Sam Rose for Kentucky Refugee Ministries

In 2017 I was working as a parent advocate for an agency that supported Louisville’s public schools’ Head Start Program. During this time, I worked with a school that enrolled many immigrant and refugee students. Between my two classes, there were over 15 different languages spoken. I met with each of the families to collect documentation and establish goals. I visited with students and teachers in their classrooms. One family stood out in my mind, because of the closeness between the parents and their deep desire to support their three children. The parents described some of their long and difficult journey to the U.S. to me “We come from death,” I remember the mother saying. Their three year old daughter had been born in a hospital at a time when bombs were dropping around them.

Shortly after meeting the parents, I found an article written by KRM regarding this family. With the aid of language interpreters and a developed relationship, KRM was able to capture and more fully share this family’s incredible escape from war in their home country to safety on U.S. soil. I shared the article with their daughter’s Head Start teacher who gained a deeper understanding of her student’s earlier life. Before the end of the first semester, we were able to reach the parents’ goal - their youngest daughter feeling safe at school, playing happily with new friends. 

KRM has welcomed and resettled thousands of refugees for over 30 years, and these new members of our community contribute their labor, talents and spirit to our home in Kentucky! It's been my privilege to support KRM as staff in Louisville since November 2023. 

Please join me in financially supporting an organization who works tirelessly to prepare, welcome, and connect our global family in Louisville.

Sam Rose, Development Specialist for Kentucky Refugee Ministries