“If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated, don’t give way to hating…”
(Kipling)
On Friday, one of our clients will be sworn in as a U.S. citizen. As the HRI family shared the news happily with each other, our director of Social Services, Zainab Ellis, shared a letter that he wrote to the HRI staff many years ago.
“I came in America totally destroyed, overwhelmed by humiliation, despair, unworthiness, fear, anxiety, guilt, nightmares, feeling of suicide but you wiped my tears and like a mother hen, you covered me with your wings to keep me alive…
As a lawyer, I learned from you how “pro bono” can be well managed and give a remarkable result. I’ve also seen during my process how hard asylum process is but your legal expertise and services provided to your clients in meantime make it bearable. You were permanently there to work with my dear pro bono attorneys in making my case stronger. And when my interview was set, you made it easier by your helpful practice session.
Many thanks to you again; what you did is not only save a man who suffered the worst in his life but also a fight, a noble struggle of respect of human rights in my country, Democratic Republic of Congo which must be one day free of tyrants.
I know you deserve more than this simple letter of thanks but this is the only way in my power right now to express you my gratitude, please accept it.
You will remain engraved in my memory for ever. God bless you All…”
“Or being hated, don’t give way to hating…”
“Or being hated, don’t give way to hating…”
“Or being hated, don’t give way to hating…”
For the past 18 years, HRI has provided 100% free legal and social services to vulnerable immigrants and refugees. We believe that immigrant rights are human rights, and that families belong together. We are an extensive network of pro-bono lawyers, volunteer social workers, and community helpers. Our successful business model quintuples every penny we receive. THANK YOU for believing in us. THANK YOU for supporting us. THANK YOU for being our Community.
Don’t miss the chance to Rock Your HeART Out at our signature fundraising event! Our 3rd annual Rock Your HeART Out Concert & Art Auction is on October 27th, featuring award-winning big-barrio-band Bombasta, and Rolling Stone favorite artist Lisa Morales! Do not miss this event! BUY TICKETS HERE. To learn more, visit www.rockyourheartout.org.
