With Refugee and LGTBQ+ awareness month coming to an end, it is important to look at how the problems of refugees and the LGRBQ+ community are not always mutually exclusive. In fact, many refugees flee their home country based on the prejudice they receive for their sexual identity. Through the hard work of Mosaic Family Services and the generous donations from our donors, we are able to provide vital services to the refugee community of Dallas.
The story of Moni is one of someone who lost everything in her home country and gained it all back in America. Moni came to the Dallas community from her home country of Iran. Like many refugees before her, Moni was lost and depressed trying to navigate this new landscape. While this is overwhelming for most, it was almost unbearable for Moni as she lost the support of the ones she loved most due to her gender identity and sexual orientation. Due to severe financial restraints, Moni could not receive the physical and mental health services she needed.
That is where Mosaic stepped in and helped. When Moni first arrived at Mosaic, our case manager knew the highest priority was her medical and mental health care due to her inability to work. Our case worker enrolled Moni in Parkland Financial Assistance and helped her find the specialists she needed. Due to Moni’s inability to work, the next step was to get her on Social Security disability income. After two denials and several appeals in March 2021, through the testimony of our case manager Mosaic was able to get her approved for Social Security disability income. Through this newfound freedom, Moni applied for low-income housing and got approved for a one-bedroom apartment.
Now, Moni is a thriving member of the Dallas community. Both her chronic illness and mental health are under control. She loves her new apartment and is hoping to start taking some classes at the local community to help further her goals. Through the hard work of our case manager and Moni’s strength and perseverance for a better life, Mosaic was able to help a refugee find peace in this world.
However, the story does not end here. There are currently 100s of Moni’s all through Dallas needing the services that Mosaic provides. Here at Mosaic, we rely on the generosity of our donors to help provide our much-needed services to the refugee community of Dallas.
If you are interested in helping Mosaic serve the refugee community of Dallas, we are currently hosting a raffle for Refugee Awareness Month. For just $25 a ticket or 5 for $100, you have a chance to win one of five beautifully hand-crafted gift baskets from our friends at Central Market. All the money raised allows us to help Moni and the other refugees we serve. Click here below to purchase your tickets!