A world of possibilities -- Najah : grateful to be home again -- Denise and art : lifetime guarantee -- Peace of thread : born in the U.S.A. -- Emain : take care of my son -- Denise's circles : comfort, care, and commitment -- Fahima : I learned to drive -- Nasima : the price of education -- Memphis : new threaders, new patterns -- Clarkston : one square global mile.
Summary:
Refugees from Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Africa find themselves isolated after resettling in the US. Used to village culture, they are adrift. Empower a Refugee tells the stories of refugees who participated in the Peace of Thread program near Atlanta, GA. Run by compassionate Christians who have found their calling in helping the dispossessed, Peace of Thread involves refugee women in fabric-related craft work that allows them to express their skills and to earn modest sums from the sale of their handbags and other creations. Their husbands participate in a related training program in auto mechanics. After its success in Atlanta, the Peace of Thread concept is growing to other locations. Volunteers report that their work with the refugees has also "rescued" them by giving purpose to their lives and helping them to define their calling as religious seekers in this materialistic age, where fear and rejection of the Other is all too common.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.