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diversity

Why Clarkston?

August 16, 2017 by Becca Armstrong

In a time when our nation’s highest administration is working to build barriers to keep refugees out of the country, Something New is committed to building community with our neighbors in Clarkston, GA. Clarkston is an example of a community where new neighbors and long-time residents are embracing the challenges that come with building a strong community.  It is a place where many cultures and languages collide and where people are discovering the strength in diversity.  It is a place where bridges are working better than walls. Clarkston is worth exploring and a powerful place to learn more about refugee resettlement and get involved, now is the time!

With its high population of recently resettled refugees, Clarkston, GA is a vibrant community—rich in diverse experiences, cultures, and by extension—food! Located just a few miles from downtown Atlanta, Clarkston is a small town that takes you on a trip around the world in just a few blocks.

The residents of Clarkston are from all over — Burma, Bhutan, Cuba, Somalia, the Congo, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Refugees from these countries bring with them their own ways of life, as well as the incredible and difficult circumstances they have endured on their journey to rebuilding their lives.

About 85% of local businesses are owned by people who came to Clarkston as refugees.  Students attend schools where 60 languages are spoken and adults often work multiple minimum wage jobs to make ends meet.  As people work to rebuild their lives, about 40% live below the poverty line and many adults are not able to work in the same careers they had in their home countries.

Each refugee has a story of war, separation, violence and hardship and they also share a common drive to build a safe, secure, and brighter future for their children and new community.  The daily demonstration of sacrifice and the warm hospitality felt among new neighbors makes Clarkston a unique and powerful place for an alternative break.

Filed Under: New Alternative Tagged With: Clarkston, college students, diversity, Learning, New Alternative, Refugees, Service, together, Unity

Meet Cynthia

February 28, 2017 by Becca Armstrong

Cynthia is a volunteer with Something New whose heart to serve is driven by her love for teaching. In this time of travel bans and uncertainty, Cynthia roles out her classroom’s welcome mat everyday hoping to provide a safe place for her students. She contributed this Blog.

I have hope. Despite the heart-wrenching, divisive talk happening every day across our country, I have to believe we are so much better. Just step into my classroom and you’ll see why.

[Read more…] about Meet Cynthia

Filed Under: New Expression, New Way Tagged With: Classroom, Cynthia, diversity, education, Hope, immigrants, Refugees, Something New, teach

The Potluck Party by Onur

February 24, 2017 by Becca Armstrong

Every month New Expression hosts a potluck in Clarkston as an effort to get to know our neighbors and build community. Onur attended our last potluck and was amazed by the event. He is a student of NXP volunteer Cynthia Gibson, and wanted to share his thoughts about the party.

We went to a party which is called as “potluck”. I was not familiar with that term at all. As far as I learnt, it would be a party where immigrants and volunteers come together and share their foods with each other. We had lots of fun and talk with the other parents at the party. I always admire those people who leave their problems aside and spend their time and effort to help to others. I also feel myself close to them as long as I believe that they are sincere.

[Read more…] about The Potluck Party by Onur

Filed Under: New Expression Tagged With: Clarkston, diversity, immigration, NXP, party, potluck, Refugees, together, Unity

Volunteer Spotlight- Abbie

March 31, 2016 by Becca Armstrong

Abbie created this painting to express her love and appreciation for diversity

Abbie is a young artist that has been a part of the crew volunteering at the New Expression Clarkston location. Here’s a little insight into her heart to serve:

Fun Fact:
If I could eat fruit for every meal for the rest of my life I totally would!

Why did you decide to become a volunteer in Clarkston?
I love different cultures and I love helping people so it is the perfect mix of those two things. I feel purposed in my heart to work with refugees and when I’m there I know it connects. Clarkston is a beautiful place with beautiful people!

[Read more…] about Volunteer Spotlight- Abbie

Filed Under: New Expression Tagged With: Clarkston, Community Service, diversity, LSG, New Expression, Refugees, volunteer

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1029 North Peachtree Parkway #268
Peachtree City, GA 30269
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