06/19/2026
For families arriving as refugees, the first days in a new community can hold so much at once: relief, uncertainty, grief, hope, and the work of starting over.
Years ago, during a holiday gathering at our Portland office, a Syrian refugee family walked into the room: a mother, a father, and three young children. In that moment, one staff member saw more than a newly arrived family. He saw his own story reflected, arriving in the United States as an 8-year-old with his parents and younger siblings.
Watching that Syrian family, our colleague imagined the adjustments ahead: learning English, navigating new customs, finding stability, and building a life in a place that was unfamiliar. He also imagined their triumphs. With support from one another, from our agency, and from welcoming neighbors, he knew resilience would grow.
Learn more about Safe Route Immigration on our website: https://www.saferoute.org/
