from you. The world we are currently living in – anything is but certain. Countries we never imagined would persecute and displace millions of people are now expelling them from their home countries; labeling them terrorists and sending families – women, children away in the cold with nothing but what they can carry on their backs.

Many have found ways to make life threatening, perilous journeys to escape to safer lands…to refugee camps. Over the last several years – refugee camps have been over flooded with displaced people who cannot return to their homes. The camps cannot simply accommodate the millions of people fleeing to them for help and they have been forced to face jailing by crossing borders illegally or creating makeshift settlement camps outside of refugee camps.

 

The Facts

According to the UN Refugee Agency there are 65.6 million people worldwide who are currently displaced of which 22.5 million of them are officially classified and protected under the UNRA. In 2016, less than 1% of the registered refugees were formally placed and resettled. These families have been settled all across the world ranging from the Americas through the Asia Pacific region. Turkey, however, holds the title for hosting the most refugees…which makes this current situation all that more perplexing.

 

The Irony
 

While several countries around the world, including Turkey, are taking those helpless souls in, they are in turn persecuting their own people and creating a whole new wave of refugees all in the name of political power. While most of the world has not only heard and shown support for the tragic death of three year old Aylan Kurdi, there was virtually no coverage (especially in Turkey) of the Maden family who tragically lost their lives crossing the Agean sea. The Maden family left their prestigious jobs, and lived a life of extreme poverty in secret until securing enough money to make the dangerous passage across the Agean sea seeking refuge in Greece.

Unfortunately, the story of the Maden family is only one of thousands of Turkish joining the ranks of fleeing refugees. It is now, more than ever, that as a society – as humans, we need to come together to support these forcibly displaced people and help them establish themselves in a foreign world where they don’t know the language and have nothing but the clothes on their backs. Many of these families have no paperwork, no jobs, no language skills – they are virtually helpless.

 

 

What You Can Do
 

It is at this time that Embrace Relief has come to you to request your support of these families while we work as an organization and as a society, to get them settled and on a path to self-sufficiency. Effective January 2018, the funds from our Refugee Relief program along with any donations made going forward for refugee relief will be dedicated to refugees in Greece. Currently, the Greek government has been instrumental in helping these families but should not have to carry that burden alone.

In order to support this initiative, Embrace Relief is offering two options:

 

  • OPTION 1: ADOPT A FAMILY

  • This option will be available for those who wish to work directly one on one with a refugee family in Greece. You will be matched with a family that fits the parameters you specify in your registration form and will be in direct contact with them. As the donor, you will decide the frequency, the amount and even the beneficiary of the funds that will benefit your adopted family.

 

 

 

    • OPTION 2: DONATE TO THE CAMPAIGN

 

  • This option will be available for those who want to help the cause but cannot donate the
    time to managing a family overseas. Once again, you can choose an amount and the
    frequency of your donation, and Embrace Relief will take the responsibility of disbursing
    the funds as needed amongst the 600+ refugee families in Greece as needed.

 

 

Refugee Relief

$
Personal Info

Donation Total: $50

 

What Others Are Saying
 


 

To learn more about our past work:
 

The post Refugee Relief appeared first on Embrace Relief.

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