The beginning of year 7
On a sunny Sunday morning in early June, Fidele Muragara became the first person in his family to graduate from high school. His family and friends gathered at the Vibrant Arena in Moline to cheer as he walked across the stage to receive his diploma from Davenport West High School.
That’s Fidele with his mom, Yvette, in the photo above. I could write a book about how incredible Fidele is. He’s working for the city of Davenport this summer, cares for his siblings while his mom is at work, and plans to attend Scott Community College in the fall. It’s so much fun to watch him flourish.
Events like Fidele’s graduation - citizenship ceremonies, new babies, new jobs, a first driver’s license - give us so much joy. As we start year number seven of Tapestry Farms, we have some wonderful things happening that I hope will encourage you to continue supporting our work.
We’re growing more fresh produce, more efficiently, that will be delivered straight to food pantries this growing season. We’re growing new partnerships that are strengthening our capacity and sophistication to serve refugees well. And, we’re growing the number of individuals and organizations engaged in the welcome of refugees in the Quad Cities.
Volunteers from Rock Island High School help plant our Rock Island plot this spring.
We rely on generous donors like you to ensure that all this work continues. As we enter our seventh year, I ask you to consider a summertime gift of $77 to support our mission. This money supports our incredible staff (photo of some past and present staff below), our direct investment in the lives of refugee families in our community, and our persistent work on increasing our community’s welcoming infrastructure so that all feel embraced in their new home.
You can give one of two ways. Send a check to Tapestry Farms, PO Box 2332, Davenport, IA 52809. Or, visit our online giving page.
Yes, some days this work is hard, and we encounter situations that feel impossible. But knowing that we have your support, and the support of an entire community based in hope, keeps us going. When happy events like Fidele’s graduation take place, we delight in the moment and acknowledge the work it took to get there. We hope you know that you are with us every step of the way.
With so much gratitude,
Ann McGlynn, executive director
563-370-0004
