Offering Help to Resettled Refugees – Giving Gratitude
The Noel Family Foundation has established two limited liability companies to purchase and own homes in the Stevens Point area that will be used to rent to resettled refugees at below market rates. Giving Gratitude LLC and Giving Gratitude II LLC are working in collaboration with local church, community, and government organizations to assist those who are displaced from their homes and homelands because of war, violence, and natural disasters.
Initially the Foundation anticipated that the refugees would come from Afghanistan following the fall of that country to the Taliban. Afghans who assisted the United States and its allies, or who openly spoke out against Taliban aggression and repression, were awarded special immigration visas. They were at risk of persecution and retaliation. However, the resettlement efforts now include refugees from other countries who are desperate to find safety and security for themselves and their families.
Five homes in the Stevens Point area have been acquired to be used in this charitable endeavor. Volunteers from the community help mentor and acclimate the refugees into our community. As the initial families become accustomed to the area, find jobs, and move on to purchase their own homes, this will allow other refugees to take their place and renew the process for others.
John Noel stated “Giving Gratitude captures the feeling that Patty and I have toward the men and women who put themselves and families at risk by helping our brave soldiers during the Afghanistan war. Beyond that, we wish to help other refugees who struggle to find a safe haven to live normal lives – something we take for granted in our beautiful community here in Central Wisconsin. We desire to provide a safe place to begin the healing process for those who have lost so much and suffered so profoundly.”
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. John F. Kennedy
For a Stevens Point Journal article describing the resettlement process in Central Wisconsin please click on the link below.
https://www.stevenspointjournal.com/story/news/local/2022/03/08/two-afghan-families-resettle-stevens-point-february/6887513001/