I’m thrilled to be participating in The Walk for Welcome, a fundraiser supporting The Spero Project! 

What is The Spero Project? The Spero Project welcomes resettled refugees by connecting our new neighbors to people, resources and learning opportunities that make Oklahoma City a place of belonging.

What is refugee resettlement? The United States Refugee Admission Program is a longstanding institution offering safe and legal pathways for resettlement to individuals fleeing war, violence, and persecution. This program, with robust processes and vetting protocols, has been a gold standard in welcoming new neighbors from war-torn regions around the world. 

Why are we walking? On June 6th, we will walk to let our neighbors know Oklahomans will not walk away from welcome. 

Families who were vetted, approved, and invited to the United States are still being forced to wait in limbo, blocked from arriving. At the same time, sweeping changes at the federal and state level—including deep funding cuts and the loss of critical supports to our neighbors like SNAP benefits—are destabilizing the systems our new neighbors rely on to rebuild their lives.

Recent policy memos have gone even further, raising the threat of prolonged or indefinite detention for refugees who are still waiting on their green cards. These actions put vulnerable families at even greater risk and undermine the very commitments that brought them here.

At the Walk for Welcome, you will stand in solidarity with neighbors already here and those still waiting to arrive—AND take action by helping raise urgently needed funds. Now more than ever, we need resources to continue vital programs like community navigation, employment support, youth programming, and adult education, and to provide direct, rapid-response support when our neighbors need it most.

Walk for Welcome is a family-friendly event! With a walk length of just over 1 mile, kids activities/crafts, and Scissortail's Farmer's Market and splash pad running nearby, this event will be suitable for everyone.

Here's how you can help:

• Join my Walk for Welcome team!
• Donate: Contribute whatever you can. No amount is too small!
• Spread the Word: Share my fundraising page with your friends, family, and social networks. Let’s spread awareness so we can raise more!