NEWS AND EVENTS
Update and Action to Take to Support Siham Byeh TODAY
Many of us continue to wonder how Siham Byeh and her son, Naseem, are doing. She remains in detention, working with her lawyer and others to continue resisting deportation and to fight to have her son in a supportive and loving environment.
Here are two actions you can take today to support them.
1. If you are available today at 6PM, come to Chelsea to attend a meeting with the Attorney General's Office and Homeland Security to ask that they assist with Siham's case and place her son, Naseem, with a family friend. The action will take place at the Bridges Meeting at Al-Huda Society - 60 Willow Street, Chelsea, MA.(For now this is all I know, I’ll try to find more details for folks who are interested).
2. Siham’s lawyer has been working diligently for her release and for Naseem’s well-being, so please donate to her legal fund if you can.
You can follow the campaign and learn more about Siham and Naseem on the #FreeSiham Facebook page to stay up to date. Feel free to share this link and this email with your networks.
On a final note, we continue to learn that the cases of detained immigrants who we come to know and care about are messy and are not resolving quickly these days. That has been true for Siham, for Francisco Rodriguez and for many others. It’s important to stay awake and stay outraged at the terror that ICE is causing families in our communities. We will continue to do what we can to keep you in the loop.
In strength,
Rachie
Women Encouraging Empowerment in support of #FreeSiham
All of us at Women Encouraging Empowerment (WEE) share concern for our neighbor Siham Tinhinan Byah and outrage at her unjust detention by ICE. We stand in solidarity with all who are fighting to free Siham from this unwarranted and politically motivated incarceration. She a proud feminist and a courageous activist who has spoken out for justice for all. She is also a single mother whose son needs her. They should not be separated and she should be released immediately.
According to her lawyer Siham’s detention by ICE “was totally unexpected, completely unwarranted, and in direct violation of established ICE policy”. The decision to detain Siham came directly from Washington DC and without warning. It is clear that her detention is a direct response to her activism.
At WEE, we work every day with women, men and children who strive to learn English and build their skills to be productive workers and participants in our community. Many of our foreign-born neighbors live in constant fear that they too could be targeted by immigration or law enforcement. Whether or not they have legal documentation, when someone like Siham is detained and separated from her child, all immigrants are impacted. Families feel they must go into hiding. They stop accessing services, including emergency health and police services. They are afraid to send their children to school.
This is why we must all stand up to free Siham. She is our neighbor and our relative. Please join any efforts to support her, including those outlined below. Reach out to us at WEE if you would like to be involved in our work and the work of the Revere Immigrant Solidarity Network (RISN), created by immigrants and allies seeking an alternate response to counter hate with love and solidarity.
Please join us and support #FreeSiham by signing the petition
Click here to share this petition on Facebook.
Click here to share this petition on Twitter.
You can donate to Siham's support fund her
Send your friends this link: https://actionnetwork.org/…/freesiham-demand-the-release-of…&
Copy and paste the email below.
The community is mobilizing to #FreeSiham and show our support. Please call local ICE officer Homsy at the number below
CALL ICE: 781-359-7500 press 4#, and tell the desk officer that you are calling to ask for Siham Byah to be released back to the community.
CALL HER CONGRESSMAN: Representative Seth Moulton, (202) 225-8020 or (978) 531-1669, and Tweet @sethmoulton
Copy and paste this email to friends to spread the word:
Subject: Sign the petition! ICE Field Officer Homsy: #FreeSiham: Demand the Release of Siham Byah from ICE!
Body:
Friend,
I signed a petition on Action Network telling ICE Field Officer Homsy to #FreeSiham: Demand the Release of Siham Byah from ICE! .
Single mother Siham Byah was detained today, Nov 7th, by Immigration And Customs Enforcement (ICE). We need you to pressure the local ICE office in Burlington, MA to #FreeSiham. We can't let Siham be deported to Morocco with her 8 year old son waiting for her to come home. Please sign the petition to #FreeSiham now. Siham, resident of Nahant and from Morocco is a human rights activist. Sources close to her believe she has been targeted because of her activism and are fearful that this is part of a growing epidemic of undocumented immigrants being targeted for their constitutional use of free speech. Her detention this morning was totally unexpected, completely unwarranted, and in direct violation of established ICE policy. She had no time to plan care for her 8 year old son. Matt Cameron, her lawyer, spoke with Siham on Tuesday, and told him to let us all know that she will be on a hunger strike until she is released. She is deeply appreciative of your calls and commitment to show up for her. Sign the petition here to #FreeSiham so she can be reunited with her son. The community is mobilizing to #FreeSiham and show our support. Please call local ICE officer Homsy at the number below and join us for a rally in Boston on Wednesday. CALL ICE: 781-359-7500 press 4#, and tell the desk officer that you are calling to ask for Siham Byah to be released back to the community. CALL HER CONGRESSMAN: Representative Seth Moulton, (202) 225-8020 or (978) 531-1669, and Tweet @sethmoulton
#FreeSiham: Demand the Release of Siham Byah from ICE!
