Our Walk / To End Human Trafficking in Durham

HOW DO I SIGN UP?

The question is not whether human trafficking happens here but what will we do about it. World Relief Durham supports survivors of human trafficking as they rebuild their lives. We also work to organize the community so that we can end human trafficking in the Triangle (here’s a short video on our program by CNN).

The 5k walk will raise funds for both aspects of our work. Here is our donations page. I can’t stress this enough: without raising local funds to supplement our grants, we cannot adequately care for our clients. Without client service programs, law enforcement is reluctant to get involved as the people they freed will end up back on the streets and most likely working again as someone’s slave.

If you are ready to walk with us, here is what you need to do.

Free Portraits of Refugees

GUEST BLOG POST, FROM NATHAN CLENDENIN. ORIGINAL VERSION CAN BE FOUND HERE. USED WITH PERMISSION (and gratitude!).

Since Help Portrait started a few years ago, I’ve wanted to be part of something like that: giving away photos to those who’d never otherwise be able to have them done.  I was always a bit daunted by the organizational/event planning type stuff that would go into pulling something like that off. Fortunately, World Relief Durham decided to put one together, and Stephen Garrett, Carolyn VanHouten and I jumped on the idea! We also met some really great photographers at the event, which was held at All Saints Church.

These first two guys are both from Kenya but didn’t know each other until they met here as refugees and became fast friends. I believe they said they’ve been here about 6 months. I’m terrible with remembering names, especially ones I hard a hard time understanding in the first place… But two really nice guys.

This young man is from Bhutan.

Supporting Our Refugee Neighbors: Employment Skills Workshop

About 40 refugees joined more than 20 volunteers a couple weeks ago to learn more about potential jobs and build relationships as they look for work in Durham.

The John O’Daniel Exchange building was a busy place on Saturday, as World Relief Durham hosted our first Employment Skills Workshop. Volunteers from the community shared their knowledge, skills and resources with refugees anxious to find employment.

How do I sign up to Walk / To End Human Trafficking.

So, you want to Walk / With World Relief to end human trafficking in Durham. What are the next steps?

1. REGISTER

5k Walk To End Human Trafficking, 3/24

UPDATE: Here’s how to register for the race and set up your own, personal fundraising site.

President Obama has declared January to be National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. In the course of his declaration, Obama outlined the essential components of any effort to effectively end modern day slavery:

A Picture is Worth…: free portraits for refugees (2/4)

Photo by Franklin Golden

UPDATE: We still need volunteers to greet,  direct refugees to the right place, provide refreshments, and just assist as needs arise. Please SIGN UP to help out.

Having your portrait taken is always a memorable event. We want to share this joyful–and occasionally awkward–experience with refugees in Durham. On February 4th, we’ll have a free portrait event, similar to Help-Portrait. Refugees and will be able to come and have their individual or family picture taken by local photographers for free.

The event will be on Saturday, February 4th in the afternoon (1p-4p). The location will be at All Saints Anglican Church, on 15-501 and Garrett Rd, in the shopping center next to Oak Creek Village Apartments.

We need all kinds of volunteers to help with this event.

Service Opportunity: World Relief Durham’s First Ever Employment Skills Workshop

Employment Skills Workshop: a great opportunity to meet refugees and help them gain skills for employment!

As you know, jobs are hard to find these days, especially for people with little English or previous work experience. We’re putting together our first ever Employment Skills Workshop to assist refugees as they look for work.  This is a great chance for you to help refugees and also to raise awareness and excitement in your church and your community. Here are the details: