On Saturday 11/30/2019, our Saturday Outreach-Mobile Soup Kitchen will host an international potluck to celebration the start of our new organization: The We Are Not Afraid Community Center.

Timeline:

12:00- 2:00
Brunch
Each person during this time will assemble 1 care package and eat and chat with one another

2:00-3:00
Hit the Streets
Each person will give their personal care package to 1 person on the street.

Meet Our Saturday Coordinators

Shirrell

Why are we (you) in here?
Since I started coming in the 90's, before that, me and my daughter was in the same situation as people on line. We’ve been homeless, getting referrals, eating at Pantries and soup kitchens. I’m here because I want to give back to this community. I was on them lines too. I was cursing people out you jumped me, too. It was stressful but I put up with it. I still don’t see no change- in the system providing better housing, more benefits, money, healthcare. We have people coming down there in their 80's and they should not be down there. Imagine these countries that are poor without soup kitchens. I feel for them because I’ve been there too.

Carmen
Why are you here? Porque I like the system of the church. I’m active, helping the community, I have been here since 1980-1981. One time, I was in need. When I had that need, this is where I got familial love and respect, at St. Mary’s. I had a very dire need, and they opened the door for me here. And this is where I stayed. This is my church. That’s why I’m so strict with the way things go down here. Because I have a moral responsibility to make sure that this church doesn’t lose its rules and essence. Sometimes we cause confusion. Father Castle taught me how to be that way. Father Castle taught me that I’m not hurting anyone to put regulations that function as the logo of the institution. I have been fighting for justice in this neighborhood since 1980. We have accomplished so many things, like the escalator Father Castle left me with the feeling that I should not never be silent.
I came here with two broken legs in 1980. My ex-husband sent someone to hurt me. When I got out of the hospital, I came here to this church, I thought it was Catholic, to give thanks to God that I survived. That’s when I met Father Castle. I was fragile and desperate. I met Janet. Janet saw me once and told me she needed me at the Pantry, and I came.

more information email: [email protected]

JOIN US FOR A COCKTAIL RECEPTION TO BENEFIT REFUGEES AND ASYLEE in New York city

RDJ REFUGEE SHELTER PRESENT

#Changethenarrative

Date: Wednesday Oct. 9th 2019

Time: 7pm : 8:30pm

Registration and doors open by 6:45pm

Venue: 64 Morning side Drive • New York, New York 10027

FH Seminar ballroom - 2nd Fl.

Were hosting our inaugural cocktail reception, #changethenarrative

PANELIST

Jillian Jensen

Community advocate for a women's candle collective of recently resettled women refugees - most are moms and some the sole provider for their children.  100% of the profits from the candles go back to the women candle artisans.  

Sylvian Hyde (TJ)

CO- FOUNDER SLYVIAN HYDE FASHION BRAND

A fashion designer, After spending two years in immigration detention in which he discovered his desire to pursue fashion design, Hyde was granted asylum in the U.S. in 2016 and has worked to achieve his dream since then

MC: JORDAN REVEES

Ex. Dir and Founder of VIDEO-OUT

Video-Out travels the country to amplify the voices of LGBTQ+ people. We wield stories as tools for advocacy and education. The stories become part of the Video-Out library, and they are also given back to local organizations so they can use them in their own efforts to secure equality  

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Edafe Okporo Executive Dir. of RDJ Refugee Shelter

RDJ is the only shelter in New York City that provides asylum seekers with housing assistance. More than just a place to stay, RDJ provides LGBTQ Asylum seekers and Refugees with support and community as they navigate the process of seeking asylum.    

This event is Donation based and ticket sales start at $75. All funds will go directly towards supporting refugees in New York city. Please R.S.V.P., and share widely!

Art work by @Chella Man

On May 24th, RDJ Refugee Shelter hosted a benefit concert with the support of John Urban (Pianist), Ariana Cappon (Violinist), and Andrew Jones (Vocalist) at St. Peter’s Chelsea. Our executive Director, Edafe Okporo, set the tone for the night as the event speaker. With the help of attendees and donors, we were able to raise $500 dollars to benefit our shelter!

We are so grateful to all who attended and we look forward to more events like this one which to bring together so many caring individuals.