Helping Neighbors

On Tuesday, the SLM crew went out to Fort Missoula to help fill sandbags for Missoula flood relief. It is very important to us that we do our part to help neighbors- both far AND near- that are being displaced due to no fault of thier own. Not only did we help fill close to 10 pallets, we had a lot of fun doing it!  This is a great activity to do with kiddos (I think Jack’s favorite thing was making “Sand Angels”) and Team Rubicon is running a great operation out there- making it EASY to help!!!!  KPAX happened to be out there today- check out the nice little story here 😉

With water levels that are supposed to rise again following snowmelt from warm days and the additional rain coming on Thursday, there are thousands of Missoula residents affected in some way by the current flooding. Information from Inciweb shows that we are not in the clear. ” The current forecast shows the Clark Fork River above Missoula will continue to decrease slightly within the moderate flood stage until Wednesday/Thursday (May 16-17), when it is predicted to rise again, reaching major flood stage on Friday, May 18, with a crest of 13.76 feet predicted for Saturday, May 19.”

We encourage everyone who can to go and volunteer an hour or two- TODAY!  This is such a simple, easy, and impactful way you can help.

In love and gratitude,

Mary and the SLM Crew

Ramadan

Are you, like us, wondering about this month-long holiday that starts today and how we can support our Muslim neighbors during this very important time?  Check out our blog post to learn more!

 

 Registration is OPEN!

Get more info here to sign up and help us spread the word!
Remember– even if you don’t play soccer, mark this day on your calendar to catch the final match at 4p and join us for the community celebration at 5p for food, music, and some special fun activities!

SLM is (still) Hiring!

After a further look at our needs as an organization and our deepening commitment to refugee families and our community, we have updated the position we are seeking to fill- both the hours and the wage.  If you want to work in a fun, dynamic, energizing office AND do amazing things to change people’s lives, we invite you to apply to work for Soft Landing Missoula!

Summer “packs” for Kiddos

We are so so grateful to Annie Davis and Usborne Books for a donation of $1000 worth of new and relevant books to gift to kiddos for summer studies and summer fun!  This is AMAZING!

If anyone would like to donate additional NEW small fun and educational items such as puzzles, games, flash cards, or art supplies to put in gift packs for kids this summer, please drop them by the office before the end of May.  

Hosts Needed for International Visitors

The Mansfield Center is presenting a unique and exciting opportunity to host international visitors in short home-stays for two days over the summer! Learn more about this fun program and how to become a host.

Happy May Everyone!

Whew! Is spring really here?!?!  As the earth unlocks and turns green, wildflowers push their way through rocky earth, and the rivers rage, I am reminded of what a beautiful and resilient place we live in.  It has been a long and hard winter for my Montana born family so I can only imagine the joy this spring beauty can bring to folks from less wintery climates.  It has been incredible to recently celebrate kiddos playing soccer (thanks Strikers for your generously donated spots on teams!), births and birthdays, the start of the Farmers’ Market, and families from Africa and the Middle East getting out with friends to hike around on these hills that are awakening (Andi, Jim, Darrin, and many other volunteers- You are AMAZING and we LOVE you!). Missoula couldn’t do the amazing job it is doing without the incredible network of people involved at all levels. 

I want to especially highlight the wonderful and important work that Missoula County Public Schools is doing with refugee youth and families. There is an important vote happening right now for both a Middle School and High School levy.  We support voting YES for this levy and invite you to check out our reasons why.  It is so very essential.  In this post, you will also see how SLM has done our small part, with some other very generous partners, to put our (limited!) money where our mouth is to support refugee kids and their families.  

Grateful doesn’t even begin to express how I feel for this little city- its land and its people.  My heart has burst wide open. 

In love and gratitude,

Mary Poole

 

Missoula Gives!

Yup!  We are doing it too!!!  This is such a cool day of giving and we are so inspired by many of the non-profits participating!  We would love to see you at the Kick-off Party at Plonk on Thursday night and/or at Gecko Designs during First Friday.  Please consider giving to Soft Landing Missoula during this brief and exciting community event!

First Farmers’ Market this weekend!

You guys!  It is happening!  Both the Missoula Farmers’ Market (up by the XXXX’s) and the Clark Fork Market (under the bridge) are starting this Saturday.  Last year was so fun to give opportunity to budding culinary entrepreneurs and share a bit of food and culture with Missoula. SLM will again have a booth at the Missoula Farmer’s Market (XXXX’s) with a rotating selection of food, treats (read: Wasan’s Baklava!!!) and special coffee.  New this year, we will be offering a look at a traditional Eritrean Coffee Ceremony every week from 10-12.  Stop by and see this beautiful ceremony and share a (tiny!) cup of strong coffee that has been hand roasted and brewed on site!

