Mobile takes pride in being a welcoming city for resettled refugees and other displaced individuals. They often arrive with minimal possessions and limited English. At best, they may know a few neighbors or acquaintances from their home country, but they are largely alone as they adapt to a new culture.
These newer residents of Mobile often feel isolated and afraid. They’ve survived so much and want to take advantage of their opportunity. To support them, DWELL builds relationships between the people of Mobile and these refugees. Through our special events and regular programs, the DWELL family is there as they create a new home.
Mission
Dwell Mobile provides resettled refugee families practical support in their new life, meaningful relationships with new neighbors and opportunities to develop a better future.
Vision
A city where resettled refugee families find their home and community.
Welcome
DWELL Mobile is a nonprofit that provides post-resettlement acclimation services and support to refugee families who have relocated to Mobile, Alabama.
When I started DWELL in 2015, I looked around Mobile and saw two different communities of people. One group had arrived in Mobile as refugees. They had been told that they did not belong in their countries of origin, that if they wanted to survive they needed to flee—they did, and they found themselves in a foreign place hoping it would eventually become home.
I also saw Mobilians, people who loved this city and who, when they heard about these new members of our community, were genuinely concerned. They wanted to help, to welcome them and to give them a sense of belonging.
I began to imagine a group of people working together to create “home” for these new neighbors. This vision led me to found DWELL Mobile. Our name represents the displaced among us. We exist to partner with them as they build a new life here with us.
The core of who we are and what we promote is relationship development. We believe strongly in the ability of relationships to heal and restore and everything we do creates opportunities for personal connections to grow. We host a variety of special events such as picnics, cultural nights and food distributions, as well as two ongoing programs throughout the year.
Cultural Orientation equips resettled refugees with a network of relationships and practical skills needed to build a successful life in America. Each week, participants gather in groups for focused time on subjects like: English as a Second Language (ESL), Citizenship, Driving, GED and Children's classes.
Passport to Literacy is a tutoring program that promotes literacy among 1st through 12th grade children of resettled refugees. Membership on DWELL’s soccer team is dependent upon regular attendance at the weekly tutoring sessions.
DWELL will continue to build relationships and support refugees as well as we can, but when you partner with us, we multiply our impact and continue to grow! Please consider supporting our work by getting involved through volunteering or supporting financially.
Warmly,
Jeri
Executive Director
Hello Neighbor Network
The Hello Neighbor Network provides growing refugee-focused nonprofits with education, a supportive peer network, and the inspiration, leadership and advocacy skills they need to achieve meaningful change.