Hope and Solidarity in the Midst of Coronavirus Chaos
Dear friends and supporters,
We know that for many of you the last few days and weeks have been difficult and anxious, and we just wanted to reach out to let you know that you are not alone.
As the coronavirus continues to spread across the world, we understand the disruptions and uncertainties you're experiencing-- schools closed, businesses stressed, trips & events cancelled, grocery stores overwhelmed, elderly family to care for, isolation at home, and the uncertainty of how long it will all last.
As many of our operations are in Asia near the outbreak epicenter, our Red Oak Family, including staff and beneficiaries, has been heavily impacted by this virus for the last 2 months. Some of us are displaced; some struggling with depression and fear; some have family members foregoing paychecks; some are single moms struggling to work with kids at home... but through it all, we have been walking together.
And let me tell you, together is a beautiful place to be.
Our team continues to tirelessly serve vulnerable women and children. In Asia that's looked like helping previously exploited women find childcare so they can go back to work. We've supported survivors struggling with depression and illness to get medical treatment and support despite the social isolation. We've even received new referrals from previously exploited women who need freedom, hope, and restoration now more than ever. And we are committed to being there to walk alongside them.
In the US, our team in Austin is supporting local survivors-- helping women find food and other essentials they need as grocery stores are overrun. Our transitional housing program continues to move forward, interviewing and preparing to move four women into our home in the next few weeks, even as our staff themselves juggle childcare and the uncertainty.
In the midst of all the chaos and struggle, hope is still rising... and YOU are still making that possible. THANK YOU.
At Red Oak, we 100% believe that we're stronger together, and as a supporter of Red Oak, you are a part of our family.We are thinking of and praying for you often. Please let us know if there is any way we can support you in this time-- seriously, we'd love to hear from you.
For Freedom,
Like many of you, we have been hit hard financially in the last few months. We've already had approximately $25,000 in additional costs to support staff and beneficiaries affected by the virus, and we need to raise $50,000 before July in order to keep our programs open.If you're able, please consider donating here.
Our Austin Transitional Housing Program is looking for donations of board games, items from our Amazon wish list, as well as gift cards to HEB & Walmart to help survivors manage during this social distancing and buy essential food items. For additional questions on ways to support Austin survivors directly, please contact us here.
