The financial headlines are scary, but the lines at the food pantries are even more telling:  Arizonans, especially minority populations like refugees, are feeling the latest wave of financial unrest. The latest data from the Association of Arizona Food Banks shows a 39% increase in the number of requests for emergency food banks compared to this same time last year. There is also a 20% increase in clients at food banks statewide.

On behalf of the International Rescue Committee and the ASU Museum of Anthropology

You are invited to the closing reception of:

From Harm to Home: Through the Eyes of Refugee Children

Oct. 2, 2008
5 – 7 p.m.
ASU Museum of Anthropology ( http://asuma.asu.edu/VisitUs )

Please find our Fall 2008 COAR Advocate newsletter attached. We hope you'll take a moment to read what we've been busy with, and how we are preparing for another fabulous year of working iwth refugee families in Arizona.

Thank you for your continued support of COAR!

Cheers,

Kelli M. Donley

Executive Director

Thanks so much for being patient with us during the last two months; with the transition of staff, a new office and a new school year – COAR is having a hectic, while wonderful, growth spurt.

I would like to remind everyone that the deadline to turn in volunteer applications online is approaching- the applications are due next Friday, September 19th. If you have not filled out an application yet, but are interested in volunteering with a recently resettled refugee family through the Volunteer Anchor Program, or mentoring a high school aged refugee student in the Reaching Higher College Prep Program, please fill one out now!