A holiday letter from our executive director
Dear friends,
One day earlier this fall, a mom and her three teenage daughters arrived at The Cottage, our new space on the Annie Wittenmyer campus in Davenport. We were all so, so happy to see them - we hugged and took absolute delight in their presence. They had just finished a long journey to the Quad Cities, and the warmth of a fireplace and comfortable chairs allowed them to settle in and get their bearings for a moment - and some snacks.
This refugee family is one of approximately 50 who connected with Tapestry Farms this year. We look back and hardly can believe all that has happened in 2022 - from welcoming Afghan families who fled after the fall of their country, to celebrating our first clients taking the oath of citizenship, to expanding our urban farm, and to opening The Cottage - a gorgeous home to call our own.
Because of your support of Tapestry Farms, you have been with us through each of these journeys.
Urban farm: Our urban farm system crew expanded our capacity to grow culturally specific produce, as much as our climate allows, on seven plots in Rock Island and Davenport. This team - all women to date - uses the skills and talents they learned in their countries of origin and refugee camps to grow food in a restorative and healing environment. Part of their work for the season focused on accomplishing self-determined goals to improve their lives and the lives of their families. What joy it was to deliver lenga-lenga, a leafy green, and intoryi, a small eggplant, to people who have been in the United States for weeks or years, and see their faces light up with the familiarity of the food.
Social services: We sought to increase stability, income, and connectedness for all of the families we serve. Over the past year, we grew our staff to two full-time and two part-time community navigators. Along with our valued volunteers, these staff members work to connect families with resources available in the Quad Cities. With funding provided by generous donors, we fill emergency needs, address gaps that would allow clients to reach their goals, and provide support, care, and love.
Expanding the Quad Cities’ welcoming infrastructure: An effort is underway to create a community where all newcomers, including refugees, feel like they belong. We are at the beginning stages of this work, with guidance from Welcoming America. “Strong communities are ones that connect and include people of all backgrounds. By doing so, communities – and those who live there – will meet their highest civic and economic potential. As places look to harness the vibrancy that comes from diverse talent and a more global workforce, welcoming and inclusive communities will set themselves apart.”
As we approach the end of 2022, we look forward to 2023 with great anticipation. We have a new strategic plan, goals to improve our efficiency in growing food, and are excited by the possibilities of gathering at The Cottage. Your gift, either one-time or recurring, will help us ensure that refugees who resettle in the Quad Cities have the support they deserve to build a thriving life.
Please consider a gift towards our work as we create a community where all are welcome and valued. You can:
Send a check to Tapestry Farms, PO Box 2332, Davenport, IA 52809.
I give thanks for each one of you - your support has helped create an environment where refugees can settle in and work to find home again.
Gratefully,
Ann McGlynn
Executive director
ann@tapestryfarms.org
563-370-0004
P.S. We have a few families remaining who we'd like to give gifts to for Christmas. Sign up here if you're interested in helping out.