Hope this beautiful weather is to your liking; no complaints from my corner of the world! I want to bring you up to date on deliveries since the beginning of the year and also introduce you to our newest partner, Owl and Panther.
Owl and Panther (https://www.owlandpanther.org/) is an organization working with refugees settled in Tucson who are no longer eligible to receive services from their resettlement organization. WFK partners with the three resettlement programs – Catholic Community Services, International Rescue Committee and Refugee Focus. After a period of time, refugees rotate out of these programs, yet may still be in need of services (resource referrals, housing assistance, transportation needs, etc.). Owl and Panther pick up where these organizations leave off.
Their focus is not only working with refugees but specifically with refugees who have been impacted by trauma, torture and traumatic dislocation. Their needs and the resources made available to them vary depending on their individual circumstances and experiences. Owl and Panther offers classes, outings, educational opportunities, etc. to strengthen these families and help them to make Tucson their new home. Their mission statements reads:
To provide meaningful and healing expressive arts experiences in the community and the natural world for refugee families resettled in Tucson who have been impacted by trauma, torture and traumatic dislocation. To foster acceptance of refugees in the community through education. And to honor the efforts of our volunteers who make this work possible.
In January, Larry Lee and I delivered 10 bikes to them, which were received with broad smiles and grateful hearts. The bikes were placed in volunteer’s trucks for immediate delivery to several families. Another partner that helps to close the circle of WFK’s work!
Also in January, Dave and Cathy Pauley delivered 10 bikes to Catholic Community Services for their refugee program and Roger and Sue Paluska delivered 10 more bikes to Christian Family Care, one of our foster care partners. Both of these organizations are always happy to see the Wheel for Kids crew pull up!
Tom and Rose Mary Meyer made two deliveries earlier this month; 5 bikes to Refugee Focus and 6 bikes to More Than a Bed. These partners more often than not, welcome us with a hug; these times a fist pump and smiling eyes indicate their gratitude.
Tomorrow Elaine Mariolle from Pima County will be picking up 10 bikes for the county’s work on two projects with Tucson Indian Center and Tohono O’odham and Pascua Yaqui youth programs. Elaine is thrilled to be able to provide these kids with bikes; both to promote healthy life styles and to enjoy the fun of riding a bike!
Wheels for Kids is making a profound difference in the lives of many in our extended community. Our reach is deep and wide. If you know of an organization that might benefit from receiving bikes, please give contact me.
All of the above is due to your dedication and support. Each of you deserves a pat on the back! I can’t thank the mechanics enough; your tinkering and time is well spent as measured by smiles and grateful hearts. Thank you so very much.
Lisa
