Sanctuary Bill is on it’s way to the Senate- Call to Action


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So, if you weren’t already aware, we are well into Montana’s 2019 Legislative Session. While we have not yet seen any refugee specific bills pop up, there is a bill, HB146, and companion state referendum, HB147, that we are worried about. This bill regards Sanctuary Cities, and places HUGE fines on municipal governments for not deferring to federal agencies in regard to immigration. Please read our statement below that we submitted before the bill recently passed committee and quickly got sent through the House- passing all 3 readings. We still have time to stop this by contacting our Senators before it reaches the senate floor. It is first headed to the Senate Judiciary Committee- so especially contact these folks using the easy link above!


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Here are some main points you may mention when calling:

-Solution in search of a problem. No city or town has a sanctuary city policy.

-Takes away local government choice.

-Imposes huge penalties and imposes costs of compliance, even for an informal policy.

-Symbolic effect of the law/referendum is to raise fears of immigrants living among us; divides and stirs the pot.

-Unjust, unconstitutional and a waste of state resources.

-Counter-productive. Puts the most vulnerable, women in situations of domestic violence and human trafficking victims, at highest risk by placing barriers between immigrants and law enforcement.

-Bill has been proposed last 3-4 legislative sessions and never passed. Referendum would be struck down as unconstitutional.

So PLEASE, contact your senators ASAP on this issue. Tell them to VOTE NO on HB146 and HB147. It is quick, it is easy, and it makes a HUGE difference!

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Testimony in opposition to HB 146 and HB 147

 Soft Landing Missoula is a local, grassroots non-profit whose mission is to help Missoula be a welcoming, supportive and informed community that can assist refugees as they integrate and thrive. Thanks to the International Rescue Committee as the resettlement agency, about 225 refugees from four countries now call Missoula home. Although refugees are immigrants with documented status, we understand the plight of undocumented individuals, for they have also suffered and feared much in the countries from which they fled.

 We oppose HB 146 and HB 147 because they do nothing to make Montana residents safer. The proposed legislation is a useless, threatening gesture, “nugatory” in legal terms, that promises punishing fines to Montana towns and cities that do anything to block or delay or give less priority to the giving of information to federal immigration authorities. These bills falsely assume a solution where no problem exists; as the fiscal note to this bill says, no Montana town or city has adopted any resolution or ordinance restricting any information about a person’s citizenship status or prohibiting compliance with a federal immigration order.

 Would the resources and time committed to investigating and enforcing such punitive measures make Montanans any safer? All of us want safety, and immigrants in Missoula have experienced that commitment by Montana law enforcement. But federal law enforcement in the service of safety and national security has not always guaranteed these things, even for citizens. In recent years federal enforcement agencies have been responsible for much unnecessary pain–family separations, child detentions, cruel asylum policies, racial profiling, and more. These actions continue to erode public confidence in immigration enforcement.

 Moreover, this approach is counter-productive. These types of policies create fear in the local immigrant communities and spreads distrust, particularly among women in domestic violence situations, and women and girls who are here as a result of human trafficking. They are the ones who are at greatest risk of being dissuaded from trusting law enforcement if they believe the local police will turn them over to ICE if they reach out for help and potentially force them back into unsafe circumstances. Intentionally placing barriers between Montana law enforcement and immigrants, Montana government and minorities, is onerous and not helpful to anyone.

Please vote against HB 146 and HB 147.

Respectfully,

The board of Soft Landing Missoula and executive director Mary Poole

The perfect feel-good gift for Valentine’s Day!


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The perfect feel-good gift for Valentine’s Day!

You know how we like to use any and every opportunity to bring you unique and delicious food that also economically benefits refugees?!?! Join us this Valentine’s Day in celebrating love, welcome, and community by gifting (and eating!) expertly made and beautifully packaged BAKLAVA!  

This Iraqi Pistachio Baklava, made by one of Missoula’s refugee chefs, won Best Sweet Treat at the 2018 Western Montana Fair and is the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for yourself, your friends, or your special someone. 

ORDER: It’s so EASY! Just fill out this Google form with your name and phone number, plus the amount you would like to purchase!

PICKUP: Wednesday, February 13th from 9:00am – 5:30pm
at the Soft Landing office:
939 Stephens Ave Suite C
Missoula, MT 59804

PAYMENT: To be made at the time of pickup! We accept check, cash, or credit cards. 

