We’ve all seen the news about the brutal winter storms and ice that swept across the country. But lately, my heart is heavy because of a different kind of chill settling over us—one that can’t be fixed with salt trucks or snow shovels.
I am talking about the fear rippling through our immigrant and refugee communities.
It hurts my heart to think about neighbors who fled authoritarian governments and terror in their own countries, leaving everything behind to find safety, only to feel that same frightening instability here in their new home.
In moments like this, it is easy to feel helpless. But we are not.
We—as human beings, as neighbors, as Americans—determine what we want our communities to look like. We determine what type of space we want to hold for others. We have the power to make sure our immigrant and refugee brothers and sisters know that we welcome them in our cities and our neighborhoods.
With everything that is going on in the country right now, we have to remember: welcoming spaces aren’t just found “out there” like the in pages of a fairytale. Safe spaces are what we create when we decide to share our safe space with others.
You can take this step right now, in your own city, anywhere in the U.S. or around the world.
We can break down barriers and build bridges through the one thing we all have in common: food. We all eat three times a day. I am asking you to use just one of those meals to make a difference.
Do you know a refugee or immigrant neighbor in your own community that you can lift up?
When you open your home or your kitchen to them, you are doing something revolutionary. You are creating a sanctuary. Imagine hosting a supper club event with your neighbor as the chef, and then inviting other neighbors to come, eat, and listen.
This is how we build community—not by waiting for permission, but through intentional steps. By gathering people together, you are weaving a safety net of faces and names. You are showing that neighbor that they are not alone, and you are showing your community the beauty of diversity. This is how we build a stronger and safer community for everyone.
We can help you make this happen:
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Use your platform: Your kitchen, your dining room, your church basement.
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Use our platform: To amplify your event and help sell tickets to support that family.
If you are ready to open your door but don’t know where to start, email us at director@forkintheroad.charity. We will help you step-by-step to host a successful event in your neighborhood.
When you invite a newly arrived neighbor into your space, you are doing so much more than filling plates. You are looking a refugee woman in the eye and letting her know that you see her, that she is safe here, and that she matters.
Can we count on you to create that space?
Here is how you can take action today:
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Host Your Own Event: Email director@forkintheroad.charity and let’s plan a supper club in your city.
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Schedule a Refugee Cook / Host a Supper Club – If you are local to us, bring our chefs to your table. Let’s break bread and build bridges.
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Order Valentine’s Day Sweets – A small, sweet way to show your support and share the love this season.
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View Upcoming Events – Come join us at our next gathering and see this beautiful community in action.
With gratitude,
Jessica Bueler
Executive Director
Fork in the Road Foundation
