We Run for Refugees

I’m Laura Ramzy, and I run for refugees because I have dedicated my career to these communities — for the last 15+ years, I’ve worked with local immigrants & refugees as a volunteer, psychologist, researcher, and advocate, and truly believe in their incredible strength and resilience despite enduring extensive trauma.   

You may or may not know that the current federal administration has not only completely stopped the arrival of any new refugees, they have stripped all funds from refugee resettlement agencies (including African Community Center) that provide essential support to newly arrived refugee families as they transition to a new country and culture.  This means that there are hundreds of refugee families in the Denver Metro area that are starting a new life with absolutely nothing: no help with the first month of rent on an apartment, let alone a required deposit; no assistance with getting kids enrolled in schools or establishing with a healthcare provider; and no one to consult with to learn how to find a job or where to take English as a second language classes in the United States.  As an extra kick in the face, they have to pay back the government the cost of the flight to arrive to Colorado.

Many of these recently arrived families actually assisted the US government in their home countries (for example, Afghanistan), and are only here because rebel forces learned that they are assisting Americans and threatened to kill them (and in some cases, kidnapped and tortured them for some time). These are people who were well established professionals and left everything they built to save their lives.

My 6 year old sums it up perfectly: “That’s not fair.”

With that, these resettlement agencies are relying on donations to do the best they can to support refugee families. Despite a sore achilles, this is why I run for refugees. :)  And, I’ve convinced for close friends to run the marathon relay with me: Jamira Jones, Jordana Gingrass, Kristi Rodrigues, and Jon Rodrigues. 🌟

Here is some basic information about African Community Center: 

The African Community Center of Denver (ACC) is a refugee resettlement agency with a mission to help refugees and immigrants rebuild safe, sustainable lives in Denver. They welcome families fleeing persecution from all over the world, from countries such as Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ukraine,  and others. 

In 2024, ACC welcomed over 1,355 refugees & immigrants- the highest number they’ve ever welcomed during a twelve month period. They need support from the community to continue providing services to the increasing number of newcomers arriving in the U.S.

 This May, supporters, volunteers, and refugee community members will come together to Run for Refugees at the Colfax Marathon races on May 17th & 18th. In addition to raising awareness for ACC, participants have the opportunity to set a fundraising goal to reach ahead of race day.

Now more than ever, ACC is in need of our support. Every donation will get me closer to reaching our goal!

Shukran, Gracias, Tashakur, Jesube, Dahnebhat, Asanti, Merci, Obrigada, Amaseganalu, THANK YOU!!!!