RAMP to become an independent charitable organization. Fall family updates.

FALL 2022

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

RAMP to become an independent charitable organization.

Hello RAMP Volunteers, Donors and Friends!

It’s been a busy three months since my appointment as President and I have lots of exciting news and information to share with you.

First is that after six years of operating under the auspices of the Community Foundation of New Jersey (CFNJ), RAMP is well on the path to becoming an independent charitable organization. We’ve incorporated in New Jersey, created by-laws and formed an initial board (composed of most of RAMP’s prior Steering Committee members). Our last remaining step is to receive official IRS approval for status as a 501(c)(3) organization, which hopefully will occur in early January.

We will soon be our own completely independent non-profit, with greater flexibility to grow, to adapt and improve operations and define expenditures. We also plan to expand our much-needed services, which were limited under our operational model with CFNJ.

Moving in that new direction, I plan to add new members to our Board, and to newly created service committees, recruiting current and new volunteers in all areas. An important addition to RAMP’s efforts is the hire of a part-time operations manager to help us efficiently serve more refugee families. Of course, beyond the fantastic efforts of RAMP’s many volunteers, it does take a good deal of financial resources to provide the needed assistance for our families to become financially self-sufficient. We’ve been blessed to have two fundraising professionals volunteer to enhance our fundraising efforts. A year-end appeal will be coming out soon but I would encourage you to get ahead of that and make a donation today (see the button in this newsletter).

Last, I will be looking to increase our newsletter frequency to better keep you in the loop on all that is RAMP: our families, our efforts, needs and where caring people like you can be of help. Stay tuned, an exciting year is ahead!

Best Wishes,

Steve Shannon
President
Contact here

FAMILY UPDATES

7th family graduates from RAMP. 8th family makes great strides.

RAMP extends our very best wishes to our 7^th RAMP family on their November graduation from RAMP. We wish them every success as they begin a new, independent life. Last November Ali, Somaya, and their three young daughters came to Morris County from Afghanistan via Italy under a special International Rescue Committee program that provided enhanced financial support from the IRC itself as well as support from RAMP.

Currently, Ali continues to do civil engineering work and is in Ohio much of the time. He reports that he enjoys his job and believes it has much potential. While Ali is away, Somaya keeps busy with their 4-year-old twins, Liana and Barana, who are in public preschool in Boonton. They happen to be in the very same class as little Sama of our family #8. Somaya also cares for 10-year-old Laya, a sixth grader, with her many school activities. Laya is an eager learner and loves art and math. All three children have learned English very quickly.

Family #8, who arrived on February 7 are from Afghanistan. They continue to make great strides forward in adapting to life in Morris County. The dad, Ehsan, a specialist in HVAC systems, has a new job at Statewide Heating and Cooling in Lake Hiawatha and recently received his driver’s license. Since both he and Freshta are drivers, they are now able to manage their family’s transportation in their own car, provided by one of our generous donors. Busy Freshta, the mother, is now employed part-time at Walmart, continues to take English lessons, and is studying to be a bookkeeper.

Grandpa Karim is currently happy to have his medical needs

addressed and enjoys helping with the little ones. Sama is loving her days at Boonton public preschool and seems to learn more and more English each day. Little Mayha needs ongoing medical attention, and the family is very grateful for the excellent care she receives. She is scheduled for cochlear implant surgery on December 1.

PLAY A PART!

Bring a RAMP speaker to your congregation,
organization or group.

Would you like a speaker to address your congregation, organization or group about RAMP and refugees? Send a note to info@rampnj.org and we'll make that happen!

Join our housing advocates program.

RAMP seeks passionate individuals to help secure rental housing for refugee families in the Morris County area. As part of this program, you will help identify, educate and activate real estate agents, landlords, property managers and others in the housing industry about RAMP, refugees and our need for housing. To join this new team, send a note to info@rampnj.org.

Contribute your technical skills to our organization.

RAMP seeks volunteers to help with its technological infrastructure: domain, email, PC's and more. If you or someone you may know can help our growing organization manage our technology needs, we'd love to be in touch. Send a note to info@rampnj.org if you can help.

Help us find a website designer.

As RAMP changes, so will its website. If you or someone you know has professional level web design skills and can assist RAMP in designing a new web site, we'd love to chat. Please reach out to info@rampnj.org with expressions of interest.

Refugee Assistance Morris Partners is comprised of volunteers representing churches, synagogues, and mosques, who co-sponsor families with the International Rescue Committee and Church World Service, and operate under the financial auspices of the Community Foundation of New Jersey. RAMP assists Middle Eastern and other refugee families to transition to a productive and safe future in the Morris County region.

Donate here.

Volunteer to support our families.