What's Happening?
We are working hard behind the scenes to make a positive impact in the lives of asylum seekers. This is a place to keep you posted, and share what people are saying about us.
Updates from the Founder - August/September
In August we started the English as a Second Language classes for 21 asylee adults. We held four one hour sessions. (2 hours each time twice). They have been practicing their English every chance possible.
Baby Elsa was born in Carillion Hospital. FFOAS founder spent the night at the hospital assisting mother and child.
We transported 23 asylees to doctor and dentist offices and 26 asylees to work.
Two students were enrolled in school - one in Willis Elementary School and one in Indian Valley Elementary School.
2 Asylees started making beaded jewelry and so far have sold 6 pieces!!!
2 sets of two asylees every Monday alternate making Tamales and Empanadas.
During July orders averaged 20 per Monday and in August they dropped to 10 or under orders per Monday.
We were unsuccessful in raising funds to purchase the WoodBerry Inn. So... now we are raising funds to purchase property so we can create a tiny house village in Floyd to accommodate our current and future residents.
Financial donations dropped again in August. We need help with fundraising. Any and all suggestions will be appreciated. I know these are tough times for everyone. Asylee receive zero assistance, we are their lifeline. If our members would please contribute $15 per month we would not be in this difficult situation. Please consider making your donation today!
You can either send check or money order to FFOAS - P.O. Box 628, Floyd, VA 24091 or through PayPal donation button on our website: www.FloydFriendsOfAsylumSeekers.org
Asylum Seeker Update
On 26th September 2020, 4 asylees are being taken to Washington DC to the Mexican embassy with hopes of getting their credentials duplicated as ICE took their passports, birth certificates, immunization record and driver licenses and did not return them when they were released. Keep your fingers crossed that all will go well for all of them.
Preserving Indigenous Cultures
“When you lose a language and a language goes extinct, it’s like dropping a bomb on the Louvre."
We are very excited to report that one of our asylees of Guatemalan descent speaks fluent Chuj. This is a Mayan language!!!! If anyone from the community knows another Chuj speaker, please drop us a note on our Contact Us page. We would hate for her to lose her indigenous language. In the meantime, members of FFOAS will make the effort to learn and speak Chuj with her.
ESL Classes have begun!
Our heart is overflowing with gratitude for Literacy Volunteers of the NRV for launching our first on site English class on August 18 2020. It was a stellar success. We will do this the next 8 Wednesday evenings!
19 asylum seekers participated.
Help Our Cause
All donations go to our work assisting asylum seekers. Every little bit is precious and appreciated.
Click below to donate.
You can also donate to our cause through Venmo.