AND we are even MORE excited to announce that the amazing Ammar Omar has worked incredibly hard over the last year and earned his professional caterer’s license. He will have his own booth- Arabian Cuisine- at the Clark Fork Market where he will once again sell the best Falafel in Missoula as well as Shawarma sandwiches made with Montana grass-fed beef!  

Please join us on Saturday- AND visit Ammar too!  Fingers crossed for sunshine! We are also still looking for regular Saturday volunteers to help at both of the booths.  Please email Molly for more info!

Don’t forget to save the date- June 16th- for the Second Annual World Refugee Day Cup Soccer Tournament!

Registration opens soon for soccer players but even if you don’t play soccer, there is going to be an incredibly fun celebration following the tourney with free food, music and dancing!

We are still looking for corporate and individual sponsors- please email me if you are interested in supporting Soft Landing Missoula’s programming through this inspiring event!

SLM Presents: Out of Syria- Lecture to play on MCAT

If you missed this important and informative lecture presented by Brendan Work with insight and guidance given by Syrian refugee families here in Missoula, MCAT has generously made it available to all!  Check it out!

 

More events!

Despite the sprinkling of snow here and there, Spring has Sprung! You guys are keeping us busy, so we are going to return the favor and keep you busy!  This newsletter will read more like a calendar of events again and I will try to list them in order below.  We REALLY hope to see you all out and about!

In love and gratitude,

Mary Poole

April 5th: “Supper Club” at lunch time!

Haven’t been able to get a seat at the table yet?  Well Thursday’s table seats ALL for only $11!  Thanks to the UM Food Zoo and guest chef Ammar Omar, an amazing Arab lunch will be available from 11-1:30 on April 5th at the Food Zoo on the UM Campus.  More information here. Another DON’T MISS meal!
 

April 8th: The International Fair at UM

Soft Landing Missoula will have a table at the UM International Fair on Sunday April 8th from 11-4 at the University Center on the UM Campus.  Come say “Hi!” and purchase some yummy goodies- including Wasan’s can’t be beat baklava that you may have had at the Farmers’ Market, Cafe Dolce, or our last Supper Club where she was the guest chef!  Lots of other fun events and international food carts if you are into that sort of thing- we know you are 😉

April 8th:  New Neighbors Film Screening

Yay! Back by popular demand!  For the 50+ of you that couldn’t get into the screening of these incredible refugee directed short films, and everyone that could watch and learn over and over, join us at the Roxy the evening of April 8th at 6:30p. There will be at least one film that will be screening publicly for the very first time. More info on the event here.

April 9th:  Opening Banquet for “Celebrate Islam Week”.

SALAM (Standing ALongside America’s Muslims) is putting on their second annual “Celebrate Islam Week” and we are honored to help host this opening event.  Last year’s dinner was heaped with incredible traditional Arab Cuisine cooked by members of Missoula’s international community and definitely SOLD OUT.  Be sure to get your tickets in advance and find out more about the whole week of events here!  The opening banquet is April 9th at the First Presbyterian Church. Doors open at 5p, dinner served at 5:30.

April 17th: Out of Syria- History, Conflict, and Building a New Life

The 5th in our Soft Landing Missoula Present’s Lecture Series, we explore the beauty and heartache of Syria.  This talk will take place at the UC Theater April 17th at 6p.  Free and open to the public.  This evening will be heavily guided from the lives and experiences of Syrian refugee families here in Missoula. More info available here.

 

May 3rd and 4th: Missoula Gives

Please support our effort to raise $3,000 during this wonderful community building event to support Soft Landing Missoula’s programs, social engagement activities, and culinary entrepreneurship opportunities for refugee families in Missoula.
We will also be at Gecko Designs from 5-8p for the First Friday Art Walk on the 4th as part of Missoula Gives, so stop in and say “hello!”. Learn more about how you can support us here or check out our FB event.

Look, Don’t Look, Look..

That is what I feel like when trying to keep up with the world these days. I usually try my best to keep these newsletters positive, but sometimes the heartbreak is so raw, so deep, that we must pay attention.  The world needs us to pay attention, to look. Congo, Myanmar, Ghouta….others… how do we look there and not see the faces of our own children?  How do we not despair? How do we not feel helpless? So, I don’t have a lighthearted message for you today. With all of they joy surrounding the SLM world in Missoula these days, all of the amazing humans that have enriched our lives and our town, all of the hard work of so many partners, all of the support of such a welcoming community, all of the new and delicious celebrations, we still can’t forget to look… to educate ourselves, to pay attention, and to act when we can.  

