Dear Friend,
In the corner of the Pink Room at our new Community Center sits a desk.
At first, it looks like any other desk. Simple. Sturdy. A place to sit and work. But, it is something more extraordinary.
This desk has been set up to help a new neighbor pursue their long-term dream of becoming a nurse.
Ange first joined Soft Landing as a high school student in our Youth Program, where she attended after school tutoring and joined us on outdoor adventures.
Now as a college student, Ange comes to our Community Center almost daily. Working with a volunteer tutor and by herself, this is where she puts in a ton of time and dedication doing homework and studying for exams.
In our old space, Ange worked anywhere she could find a spot- even if that meant working in a refurbished closet.
Our new Community Center has more space for supporting new neighbors like Ange in pursuing their dreams.
Only with your help, we are here for the long haul, too.
And so, I’m writing to you with great urgency: We know you care deeply about refugees and immigrants in our state.
And, we need your help so that new neighbors have a place for a warm welcome and a long-term, extensive support system.
Beyond that, your investment buffers Soft Landing from the ebbs and flows of national politics ensuring our presence in Missoula into the future.
Lately, we’ve been hearing from families that the divisive election cycles and politics that are creating conflict in our own communities and are making them feel unwelcome.
This tells us that although we’ve accomplished so much together, we still have work to do as a community.
Ange’s words reflect the peace that home should feel like for everyone.
And they show how the kindness she received here in Missoula fuels her dreams of helping others as a nurse.
Even when things get hard, with you by our side, we know we’re on the right path. The kindness and care extended by you as part of this Soft Landing community we’ve built together are the antidote.
In love and gratitude,
Mary Poole
Executive Director
