An Update on Bhutan Families Support Program in Atlanta Area

November 26, 2008

This is an update on the activities of the group on behalf of the Bhutanese families in Metro Atlanta area.

1.    Number of families: is gradually increasing, as three to four new families are arriving each week. It is estimated that there are now about 200 families, about 800 people.
2.    Data Base of the families: created a working data base of the families and their demographics. This list will be helpful in assessing the needs and in directing the funds available to where they are most needed.
3.    Emergency Funds: The Jewish Community Emergency Fund was set up with $3,000. It still has about $2,000 available. The fund set up with SEWA International is about $15,000. This includes the seed money of $5,000 from SEWA, and $10,000+ raised in Atlanta area. Our goal is to get the fund to about 25K.
4.    Activities during 2008:
•    August 17, 2008: Darshan, Cultural Program and Dinner Reception at the Hindu Temple of Atlanta, attended by over 300 people.
•    September 20, 2008: SAI Health Fair, Global Mall. Over 100 Bhutanese family members were screened.
•    November 11, 2008: Swami Vigyananandaji addressed Bhutanese families and gave words of encouragement, distribution of blankets, and Wal Mart Gift Cards and Dinner, Clarkston Community Center. About 300 people attended.
•    November 18, 2008: Participation in Inter-faith Ecumenical Service at Temple Kol Emeth in Marietta. Introduction of a Bhutanese family as guests at the gathering.
5.    Ongoing Outreach Programs: Visits to families and help with their day to day needs, primarily by individuals and families who have “adopted” them. Employment training, driving lessons, help with job placement. (All these are only in the beginning stages and would require a lot more organized voluntary effort.)
6.    Scheduled Events:
o    Saturday, December 6, 2008: Eye Examinations, Dr. Indira Menon with the Eye Group.
o    Sunday, December 14, 2008: Holiday Reception and Free Bazar for all the families, BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Clarkston, Ga.
7.    Planned activities: Tutoring for school children and English classes for both adults and children. Psychological counseling as well as providing support systems for famiies since they are all under a lot of stress, financial as well as cultural. There is a great risk of domestic turmoil in these families.
8.    Supporting organizations: It is heartening to see the overwhelmingly positive response we had from various organizations that we approached. Following is an incomplete list of all the organizations that have helped or commited to help the effort. (These are listed in alphabetical order at the end of this document.)

As always many thanks for rallying around these families who need us. It is very fortunate that we are given this opportunity to serve our fellow citizens who need help and support as they take these first steps to integrate into the mainstream american society. As volunteers we have committed to a long and difficult task of helping these families during very difficult economic times. If you would like to continue and offer help, you are very welcome to do so. If you would like to invite others to join in this worthy effort, please free to do so. You can contact any one of us.

Sincerely,

P. Ravi Sarma
On behalf of all the volunteers for the Bhutanese Families

Needs:

1.    Cash contributions: Will allow payment of rent, utilities, purchase of essential items on an emergency basis. Checks can be made to: SEWA International/ Bhutanese Families Program or to any of the sponsoring organizations that you are affiliated with and instruct them to sponsor any of the activities.
2.    Working household items: TVs, DVDs, Computers, Vacuumers, Microwave owens, blenders etc. We are not in a position to accept furniture, unless it can be delivered by the donor to a family. Due to overwhelming response already, we are not seeking clothes at this time.
3.    Low skilled employment in MARTA range: They do not have transportation of their own. Many of them are not proficient in English. With training they will be good workers.
4.    Working, reliable used cars/vans/trucks: If any one can make a charitable donation, this will help those with jobs to commute to work.
5.    Volunteer time: Big brother/Big sister/Adopt a family: To work with one or more famiies and take them for shopping for groceries, for doctor’s appointments, etc. and be generally supportive of their needs. People who can teach driving are also needed.
6.    Tutoring: We need teachers or others who are willing to spend time and teach adults and children, English, Math, Science and Chemistry. Please contact seshusarma@yahoo. com for helping. This will be ideal for young graduates who went through the U.S. School system and who want to give something back to the community.
7.    Counseling: There is a lot of stress and depression, especially among the older members of the group, who feel displaced and without great options for finding employment and independence. People who speak Hindi, Nepalee and who are willing to give their time will be of great help.

Supporting Organizations:

1.    BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir
2.    Chinmaya Atlanta Bala Vihar at the Hindu Temple of Atlanta
3.    Chinmaya Bala Vihar in Alpharetta/Cumming
4.    Econo Lodge of College Park and Daybridge Lodge of Buckhead
5.    Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.C.
6.    Ga Association of Physicians of Indian Origin
7.    Global Mall
8.    Greater Atlanta Tamil Sangam
9.    Gujarati Samaj
10.    Hindu Temple of Atlanta
11.    Lakeside High School area Home Owners’ Association
12.    Macon area Indian families
13.    Radha Madhav Society
14.    Raksha
15.    SAI Health Fair
16.    Sanatan Mandir, Smyrna, GA
17.    SEWA International
18.    Shakti Mandir
19.    Shiv Mandir
20.    Sri Satya Sai Group
21.    Telugu Association of Metro Atlanta
22.    Vedic Temple of Atlanta
23.    Viswa Hindu Parishad of America