Westminster Presbyterian GardenWestminster Presbyterian Church has partnered with the International Rescue Committee to open New Roots Garden a the church, 4515 S. 14th St. It costs an estimated $65 to purchase supplies to build one box. Checks should be made payable to Westminster Presbyterian Church. Put “Planter Box” in the subject line and mail to the church:Westminster Presbyterian Church4515 S.
Read more
Westminster Presbyterian GardenWestminster Presbyterian Church, 4515 S. 14th St., will have a grand opening for the planter box garden it is building in conjunction with the New Roots Farms program of the International Rescue Committee. The grand opening will begin 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 2. It costs an estimated $65 to purchase supplies to build one box. Checks should
Read more
By LORETTA FULTON “Ok, you’re going to get two beans out,” Ella Mansur instructed the group of eager learners circled around the table. They were learning the game of Mancala, with roots in Africa, which made it perfect for demonstrating African culture on World Refugee Day. A local celebration to highlight the culture and traditions of local refugees was held
Read more
By LORETTA FULTON Abilenians are invited to join local refugees in celebrating World Refugee Day on Tuesday, June 20. The come-and-go celebration will be 4-6 p.m. at the Community Foundation of Abilene office, 850 N. First St. It will include dance lessons, traditional African games, and book readings in multiple languages. “This day honors the strength and courage of people
Read more
Want to do something really unique for Christmas? Abilene is home to many refugees who are in need of a sponsoring family for Christmas. The International Rescue Committee is hosting its annual Home for the Holidays program that enables local families to “adopt” a refugee family for the holidays. Deadline to sign up is Dec. 16, and the deadline for
Read more
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Kristy McDonoughksmcdonough89@lorettafulton During the month of December 2021, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, primarily youth, collected brand new and much needed household supplies for local refugees. Their efforts were aided by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Abilene. After the gifts and supplies were collected, church youth members gathered
Read more
By LORETTA FULTON Anyone who knows Jean Kahenga and his son, Bonfils Babone, understand why both had much to celebrate on Sunday, June 20. A lot of fathers were smiling Sunday, as they got gifts from children–and maybe Mom–in honor of Father’s Day, an American tradition. But Jean and Bonfils had another reason to smile, too. Sunday, June 20, also
Read more
Kristy McDonoughChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Local and area members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints made sure the “First Christmas in Abilene” was one to remember for refugees who are resettled in Abilene through the International Rescue Committee. LDS members, primarily youths, collected brand new and much needed household supplies for refugees during December.
Read more
By LORETTA FULTON In the fall of 2003, the International Rescue Committee annouced that it would open a satellite office of the Dallas office in Abilene. By January 2004, the first of many to come had arrived in Abilene. On Jan. 24, Abilenians joined refugees and IRC staff and volunteers to celebrate their 15-year partnership. Abilene has been enriched and
Read more
Spirit Of Abilene 