NEWS HERO OF THE MONTH
Sheila Badwan Helps Refugees Seeking Freedom BY ERIN BLOODGOOD
O
n July 4, America celebrates its independence—our day of freedom. But many of us may never truly appreciate the freedom we have because we’ve always had it. For centuries, America has offered the promise of safety and a better life for those fleeing war, religious persecution, or other hardships. Unless we are Indigenous, our ancestors came to this country seeking that freedom we celebrate today.
“As an immigrant and refugee, (the promise America offers is) being able to practice any religion you want, being able to work and have that American dream,” says Sheila Badwan, the Executive Director of the Hanan Refugee Group in Milwaukee and Vice President of the Board of the national organization.
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The Hanan Refugee Group in Milwaukee is a chapter of the larger national nonprofit organization which offers services for refugees including language courses, therapy sessions, daycare, assistance with paying bills, and many more. On a daily basis, Badwan and her team in Milwaukee welcome struggling families seeking shelter and a safe haven. The Milwaukee chapter of Hanan—and Badwan’s involvement with this work—began six years ago during the Syrian refugee crisis when millions of Syrians fled from the country’s civil war. “It was heart wrenching to see families in the conditions they were in and really needed the support of the community,” says Badwan. The influx of refugees in Milwaukee showed the need for services that would help these families adjust to the new life they would have to build.
Photo by Erin Bloodgood.
