We are closing in on the money artist Rachel Barlow needs to assemble 80 art kits for refugee children.  Some are new to America, some have been here for months or years. All attend day care or classes at the Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus, (RISSE), whose main offices were burned to the ground by arsonists a year ago, and all of the tires on their vans were slashed.

RISSE was founded in 2007 by the United Methodist Church in the Pine Hills neighborhood of Albany, more than 100 children attend after school and day programs at the church so their mothers and fathers can work. Some of the children are trauma and abuse victims, Rachel’s kits are carefully designed to promote confidence, healing, voice and creativity.

Since RISSE was founded, the refugee community has grown dramatically. RISSE offers school programs that focus on English language learning and  homework help. They also provide assistance with job searches, housing, Medicaid, medical appointments, childcare, temporary assistance certification and immigration paperwork.

Their work has outpaced their resources, they are getting serious about fund-raising.

Barlow conceived the idea of the art kit for refugee children, many of whom are also trauma victims. Her kits light the creative spark. RISSE’s classrooms are crowded into a second floor space above the church sanctuary. They need everything at RISSE, fences for the playground, a new can, supplies and teachers and volunteers. And donations.

I hope to help with some of these things, RISSE is the only place many of the new immigrants can go for help, training, English language class, day care, legal aid and financial counseling. I’d love to be help, the art kits – we need between 80 and 90 – are a great place to start.

Rachel  Barlow is an author, illustrator and artist who lives in Vermont. Her beautiful Vermont landscapes are enormously popular. Rachel has experienced abuse, depression, and bi-polar disorder. She knows what children need.

So we got more than $500 yesterday, we need $800. It costs about $15 to assemble a kit.

Rachel’s creativity kits are already a big hit, she hopes to expand the program to other refugee communities, and to other children in foster care. Thanks for thinking about it. You can donate here,  in any amount that is comfortable for you.