We are so proud of the entire RAA that we support it when we can. As your promo indicates: NO ONE IS A REFUGEE BY CHOICE. It is now our choice to help support your work in our small way. We admire your tenacity throughout these challenging times. You are a wonderful group of caring people. || Reason For Giving: Full disclosure - we are Kristen Bloom's proud parents. We live in CA so it is through Kristen that we know about, admire, and support the RAA to the extent that we are able. As Bill and Judy grew up we both had first hand experience knowing and supporting people from various lands. While in high school Bill was a foreign student in Germany. Also while he was in high school his family invited a student from Turkey to live with them for a school year. When Judy was in hight school her family invited a student from Finland to live with them for the school year. As Kristen was growing up the family of her two very best friends hosted several exchange students from Germany and Venezuela. Kristen came to know the value and personal growth one could gain from these experiences. One day when Kristen was in high school the Japanese exchange student told Kristen she was very unhappy in her living situation. On the spot Kristen said maybe you could come live with us. And the rest is history. That was 25 years ago and we all are still in touch not only with our student, but with her extended family. All these experiences contributed to Kristen wanting to spend a semester abroad in Chile and two years in the Peace Corps in Peru. Our lives have been enriched by people from many parts of the world. Supporting the RAA is our small way of showing appreciation.
We are always happy to add support the the RAA. It is money well spent. || "Reason For Giving: Full disclosure: We are Kristen Bloom's (Founder & Executive Director) parents. We are extremely proud of the concept and the dedication of the RAA. The staff has lovingly opened their arms to each of their clients to comfort them and to enable them to slowly acclimate to their new home/country. For most of us we have no idea what each of the clients has endured by the time they arrive in Florida and meet the RAA. As a result of the dedication of the staff and the eagerness of the clients to work together the RAA has seen much rewarding progress. When we make our contributions we know how the money will be spent which is very reassuring." (6/25/25 HC)
Please use my donation where it’s most needed.