Refugee Microenterprise Development Blog

Lai Len Thang at World Relief Spokane

Through hard work, perseverance and patience, Lai Len Thang joined the ranks of Spokane’s entrepreneurs two year after arriving in the United States from a refugee camp in Malaysia.

Fariba Rezaie is from Iran and came as a refugee to United States in 2006. She came by herself, leaving behind her son with her family. She found a job in Atlanta but after getting injured, she had to stop working. During her recovery, she realized she wanted to start her own bakery so she could bring her son to America.

Omer and his family arrived in the US from Turkey as refugees. After 40+ years living in Iraq and 20+ years as a cook and restaurant owner, Omer left his homeland tired of worries after the kidnapping of his son Abdullah and struggles to get by. He obtained the refugee status and sold his business and most of his properties, determined to tap into his business experience from Iraq with the purpose of providing for his family while living in peace.

Currently, in Sioux Falls, SD seven Burma’s women have been included in Daycare Education Class. They will graduate on January 24th. .  This week they are  learning  CPR and First Aid.

On this photograph  Twar Meh is doing The Heimlich Maneuver for Choking Adult.

Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota Refugee and Immigration Center provides 6 Cores Services to Refugees.

Sophie came from Congo with her two young children, Manasse and Grace. They entered the United States on November 15th 2007, and soon Sophie had two jobs working more than 50 hours a week at a major retailer until 9pm at night and at a local YMCA daycare.  She enrolled in the IDA Program on December 16, 2008.  In just three years, by frugally managing her household, Sophie saved $4,000.00 in order to purchase a home of her own on November 21, 2011.

Kathy Retzlaff (Lutheran Services Huron), Tha Dah and Kyu Klu with their daughter and

Eyub Teklu (Lutheran Services Sioux Falls) in front of the home

Kathy Retzlaff (Lutheran Services Huron), Tha Dah and Kyu Klu with their daughter and