Single mother Siham Byah was detained today, Nov 7th, by Immigration And Customs Enforcement (ICE). We need you to pressure the local ICE office in…
ACTIONNETWORK.ORG
HarborCOV Partners with Revere Community in Candlelight Vigil to
Raise Awareness About Domestic Violence
HarborCOV, the local domestic violence program serving the Revere, Chelsea, East Boston, Winthrop and Charlestown area, and Revere community members will hold a candlelight vigil to raise awareness about the lethality of domestic violence on Friday, Sept. 29 at Revere City Hall, 281 Broadway, Revere, at noon.
“The recent tragedy in Revere is another painful reminder that domestic violence is an epidemic in our society,” said Revere Mayor Brian Arrigo. “I encourage residents to come together, not only to show our support for the victim’s loved ones, but also to connect with agencies that do work to prevent domestic violence and offer resources to victims.”
“Domestic violence is everyone’s business and does not discriminate based on race, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression,” said Kourou Pich, HarborCOV Co-Executive Director. “We must realize that this type of violence affects all of us, and we need to stand together to support our friends, neighbors and families and affect broader change.”
Revere Police chief James Guido said, “The Revere Police Department is very proactive in the area of Domestic Violence, and offers services whenever necessary to all victims who have experienced abuse. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Vanessa’s family, and all victims of
Domestic Violence. As Chief of Police, I personally have seen the effects of Domestic Violence, and how afraid victims are to come forward. Our Domestic Violence unit is always ready to assist in any way they can. If you know of someone who needs help and is afraid to contact us, please reach out to us so we can help. We are here to protect and serve the public.”
The Sept. 29 vigil will include local community leaders, residents and domestic violence advocates such as Mayor Brian Arrigo, the Revere Police Department, Rep. RoseLee Vincent, MGH-HAVEN, Women Encouraging Empowerment Inc. Portal to Hope, and Jane Doe Inc. The public is invited and encouraged to participate in raising awareness.
According to Jane Doe Inc., the Massachusetts Coalition against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, since January 1, 2017 there have been a total 27 domestic violence related deaths across the state. These deaths include 13 female victims of domestic violence, 4 male victims of domestic violence, 1 child of a domestic violence victim, and 9 domestic violence perpetrators who committed suicide or were killed by police.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, speak out and seek help. There are programs across Massachusetts that provide free and confidential services, including SafeLink, a 24-hour statewide hotline, at 1-877-785-2020, and HarborCOV’s 24-hour hotline at 617-884-9909. You can also find more information about domestic violence and a list of local services at www.janedoe.org/find_help.
WEE Women community circle April 11th 2017
Immigrants day April 5th 2017
On Wednesday March 5th 2017. WEE members had another opportunity to participate in the annual Immigrants Day. They headed to the State House to meet with their Legislator in support for:
-Expansion of ESOL programs
-Support for the Safe Communities Act
-Provision of Healthcare services to undeserved communities.
Thank you to our women leaders for braving the cold and drizzles, who attended the event and were able to be a VOICE to the voiceless and making a difference in our community. And thank you to Joan Moscillo for supporting our community. It was such an inspiring experience.
-Expansion of ESOL programs
-Support for the Safe Communities Act
-Provision of Healthcare services to undeserved communities.
Thank you to our women leaders for braving the cold and drizzles, who attended the event and were able to be a VOICE to the voiceless and making a difference in our community. And thank you to Joan Moscillo for supporting our community. It was such an inspiring experience.
WEE Community Circle's Parent Leadership Training
What a wonderful turnout we had for the WEE Community Circle's Parent Leadership Training!
WEE members had another rare opportunity to have one of it's trainings with the Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University. The training was focused on:
-Identifying hopes and dreams for your child, family, and community, and barriers.
-Discussing different kinds of parent leadership, from "involvement" to organizing.
In addition to building their leadership skills and exploring issues of diversity, our members deepened their understanding of how they can be change agents and leaders in their lives, families and their communities despite the barriers.
WEE remains inspired that each week when women and members get together in our WEE Community Circle, many parents and grandparents dedicate themselves to becoming agents of change in our community.
On that note, thank you to Tracie from the Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University for always coming down all the way from Rhode Island and always supporting us.