In love and gratitude,

Mary Poole

Next Supper Club- March 11!

Check it out ASAP to reserve your seat.  The last one filled up in 4 hours!

Supper Club in the News

Great Missoulian article about our February Supper Club with Chef Farida Khinjani!

LLC offering another round of English Tutor Training.

This course starts next Monday the 5th!  Call LLC to sign up and gain these useful skills for helping any English Language Learner in your life. 

SLM is hiring!

Do you want to work in a fun, dynamic, energizing (read: a bit cray cray) office AND do amazing things to change people’s lives? Come work for Soft Landing Missoula!

We are hiring a Development and Communications Coordinator. Please check out our website for more info.

 

Not slowing down…

Why we all thought that things would be a bit quieter after the Holidays is a mystery to me 😉  February has become an extension of an unexpectedly busy January! Soft Landing has been bringing on new board members and welcoming new staff (WE LOVE our new Vista!!!  Please Megan, never leave us!!!). We have spent a fair amount of time focusing inward to increase the resiliency of our organization and continue to explore the constant evaluation of “doing right” by this huge opportunity we have been given to welcome refugees to Missoula.  Of course (and thankfully) the work is never done and our adventures in helping to create an inclusive community are only growing.  We LOVE to see how eager Missoulians are to new experiences and to celebrating all of the beauty that refugee families have brought to this little western city. Keep celebrating, keep loving, keep finding joy.  We will be there right along with you.

In love and gratitude,

Mary Poole

 

Big Sky Documentary Film Fest

We are especially honored to sponsor 4 of the 2018 films at the BSDFF!  The New Neighbors Project has been working extremely hard this year to teach and support Missoula refugee filmmakers as they explore life behind the lens to create films about their lives, experiences, and dreams.  Join us Feb 20th at 6p and the 25th at 8:15p – both at MCT.  Find out more here.

February Supper Club!

We are honored to feature guest chef Farida Khinjani and her delicious Afghan cuisine on Feb 25th at Masala.  View the menu and find out how to reserve your spot here. Last month’s Supper Club (featured in this great story) filled up in less than 24 hours so act fast!

Get your sweat on! (and support SLM!)

Revo MT is hosting two community workout fundraisers to benefit Soft Landing Missoula. Get sweaty on Feb 17 and 24th, both at 9a.  More info here. Thanks Revo MT!

 

2018 Highlights already?!

What a wonderful month to kick off 2018. A lot has happened so far in this short year and I am excited to say, I think we already have some highlights of 2018 under our belts and on the near horizon!  This month was marked by our second “United We Eat Supper Club” and 55 of you joined us for a fantastic Syrian feast at Masala.  MTPR did a beautiful story on the event you can read/listen to here (with pictures!). We are forever grateful to our dear friend Ghalia for sharing her love of cooking with us.  Our next supper club is in the works for the end of February- stay tuned for details!

Up next (Feb 16th-25th) is the Big Sky Documentary Film Fest where we are honored to be sponsoring films made right here in Missoula by refugee filmmakers. The New Neighbors Project, aimed at teaching new arrivals how to self-direct their own stories that are too often told from the outside, has 3 selections in this year’s film fest. Getting into the BSDFF was never a “given” for this project, but speaks to the amazing craftsmanship, talent, and guts of the filmmakers and the New Neighbors crew. We have been honored from the beginning to be a small part of this amazing project and are in awe of the final product. More info on how to view these films below.

If 2018 keeps going at the speed of this past month, we are in for a wild ride!  Come along with us to enjoy good fun, good company, and good food 😉

In love and gratitude, 

Mary Poole

Big Sky Documentary Film Fest 2018

Soft Landing Missoula was catalyzed from photos and film and we firmly believe in their power to show truth and create positive change in the world.  Join us to witness the culmination of the year of work put into the New Neighbors Project.

Fair Trade Jewelry Pop-up just in time for Valentines Day!

Come check it out at the Dram Shop this Sunday from 12-5.  Shop for you or your sweetie and support Soft Landing Missoula!

“We Are All America” Week of Action

January 29 – February 3. On the anniversary of the first “Travel Ban”, this week is intended to lift up and defend our long-standing values of welcoming individuals who seek protection from violence and persecution.
Look here for how you can support this effort and make our support of immigrants, refugees and resettlement heard across the state and across the nation.

Save the Date: 2018 World Refugee Day Cup Soccer Tournament!

