Pearce:

“An immigrant workforce is what made this country great … Today, as it was when this country was founded, the immigrant workforce continues to grow. Buffalo is a fine example. Buffalo has a rich immigrant heritage, which includes the Irish, the Italians, Polish, Germans, Hispanics and African refugees from slavery.”

Read the full article from The Buffalo News

Refuges seeking asylum, particularly in the city of Buffalo, have an even longer journey to freedom and permanent residence in the U.S. and Canada. Vive is attempting to lessen the impact for its residents waiting to cross the border and start new lives with their families.

There are some policies in place, particularly the Safe Third Country policy between Canada and the United States, that have created new hurdles for those fleeing from countries and seeking a place of new beginnings in Canada or the United States. In the midst of it all, Vive stands strong to continue  assisting refugees in the immigration process.

Read the Buffalo News editorial

When it comes to having a life of freedom, being stalled and delayed is another challenge refugees must face.  In Buffalo, the U.S. Immigration Court has a mounting backlog of cases, further hindering refugees in their process for asylum in this country.

Time windows that were previously for a duration of two to three weeks in many cases have now transitioned to years. Changes to policies in Canada and delays in the U.S. courts have presented Vive with a new set of variables to address in the asylum process. In spite of ever-changing conditions, Vive has maintained its position as a premier resource and continues to address and resolve issues that refugees seeking asylum face.

Read the full article from The Buffalo News

Thanks to the Oishei Foundation, we are able to remodel our bathrooms that are currently in use plus open two additional bathrooms upstairs in the dormitory areas. Theses restrooms are a very necessary part of the shelter.  Vive can house up to 128 people at capacity.  Being able to provide bathroom and shower facilities is key to delivering people the basic needs.  We believe that each and every person deserves respect and dignity.  One way our residents are able to keep spirits up and maintain their sense respect and dignity is by keeping up with all of their daily hygiene needs.

On a related note, Vive also brought in the UB School of Nursing to present classes to refugees on basic hygiene and proper ways to use the facilities in order to care for their bodies in ways that conform to U.S. cultural norms.

Vive, Inc. would like to thank all of our many, many, many benefactors.  Here at Vive we had the best Christmastime ever.  We are amazed by the great generosity that was shared with us for the holiday season.  We had wonderful gifts for the children for all of the holiday season.  Everyone had a great time, and all of our residents were able to receive some nice presents.  Vive was blessed to have three different meals prepared for our clients to celebrate the holidays. The Sisters of St. Francis in Williamsville, NY, hosted us for a Christmas party in their wonderful home. Santa came to visit at the Christmas party and helped us to celebrate and share in the many gifts.   Many of our clients went out to area churches and worship sites to celebrate the many different holidays observed during this season.

Vive was gifted with presents but, as always, there are things that we remain in need of.  During the cold weather, we are in need of scarves, hats, gloves, coats, and boots of all sizes.  We have a need for basic hygiene items, such as mouthwash, toothpaste, deodorant, body sprays, soaps and shampoos, and bath towels.  We also need white rice, sugar, oil, and spices for the kitchen.

Thank you for helping Vive help others. We all work together, “because everyone should know freedom.”