Thank you to our supporters, generous funders, members, organizers ( Hayat and Ciham) and Coordinator (Maja) for making this happen. You all strengthen our community and inspire others to be agents of change.
If you want to join us and support, the program is free ( every Tuesday 12 to 2.30pm), and childcare and dinner are provided at each session. We look forward to your visit at WEE. Thank you.
Wishing everyone a beautiful week.
WEE members had another rare opportunity to have one of it's trainings with the Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University. The training was focused on:
-Identifying hopes and dreams for your child, family, and community, and barriers.
-Discussing different kinds of parent leadership, from "involvement" to organizing.
In addition to building their leadership skills and exploring issues of diversity, our members deepened their understanding of how they can be change agents and leaders in their lives, families and their communities despite the barriers.
WEE remains inspired that each week when women and members get together in our WEE Community Circle, many parents and grandparents dedicate themselves to becoming agents of change in our community.
On that note, thank you to Tracie from the Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University for always coming down all the way from Rhode Island and always supporting us.
Thank you to our supporters, generous funders, members, organizers ( Hayat and Ciham) and Coordinator (Maja) for making this happen. You all strengthen our community and inspire others to be agents of change.
If you want to join us and support, the program is free ( every Tuesday 12 to 2.30pm), and childcare and dinner are provided at each session. We look forward to your visit at WEE. Thank you.
Wishing everyone a beautiful week.
Women's month Potluck
What a wonderful turnout we had for the Women's month Potluck!
Thank you all for bringing such an amazing selection of food to share with one another. It wouldn’t have been as successful without your help. We hope that you had a great time, had a chance to reconnect and made some new friends.
It was such a terrific turnout and we loved seeing all the kids having a great time. We appreciate all the delicious food and drinks you brought!
WEE would also like to especially thank Shannon from the Muslim Justice League for the amazing presentation, our board members and staff that took the time out of their busy schedules to come out and meet with everyone.
Again, thank you again for coming and bringing yourself and fabulous food to the potluck, we felt a really positive vibe and look forward to the next meeting. In the meantime, send us an email or post to the group with your thoughts.
Thanks to you all again, for always making this a fantastic time and thank you all for making it happen!
Happy Spring.
Thank you all for bringing such an amazing selection of food to share with one another. It wouldn’t have been as successful without your help. We hope that you had a great time, had a chance to reconnect and made some new friends.
It was such a terrific turnout and we loved seeing all the kids having a great time. We appreciate all the delicious food and drinks you brought!
WEE would also like to especially thank Shannon from the Muslim Justice League for the amazing presentation, our board members and staff that took the time out of their busy schedules to come out and meet with everyone.
Again, thank you again for coming and bringing yourself and fabulous food to the potluck, we felt a really positive vibe and look forward to the next meeting. In the meantime, send us an email or post to the group with your thoughts.
Thanks to you all again, for always making this a fantastic time and thank you all for making it happen!
Happy Spring.
Revere Immigrant Support for Education. RISE
WEE is always delighted to have its youth ( Revere Immigrant Support for Education. RISE ) partners on board and in it's space. We want to empower, encourage, advocate, and advance refugee, immigrant and low income families. WEE is a safe, open and positive space where these youth engage in Education advocacy and trainings. Thanks to the people who make it happen. Thanks to the Nellie Mae Education Foundation and the Annenberg Institute for School Reform.
One of our goals is - a community where all youth - primarily those from immigrant, refugee and low- income backgrounds - celebrate and explore their identities, learn to organize and advocate for education reform and change, strive to excel academically, prepare for life and share their talents in service to their families, neighbors, community, and their world. We are always happy to be in a space with the youth where we can share all this and engage them in their community and education reform.
One of our goals is - a community where all youth - primarily those from immigrant, refugee and low- income backgrounds - celebrate and explore their identities, learn to organize and advocate for education reform and change, strive to excel academically, prepare for life and share their talents in service to their families, neighbors, community, and their world. We are always happy to be in a space with the youth where we can share all this and engage them in their community and education reform.
Visit to Revere City Hall 2/6/2017
Another powerful and amazing evening today at the Revere City Hall with WEE ladies, supporters and RISE youth. You can't beat love, the voice and power of the people. One Revere, One people. We are all equal. Love, respect, diversity, inclusiveness. Let us all come together as one. Thanks to everyone who came out. You are an inspiration to our community.
Lenny Zakim Fund - 21st Annual Award Ceremony 2/6/2017
It can take several years for immigrant & refugee women and their families to assimilate and get a good, stable life and paying job in Massachusetts. This means several years struggling to make ends meet and provide for their children and families, several years of vulnerability and isolation, without family and friend support networks.