Saturday June 16th!!!! More info here and lots more to come soon!

New Year, New Adventures!

Whew…there goes 2017!  I would be hard pressed to name another year in my life where I experienced so many new things, learned so much, grew more as a person, faced as many challenges, had to ask for as much help, wanted to say “Thank you!” so many times, or met so many new wonderful people from near and far! Ok- as I look at my 6 month old little one as I write this, maybe year 1 is about the same 😉  

To kick it off 2018, we are hosting our second Soft Landing Missoula Supper Club at Masala on January 14th featuring Syrian Cuisine.  I spent yesterday afternoon sitting down with Theo, the owner of Masala, and Ghalia, our guest chef, who were putting the final touches on the menu, and let me tell you- this is going to be very special delicious!  Seating is limited so make your reservations quick! The SLM Supper Club was created in response to the immense hospitality and generosity refugee families have shown us when being invited into their homes- you better come hungry…every time!- and wanting to be able to celebrate and share the beautiful cultural bridge that food can be while enriching our shared community.  We hope you will get the chance to join us for one- or all- of these unique and exciting dinners!

So here is to 2018 being as crazy, as eye-opening, as dynamic, as hard, and as WONDERFUL!  We have A LOT of goals for 2018 and some really exciting new ideas. I think you all know that the magic only happens because of your support and involvement and we are so thankful and excited to take you with us into this new year. 

In love and gratitude,

Mary Poole

 

January Supper Club- Syrian Cuisine

Be sure to check this out for more details and the MENU!

Where: Masala – 206 W. Main St., Missoula
When: Sunday January 14th.  Doors open at 6p and food will be served at 6:30
Cost: $40/person
How: Call Masala at (406) 926-6444 to make a reservation.  Please let them know if you have a vegetarian in your party.

Please direct any further questions to mary@softlandingmissoula.org

Tutor kiddos at MCPS!

Join us in one of the most loved and rewarding volunteer opportunities by signing up to tutor kiddos with Missoula County Public Schools.
If interested, please attend the next informational session next Friday the 8th at noon in the MCPS Administration Building (215 S. 6th St. W). 

More information available here.  Questions can be directed to volunteer@softlandingmissoula.org

Urgent Needs

As many of you know- we have a little “Urgent Needs” page on our website that is created in response to things that we get asked for, or needs that we notice.  It gets updated frequently and is always a good thing to check out if you are wondering how to help.
I will highlight: Men’s winter boots, larger “stock” style pots, YakTracks or similar anti-slip devices for the ice, home or laptop computers, and well functioning vacuum cleaners.  You can also always donate a well running car if you want!!!

“Timeless Iraq” lecture is now available online

Thanks to MCAT for making this informative lecture available to anyone anytime!!

2017- Going out with Bang!

Saturday night was magical.  We put on our first monthly Soft Landing Missoula Supper Club at Burns St. Bistro featuring an incredible guest chef from Eritrea- Negasi Weldense Gebreyesus. We all shared spicy and savory stews served on collective platers and then heaped on Injera, a traditional flatbread made from fermented Teff flour.  The food was incredible and the company superb.  We have come to believe in food as an important way to learn about other cultures and traditions, to build a shared community, to enrich the fabric of our city, and to ultimately uphold our mission of creating a safe and welcoming home for refugees in Missoula.  You are invited to join us each month, for all of those reasons, or simply because it is so delicious! Stay tuned…

We at Soft Landing feel so fortunate and grateful for an incredible 2017, Missoula’s first full year of welcoming refugees. We are humbled by all of our new experiences, friendships, and knowledge, and feel forever in debt to the families who have landed in Missoula and invited us to share even a small part of their lives.  All that we were able to do this year was made possible through your support, volunteerism, and yes- donations.  WE have built something amazing- together.  Come play with us in 2018- there is plenty more ahead (she says with a twinkle in her eye)!

In love and gratitude and of course, Happy Holidays,

Mary Poole

Still time for Year End Giving

So many of you showed up for GivingTuesday and collectively gave over $10,000!  We have also already started to see an outpouring of support from our Year End mailing.  If you haven’t yet had the chance, but would like to support Soft Landing Missoula and a robust 2018, please consider making a Year End tax-deductable donation.  More info available here.

Holiday Office Closure

We plan on spending as much time with friends and families as possible during the holidays. We hope you are able to do the same. Although we will be periodically checking email and will continue to respond to the needs of clients during this time, the Soft Landing office will be closed from Wednesday December 20 through Tuesday January 2. 

Love our SWEET t-shirts and hoodies?

You can now buy them online!  Here is how. PS- buying online won’t be the way to go for Christmas presents, but you can always stop by the office before the 20th to see what we have in stock!  Thanks Jenn Prinzing for being such a talented and rad designer!!!

So much to be Thankful for…

We have to start this one out with a HUGE shout out to Gallatin Refugee Connections! In one day, this Bozeman group collected enough Welcome Kits for newly resettled families that they filled and entire trailer (and then some!) that is arriving in Missoula TODAY! So impressed and so so thankful. Way to kick off the giving season with a bang!

Despite the huge heart-breaking slowdown of refugees nationwide (Contact your representatives! Sign petitions! They hear us!) during an even more heightened crisis of forcibly displaced, persecuted and vulnerable people across the globe, Missoula continues to be able to welcome refugee families through the International Rescue Committee. We are so so grateful to be a part of this work and to meet people at our door with a smiling face, a warm coat, and a little hand on the path to a safe and welcoming home full of kindness and opportunity. Thank you also to the newest members of our board who will be joining us on this always exciting journey. 

Enjoy your week.  I hope it is spent with lots of friends and family sharing WAY TO MUCH food 😉 Speaking of food… you have to check out the info below on our newest “cultural immersion” offering!

In love and gratitude,

Mary

That Giving Time of Year…  

Couldn’t participate in the awesome donation drive in Bozeman? How about #GivingTuesday!  Taking place on November 28th, this is a really easy and wonderful way to do your year end giving.  We made it through 2017 thriving because of your gifts last year! Our programing and 2018 goals (think- more lectures, cultural events, FOOD, and classes for refugee families) depend on your generosity again. We have a couple AMAZING matches that we will really need your help achieving. Check out more info here and be ready for lots of updates through out the day!

Reservations open for the first Monthly Soft Landing Supper Club!

What: “A Taste of Eritrea”- A family style dinner with guest chef Negasi Weldense Gebreyesus
Where: Burns St. Bistro
When: Dec. 9th, 6p
How: Call Burns St. at (406) 543-0719 to make reservations.
         Please direct all other questions to Soft Landing Missoula.

This is not to be missed and will fill up FAST!  Look here for more information.

MADE Fair

This year we will again be at the Missoula holiday MADE fair on Dec 10th! Check out more information on where and when to find ushere!  We will not only be bringing our smiling faces and info on how to get involved, but also our AWESOME t-shirts and sweatshirts 😉

Another Shout Out to our newest board members!

Welcome to the team!  These are really incredible folks who will be adding so much experience and enthusiasm to our vision and programing.  Check them out here and give anyone you know on this list a big high five!

Lectures, Food, and the beginning of Winter…

A huge thank you for everyone who turned out for the Starbucks UpStanders screening this past Monday! We PACKED the Wilma! However uncomfortable a spot it is for me personally, I realize the importance of sharing what a resounding success Missoula has been in the story of Refugee Resettlement. Ours is a story that can be a bright light across the nation, not only how to advocate and act for people fleeing war and persecution, but how to do that gracefully in the face of adversity.  If you were unable to catch the screening, here is a link to all 11 UpStanders films, Soft Landing’s included, which are available online. 

This fall has be very quickly flying by and we have so many exciting things happening and in the works for the remainder of the year.  Check out some of the activities and ways you can help below!

I feel so honored to be a part of this community that has made all of this happen and continues to support our effort in creating a safe, welcoming, and informed community where refugees can integrate and thrive!

In love and gratitude,

Mary Poole

Soft Landing Missoula Presents: Timeless Iraq

Join us Nov 7th at 6p at the UC Theater for the 4th in our lecture series.  We are really excited about this lecture as it is our first one presented by a refugee in our community.
More info available here.

United We Eat!

We started at the Missoula Farmer’s Market are so excited to bring more opportunities to share food and culture in the future!
Read about our first Supper Club and chat with us about how you can get involved!

Winter is coming….

Here are a few needs for the coming weather-
Hats
Gloves
Down coats and ski-type jackets
Kids snow gear
Snow boots

Items can be dropped off at our office- 939 Stevens, Suite C.  We are usually open Mon-Fri, 9-3. Contact us if you need to arrange another time. THANK YOU!

Board Statement regarding refugee resettlement. 

Check out our assessment on the state of refugee resettlement in Missoula following 9 months of activity surrounding Executive Orders.

Catch the most recent Congolese play on MCAT this Friday!

If you were unable to make it to this educational tale of cultural taboo, song, and dance- check it out Friday the 27th on MCAT (channel 189) at 5p. More info here.