Episcopal Migration Ministries is proud to announce a new immersive retreat experience offered by members of the EMM Asylum & Detention Ministry Network. Leaving Home: Immigration Through the Eyes of Children, a retreat hosted October 10-12, 2022, at Episcopal Church of the Apostles in Oro Valley, Arizona, is focused on the impact of migration on children and families and the ways in which we are called to welcome and engage community action.
“What would it take for you to leave your home and your country? What would you bring with you? How would the trauma of leaving home, navigating the immigration system, and starting over again in a new country impact your health and your future? What would it take for you to find a sense of belonging? How do you hope you’d be welcomed? These are some of the questions we will explore together as we immerse ourselves in the experiences of those who have been forced to flee their homes and cross a border,” said Gale Hall, one of the co-creators of the retreat.
During the three-day retreat, participants will experience the artwork of migrant children, develop an understanding of their journey through the creative telling of their stories, and volunteer at Casa Alitas. Participants will leave the retreat empowered to create an action plan in their own community inspired by the experience.
“Our intent for the retreat is that attendees experience ‘walking in the shoes’ of migrant families; so that they gain empathy and understanding and advocate for these children and their parents” said Michelina Nicotera-Taxiera, co-creator of the retreat.
Registration costs $355. Learn more and register here: https://www.leavinghomeretreat.com/
About Episcopal Migration Ministries
Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) is a ministry of The Episcopal Church and is one of nine national agencies responsible for resettling refugees in the United States in partnership with the government. EMM has 11 affiliate offices in 9 states. To date, EMM has resettled over 100,000 individuals. In addition to its long-standing work in refugee resettlement ministry, EMM is The Episcopal Church’s convening place for collaboration, education, and information-sharing on migration.
To directly support EMM and its life-changing work, visit www.episcopalmigrationministries.org/give, or text “EMM” to 41444 (standard messaging and data may rates apply).
About Episcopal Migration Ministries’ Asylum and Detention Ministry Network
Episcopal Migration Ministries’ Asylum and Detention Ministry Network meets virtually on the fourth Wednesday of every month. The Ministry Network’s collaborative work and conversation focus on best practice-sharing in areas of direct service, organizing, advocacy actions, Christian formation and worship resources, and community education to protect asylum, promote humane and dignified alternatives to detention, and to support asylum seekers and those harmed by the immigration detention system. Register to attend meetings here.
