Why the Refugee Dream Center?
The Refugee Dream Center, founded by Dr. Omar Bah, aims to create a sense of family and community for refugees who may be far away from their loved ones. What sets this nonprofit apart is its focus on building community wherever refugees are, irrespective of the circumstances they face. Unlike other organizations, the Refugee Dream Center eliminates tedious paperwork, long waits, and appointments. It is an organization created by refugees for refugees, with a majority of the staff being refugees themselves.
The center recognizes the challenges faced by refugees when they come to the United States, including culture shock and hostility. They understand the struggle of accessing basic services and encountering unfamiliar concepts that even many Americans may not comprehend. The Refugee Dream Center empathizes with the confusion and strives to provide resources to make the American Dream attainable.
The organization offers assistance in finding employment, education, and housing, while also providing essential skills and knowledge such as navigating the U.S. healthcare system, improving English language proficiency, and guiding individuals on the path to citizenship. If a problem arises that doesn’t have an immediate solution, the center is dedicated to finding one because, like a family, they stand by their community members in times of need.