As with all of Soft Landing’s food initiatives, we will be utilizing our Eat, Give, Love model. When you pay you will have the option to: 

EAT: the cost of your baklava, where ALL proceeds go to the refugee chef
GIVE  the cost of your baklava plus an additional $10 donation in support of Soft Landing Missoula
LOVE: the cost of your baklava plus an additional $20 donation in support of Soft Landing Missoula

All levels are welcome and appreciated!

PLACE YOUR ORDER BY WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 7th!
https://goo.gl/forms/wGU5JbXofZfiii7x2

Reach out us at 406-493-0504 or to
ashly@softlandingmissoula.org with any questions!

Thank you so much for helping us SHARE THE LOVE!

– In love and gratitude, Mary Poole
Executive Director
Soft Landing Missoula


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January Supper Club

Join us at Masala for Soft Landing Missoula’s January 27th supper club! This month we are so excited to showcase the talents of guest chefs Ammar & Zena Omar, brother and sister, and owners of Kamoon Arabian Cuisine.

The Soft Landing Missoula Supper Club aims to introduce the incredible culinary talent of Missoula’s newest neighbors and international residents, whose rich and flavorful cooking traditions provide a cultural bridge and enrich our shared community.

Outside of this Supper Club, you can find Kamoon Arabian Cuisine parked at Imagine Nation Brewing everyday except Thursdays. They also cater events at an affordable cost with delicious Middle Eastern cuisine. For more information check out their Facebook page. For this supper club they will prepare an array of savory and sweet Iraqi dishes with options for vegetarians. This will be an excellent opportunity to explore new flavors while supporting refugee entrepreneurship in Missoula, MT! Check out this great recent article from the Missoula Current.


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Where: Masala, 206 W Main St , MT 59802

When: Sunday, January 27th.  Doors at 5:30 pm and dinner at 6:00pm

CostEat: $40/person Give: $60/person Love: $80/person

When you pay you will have the option to: Eat: $40 for a delicious family style dinner, where a portion of the cost covers ingredients and staff time, and the rest goes to the guest chef. Give: $60 gets you the same delicious dinner, but with an additional $20 going directly to the guest chef. Love: $80 gives an additional $40 directly to the guest chef to collectively make this an unforgettable evening! All levels are welcome and appreciated!

How: To make a reservation call Masala @ (406) 926-6444. Please note if you are a vegetarian.

Please direct any further questions to megan@softlandingmissoula.org

Educational Opportunities Informational Session

Are you a volunteer, mentor, teacher, friend, or refugee that is interested in learning what it takes for an English Language Learner to access higher education and increase opportunities for career and financial success in America? Would you like to understand realistic goal setting and timelines of achieving important new skills, trainings, and certifications- all while trying to learn a new language? Whether you would like information about how to earn a high school equivalency diploma (HiSET), transition from graduating from high school to higher education, or how to help guide a friend through this long process, head to the International Rescue Committee office on Saturday, January 26th. All are welcome. Sessions will be translated into Swahili and Tigrinya. Childcare will be available. For more information check out the flyer below!


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December Supper Club

This month’s supper club will share a taste of Israel with Missoula from the experienced and talented chef Tadesse Gebreslasie! Tadesse is Eritrean, but lived in Israel for many years and worked as a chef before coming to Missoula. He brings his unique experience and influence to the Soft Landing Missoula supper club and we could not be more excited to feature his food this month!

The Soft Landing Missoula Supper Club aims to introduce the incredible culinary talent of Missoula’s newest neighbors and international residents, whose rich and flavorful cooking traditions provide a cultural bridge and enrich our shared community.


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Where: Masala, 206 W Main St , MT 59802

When: Sunday, December 16th.  Doors at 5:30 pm and dinner at 6:00pm

CostEat: $40/person Give: $60/person Love: $80/person

When you pay you will have the option to: Eat: $40 for a delicious family style dinner, where a portion of the cost covers ingredients and staff time, and the rest goes to the guest chef. Give: $60 gets you the same delicious dinner, but with an additional $20 going directly to the guest chef. Love: $80 gives an additional $40 directly to the guest chef to collectively make this an unforgettable evening! All levels are welcome and appreciated!

How: To make a reservation call Masala @ (406) 926-6444.

