9/11. America was in shock, and New Yorkers were devastated. Muslim New Yorkers were afraid to step out of their home; they were labeled terrorists because of the Islamic extremists who attacked the World Trade Center, killing thousands of Americans. But when the dust settled, New Yorkers band together as always to see how they can help their neighbors. I was one of those New Yorkers. I worked with FEMA under Project Liberty, a program launched in the aftermath of 9/11 to help New Yorkers get back on their feet. We coordinated hundreds of community outreach events erving hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers. We connected people with trauma and mental health specialists; secured housing and hot meals for displaced New Yorkers; facilitated emergency funding for small business owners; and, most rewarding, we facilitated interfaith community conversations across New York City. Then came Hurricane Sandy in 2012. I joined the mobilization team to recruit volunteers to help New Yorkers—especially in Sandy Hook in Brooklyn—and Welcome2America (W2A) was born. Moreover, as an immigrant, a woman, and a single parent, I understand the challenges new immigrants face in America day-in-day-out, including Language access, Low wages, Unaffordable/crowded housing, Food insecurity, Discrimination, Lack of access to healthcare, and other lifeline services. W2A’s singular mission is to facilitate access to the basic tools and resources that are necessary for new immigrants' integration and success in America. Resources that the immigrant community in New York City needs to get acclimated to America.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/bEk_p1fdsSE