Grassroot Projects
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Mission Statement
Grassroot Projects is dedicated to fostering environments where immigrant and refugee children can thrive. By focusing on removing barriers and empowering young individuals, the organization is committed to ensuring that every child enjoys their childhood while reaching their full potential. The core mission of Grassroot Projects is to create equitable communities that support the diverse needs of immigrant and refugee children. We envision a world where every child, regardless of their background, has access to opportunities that enable them to grow, learn, and succeed. Grassroot Projects undertakes several initiatives to realize its mission: Health & Wellbeing, Cultural & Social Integration and Basic Needs Support. By removing barriers and empowering young individuals, we are not only shaping brighter futures for children but also building stronger, more inclusive communities. Grassroot Projects aims to reduce the stress of early stage of adjustment of resettlement by providing immediate relief. Providing the families with timely support can alleviate the cycle of setbacks, and families can continue to provide home environments where children thrive and experience enjoyable childhoods. We offer three main programs: Care and Connect: Care packages are customized to the individual child and family needs and consist of diapers, wipes, baby formula, winter apparel, school supplies, car seats, etc. and delivered to their households. Last year, over 2000 children received clothing and shoes with the support of our local partners and community drives, and almost 500 children received a car seat with safety instructions in their native languages. Healthy Families: Families experiencing food insecurity are provided grocery cards to access healthy and culturally relevant foods of their choice. In 2024, we provided grocery cards to 350 households. Sponsor A Passion: Scholarships to allow children to participate in an activity of their choice such as sports, music, arts, or STEM activities. Over 100 children participated last year.
About This Cause
Children of immigrants and refugees and their parents face great challenges during their parents’ first few years in the U.S. For some, their limited education makes all but low-wage jobs unattainable. Federal regulations also limit access for recent immigrants to public assistance programs. Paradoxically, these regulations bar people from receiving assistance when they most need it — when they are new to the U.S. and facing the challenge of establishing themselves. Grassroot Projects aims to reduce the stress of this early stage of adjustment by providing immediate relief, so families are prevented from falling into vicious cycles that financial setbacks can cause. Providing the families with timely support can alleviate the cycle of setbacks, and families can continue to provide home environments where children thrive and experience enjoyable childhoods. We offer three main programs: Care and Connect: Care packages are customized to the individual child and family needs and consist of diapers, wipes, baby formula, winter apparel, school supplies, car seats, etc. and delivered to their households. Families are provided with additional information on relevant community resources. Last year, over 2000 children received clothing and shoes with the support of our local partners and community drives, and almost 500 children received a car seat with safety instructions in their native languages. Healthy Families: Families experiencing food insecurity are provided grocery cards to access healthy and culturally relevant foods of their choice. Families who eat halal foods for religious regions pay a premium for meat products as they are often only sold in small independent shops which ends up being a large portion of their household expenses. Our goal with this program is to lower the barrier to access healthy foods and to leverage local farmers markets where possible. Many families have SNAP benefits which are doubled in farmers markets, and when paired which our grocery cards, families can have more fress vegetables and fruits. In 2024, we provided grocery cards to 350 households. In 2025, we are extending our support to provide a grocery card each month for a period of three months. Sponsor A Passion: Participating in sports offers numerous benefits for immigrant children, including improved physical and mental health, increased social integration, and enhanced self-esteem. Sports can also provide a sense of belonging, reduce stress, and help children develop valuable life skills. Providing scholarships allows children to participate in an activity of their choice such as sports, music, arts, or STEM activities. All equipment and uniforms are also provided. Over 100 children participated in our programs last year, with an additional 33 children and their families participating in family outings. Due to funding constraints, we have a running waitlist of children as demand grows for all activities. Early literacy: For immigrant children, early literacy is a key factor in bridging language barriers. By developing literacy skills at an early age, children can improve their proficiency in the new language more swiftly. This proficiency is not only crucial for academic success but also for everyday communication and social integration. Thanks to community drives for book donations, we provide books for summer breaks at Title 1 schools that we adopt. as well as donate a book or early literacy kit to each family participating in our Care & Connect Program. We distribute more than 2000 books annually. Back-to-School Backpack Program: The beginning of a new school year is a pivotal time for all students, particularly for immigrant children, who may face unique challenges as they adapt to a new educational environment. Providing these students with backpacks and school supplies is more than a gesture of goodwill; it is a crucial step in fostering their educational success and emotional well-being. Each year we distribute approximately 250 backpacks. So why should you consider supporting Grassroot Projects? Grassroot Projects is dedicated to aiding immigrant and refugee children and youth in Washington state and Indiana, and your support is an impactful way to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society. Here are several reasons why your donation can make a significant difference: 1. Providing Access to Education Immigrant and refugee children often face significant barriers to accessing quality education. Language barriers, unfamiliarity with the educational system, and financial challenges can hinder their learning opportunities. Donations help us provide essential resources such as: School supplies and backpacks Early literacy toolkits Books These resources enable children to thrive academically and integrate more effectively into their new communities. 2. Ensuring Health and Well-being Food insecurity is higher for immigrant families. An estimated 38% of households in Indiana and Washington were below the ALICE Threshold in 2023. ALICE: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — with income above the FPL, but not enough to afford basic expenses in the county where they live. Food insecurity can have severe consequences on physical and mental health. Malnutrition can lead to developmental issues in children, weakened immune systems, and chronic diseases. The stress of not knowing where the next meal will come from can also contribute to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. For families who have recently arrived in a new country, financial resources are often limited. Clothing donations alleviate some of the financial pressure by reducing the need to purchase new clothes, allowing families to allocate their limited funds to other essential needs, such as food, housing, and education. Having access to clothing that fits well and looks presentable can significantly boost a child’s self-esteem. Feeling good about how they look can help children develop a sense of dignity and confidence, which is crucial for their emotional and psychological well-being. Your donations help us to provide: Grocery cards to purchase culturally relevant foods Community resources in local neighborhoods Clothing, shoes, diapers and other baby essentials These services ensure that children and youth have the physical and mental well-being necessary to succeed in their new environments. 3. Promoting Social Integration and Belonging Adjusting to a new culture can be challenging for young immigrants and refugees. Our programs play a vital role in fostering social integration through: Cultural events that celebrate diversity and promote inclusion Recreational activities that build friendships and support networks These initiatives help children feel a sense of belonging and acceptance, which is essential for their overall development and happiness. 4. Creating a Positive Ripple Effect Investing in the well-being of immigrant and refugee children can have long-term benefits for society and your local community. By supporting their development, we contribute to: A more educated workforce in the future Cultural enrichment and diversity in communities Economic growth through the potential of these young individuals Donating to Grassroot Projects is not just an act of charity, but an investment in a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone. Your support can transform lives and create lasting change. Thank you for your consideration in supporting our work.