One's best work is always done in collaboration with others. That is especially true when one's goal is to positively influence communities. Since Butterfly Boxes began, we've been fortunate to have the support of our family, friends, neighbors and those who heard of our project and wanted to be involved in some way. We can't list everyone (and if we did, we'd be adding new names every day!), but we would like to tell you about some of our strategic partnerships that are helping Butterfly Boxes continue to serve as many Oregon refugees as possible.
YOU
Our community assists us by donating the items we use to fill Butterfly Boxes, volunteering to assemble boxes, organizing group donation or volunteer efforts, and by simply spreading the word to friends, families, and colleagues. We truly could not do this work without YOU.
One of three organizations in Oregon that resettles refugees, Catholic Charities ensures that Butterfly Boxes get to those who need them. In addition to delivering completed boxes, they are our go-to for guidance about the greatest needs of recently-arrived refugees, and they have provided us with space for volunteer events. We are proud to partner with Catholic Charities, and the message posted in their Portland, OR offices resonates deeply with Butterfly Boxes: "Providing HOPE, to those who need it most".
A monthly knitting subscription company based in Miami, FL, KNITCRATE offers incentives to any of their subscribers who send handmade items to be included in Butterfly Boxes. As a nod to our family's tradition of welcoming every new member with a quilt made by multiple family members, we strive to include a handmade item in every Butterfly Box welcoming new members to our community. KNITCRATE and their subscribers help ensure that happens.
Refugee and Immigrant Hospitality Outreach (RIHO) facilitates social connections and access to services for refugees and immigrants. We share a common goal of bringing American volunteers and newcomers together through social activities to build community, and have partnered with them to put on our community potlucks and distribute donated items where they are needed most.