Please direct any further questions to megan@softlandingmissoula.org

Cookie Crumb for SLM!

A friend of Soft Landing will be holding a fundraiser for us this Sunday, December 2! Cookies include 17 different flavors, all of them are gluten-free. There will be about 20 assorted cookies in a tray for $15. The event will be held on Sunday at Montana Distillery from 12-4 and there will be non-alcohol beverages as well as the goodies from the distillery. For fun this year there will be a cookie decorating contest (ugly sweater style cookie) the winner will get a free tray of cookies!

To order call Jennifer at 406-220-1166 or just head to the distillery this weekend and grab yourself a tray!


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Canvas Studio Supply Drive for Soft Landing Missoula!

It is the time of year of giving and the wonderful Canvas Studio is doing a supply drive for self care products for all the lovely refugee women who have recently made Missoula home!

The drive will happen Friday, November 30th & Saturday, December 1st from 10am-4pm! Bring your items to Canvas Studios located @ 429 Madison St, Missoula, MT 59802. They will be having a big sale on some great self care items on those days as well!

Canvas Studios is collecting the following:

  • Hair Care Items! 

    • Specifically styling products & tools for POC.

  • New Toiletries! 

    • Specifically for Women, teens & babies.

  • Favorite Self-Care Items!

    • Manicure Set? Blank Journal? Art Supplies? Cozy Things? Anything you enjoy for taking care of yourself.

  • Sally Beauty Supply OR Department Store Gift Card! 

    • Sally Beauty Supply is maybe the best spot for POC to find appropriate products, but we will gladly accept any donation amount to any store of your choosing.

For more information check out the Canvas Studios Instagram!

REVO Workout for Soft Landing Missoula!

REVO Training is hosting two more workouts for Soft Landing Missoula! REVO Training supports local nonprofits by hosting Saturday workouts where all proceeds go to organizations working in our community, while allowing you to exercise for a good cause (beyond your own health!)!

Minimum donation of $5 when you attend a workout with all proceeds going directly to Soft Landing Missoula!

  • Saturday, December 1st 9:00 am – 10:00 am

  • Saturday, December 15th 9:00 am – 10:00 am

REVO Training is located @ 1200 W Kent Ave, Missoula, MT 59801

For more information check out the Facebook event! We look forward to seeing you there!


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Driver’s Ed Volunteer Opportunity

Soft Landing Missoula is in search of more volunteer driving instructors! This is one of the most important direct service volunteer opportunities with Soft Landing. Driving is an incredibly powerful way to increase self sufficiency for refugees, both economically and socially, especially single mothers. With many new families having arrived over the summer and winter on its way, there are many eager students ready to get their license!

Driving volunteers take refugees who have their Learner’s Permit out to practice driving around Missoula. The students range in experience levels from never having driven a car to just needing to practice once or twice before they take their test. If you are interested in volunteering, email volunteer@softlandingmissoula.org for more details!

November Supper Club

We are thrilled to announce the United We Eat November Supper Club featuring Eritrean cuisine by the incredibly talented chefs Haben Asgedom and Abeba Meshesha!

The Soft Landing Missoula Supper Club aims to introduce the incredible culinary talent of Missoula’s newest neighbors, whose rich and flavorful cooking traditions provide a cultural bridge and enrich our shared community.

This month dinner will be at Scotty’s Table for the first time. We could not be more excited to partner with this wonderful restaurant to serve the unique and bold flavors of Eritrean cuisine! This supper club will be in a laid back friendly atmosphere with dinner served buffet style so you can sample a variety of traditional Eritrean dishes.


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Where: Scotty’s Table 131 South Higgins Avenue U3, Missoula, MT 59802

When: Monday, November 19th.  Doors at 6:00 pm and dinner at 6:30pm

CostEat: $40/person Give: $60/person Love: $80/person

When you pay you will have the option to: Eat: $40 for a delicious family style dinner, where a portion of the cost covers ingredients and staff time, and the rest goes to the guest chef. Give: $60 gets you the same delicious dinner, but with an additional $20 going directly to the guest chef. Love: $80 gives an additional $40 directly to the guest chef to collectively make this an unforgettable evening! All levels are welcome and appreciated!

How: To make a reservation call Soft Landing Missoula @ (406) 493-0504. Please leave your name, # of people in your party, email and your phone #.

Please direct any further questions to megan@softlandingmissoula.org