Email from Rian Immigrant Center Rian Immigrant Center stands firmly against the xenophobic and disparaging language recently used by the President and members of his Administration to speak about the Somali-American community. It is our imperative to highlight how damaging and irresponsible it is that the country’s highest leadership speaks about the people in his community and under his duty of care in this manner. We will never excuse, tolerate, or normalize it. Rian’s community, largely consisting of neighbors newer to the US, stands as an antidote to this abhorrent rhetoric. As a counterpoint, we are honored to highlight a Rian volunteer, Abdalla. Abdalla is an accomplished Boston-area community member with Somali-American roots whose impressive professional life has spanned roles at the US Environmental Protection Agency to entrepreneurship to Mass Eye and Ear. Rian first connected with Abdalla when he interpreted and advocated for two Rian clients. Both were Somali asylees, and one was the survivor of an acid attack. Abdalla went above and beyond, not only interpreting conversations and translating documents, but also helping to create a comfortable, collaborative dynamic between the clients and Rian’s expert legal team. Abdalla transported the clients to-and-from their appointments and aided them in gathering the correct paperwork. We are delighted to share that these two clients now have permanent residency and will file for their US citizenship next year. Selflessness and humanitarianism are hallmarks of Abdalla’s character. Much of his free time is spent volunteering, advocating, and paving the way for immigrant families. He set up a nonprofit that supports orphans, families, and advancements in safe drinking water, drought alleviation, and farming in Somalia. And while his specific language and intercultural skills are particularly helpful for those with Somali heritage, his efforts extend far beyond a single group. Recently, he began fundraising for medical treatment costs for a young person originally from Ethiopia born without a functioning bladder. Her case was accepted by urology at Boston Children’s Hospital, and so far $100,000 has been raised of the $221,000 needed for this technically complex procedure. When asked what motivates him to show up for others in such exceptional ways, Abdalla frames his efforts as more communal than individual, highlighting the fact that the Somali community is very intentional about rallying together to support people. From grocers donating a portion of their sales, to young people setting up GoFundMe pages, Boston’s Somali community is always ready and willing to help. Abdalla hopes they will pool enough funds for the youth’s surgery this month. Abdalla is the essence of compassion, a person who immediately envelops those around them in familiarity, safety, and support. Like many of Rian’s volunteer interpreters and advocates—many of whom once took similar journeys to those they now welcome—he is driven by a desire to ease the burden for others as they navigate this complicated system. While Abdalla agrees that the language used by the president is wrong, he loves this country deeply. Living in Boston, a diverse and educated city where he can work and mingle with so many different types of people, makes him proud. Our community, made more exceptional because of Abdalla’s contributions, is one we should all be proud of. And our country is undoubtedly made kinder and better because he, and other generous Somali neighbors like him, are here. Sincerely, Kevin Mawe Executive Director   Rian Immigrant Center | 89 South Street Suite 406 | Boston, MA 02111 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice