Political Quotes

“since 1989, Vermont has accepted more than 8,000 refugees from around the world. Most recently, two families from war-torn Syria were placed in Rutland. Vermonters understand the meaning of community, of supporting one another through tough times and celebrating together in seasons of joy. Over the last three decades, the meaning of community has expanded to include numerous nationalities as Vermonters have welcomed new neighbors from countries including Somalia, Sudan, and Bhutan, among others. Over the last 25 years, Vermont's growing diversity has infused vitality and a diversity of culture into our rural State as locals open their arms--and their hearts--to new cultures and ways of life. New Vermonters hail from the world over and are greeted in the Green Mountains by support groups and refugee associations. Some organizations aid new arrivals by offering workforce developments and translation services, while others host furniture and clothing drives. Many refugees are able to find jobs in Vermont's bustling tourism industry, as they work to save for future endeavors. These support networks expand as the same individuals who once relied on refugee organizations begin to offer guidance to others. For some, this means years of saving before opening restaurants or stores with food and products that feature their home countries. Others focus on engaging recently arrived refugees in the very communities that they were welcomed into.…”