Thank you to The Lenny Zakim Fund for your generous support this evening to WEE. WEE is humbled!
Thank you to The Lenny Zakim Fund for your generous support this evening to WEE. WEE is humbled!
Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo visit to WEE 1/31/2017
Women Encouraging Empowerment was honored and humbled to have the Massachusetts Speaker of the house Bob DeLeo noting, "I want to welcome you to this country, not turn you away." Thanks to him and his staff for being so generous and kind to us in tough times like these. Thank you for supporting refugee and immigrant women and their families!
Xmas Bash in WEE 12/14/2016
A very warm thank you to everyone who joined us for our Holiday bash on December 14, 2016. As always,we had a great time and it was wonderful gather with friends, members and colleagues to celebrate this time of the year. We are also pleased to announce that our food and beverages were donated by the supportive and generous business community on Shirley Avenue, Revere, Massachusetts.
These include : Casablanca House of Pastries, Las Delicias Colombianas, THMOR DA Restaurant, Mediterranean Cafe and Lupita Bakery for the cake.
Thank you to everyone who had the art of henna on their hands and contributed to the Henna basket that will go to our Domestic Violence Prevention program.
A great thank you to the donated toys that were gifts to our wonderful kids, - donated by
Ira Novoselsky, Ward 2 City Councillor.
We also thank to our funders who always stand with us.
We hope to see you all again next year and anytime at our center!
Thank you and happy holidays from all of us at WEE, Inc!
These include : Casablanca House of Pastries, Las Delicias Colombianas, THMOR DA Restaurant, Mediterranean Cafe and Lupita Bakery for the cake.
Thank you to everyone who had the art of henna on their hands and contributed to the Henna basket that will go to our Domestic Violence Prevention program.
A great thank you to the donated toys that were gifts to our wonderful kids, - donated by
Ira Novoselsky, Ward 2 City Councillor.
We also thank to our funders who always stand with us.
We hope to see you all again next year and anytime at our center!
Thank you and happy holidays from all of us at WEE, Inc!
Greater Boston Stand Together 11/16.16
Thank you for joining us to celebrate new initiative called Greater Boston Stand together at Wee Revere with our members and members of Stand for Children Massachusetts. We had amazing International Potluck with specialties from around the world.
Caregiver Homes workshop 11/9/16
WEE was honored to have a resourceful day. We had a Caregiver's workshop yesterday 11/09 about how to decrease stress and have more energy during the holidays. Donna McHugh and Norma Mora from Caregiver Homes gave the presentation in WEE.
WEE had so much fun at The Lenny Zakim Fund where we received a grant of $7500 to support our Adult Education program!
WEE Inc Receives Grant Award
WEE has just been awarded $2,000 by RESIST, Inc., a national foundation located in Somerville, Massachusetts. WEE received funding to support our effort to empower immigrant women in our communities to become lead organizers for social change.
We are very excited to have received this grant from RESIST.
RESIST began in 1967 in support of draft resistance and in opposition to the Vietnam War. As a funder of first resort for hundred of organizations, RESIST's small but timely grants and loans are made to grassroots groups engaged in activist organizing and educational works for social change. Each year RESIST funds group like WEE because their mission is to support people who take a stand about issues that matter today. To learn more about RESIST and to support their effort please visit www.resistinc.org
WEE has just been awarded $2,000 by RESIST, Inc., a national foundation located in Somerville, Massachusetts. WEE received funding to support our effort to empower immigrant women in our communities to become lead organizers for social change.
We are very excited to have received this grant from RESIST.
RESIST began in 1967 in support of draft resistance and in opposition to the Vietnam War. As a funder of first resort for hundred of organizations, RESIST's small but timely grants and loans are made to grassroots groups engaged in activist organizing and educational works for social change. Each year RESIST funds group like WEE because their mission is to support people who take a stand about issues that matter today. To learn more about RESIST and to support their effort please visit www.resistinc.org
Watch the video of our third annual dinner here! If you missed out, watch the entire event right here.
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ESOL CLASSES
FUNDRAISER WITH PAPA JOHN'S PIZZA
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WEE, Inc.'s previous executive director, Jackie Okanga. Source: Revere Advocate, October 5, 2013
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WEE in the news:
Check out the article about WEE's second annual fundraiser in the Revere Advocate, October 5, 2013.
Check out the article about WEE's first fundraiser in the Revere Advocate, July 18, 2012.
Check out the article about WEE's second annual fundraiser in the Revere Advocate, October 5, 2013.
Check out the article about WEE's first fundraiser in the Revere Advocate, July 18, 2012.
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