At Borrowed Leather Goods, we believe in using our business as a force for good and this December, we’re proud to dedicate 10% of our profits to Corvallis For Refugees (CFR). Here’s why we love what they do, and why we think they’re worthy of support.
What is Corvallis For Refugees
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Corvallis For Refugees is a community-led organization whose mission is “to bring people & resources together to empower refugees to thrive.”
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Their vision is to see refugees in Corvallis become “valued, thriving, contributing members of our community.”
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CFR is rooted in a model of community sponsorship (often via faith communities, volunteers, local partners), inspired by a predecessor program in a nearby city.
How they help
Corvallis For Refugees offers a broad array of services to newly arrived refugee families -- aimed not just at survival, but full integration and stability. Some of their core work includes:
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Reception & Placement: Helping families secure housing, enroll in English classes, find employment, and access basic necessities.
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Extended case-management: Supporting families beyond the first few months -- up to five years if needed, helping them navigate rental, utilities, employment, education, and more.
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Direct financial assistance: Providing help with rent, utilities, and other immediate needs when families arrive or during transitional periods.
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Home setup through donations: Via their donation center, CFR organizes furniture and home-goods donations so that new arrivals can move into furnished, comfortable homes. They also organize “Restart Kits,” bins of new household items for incoming refugee families.
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Cultural orientation & community building: Offering classes and support around U.S. laws, finances, language resources, mental health, and cultural orientation -- helping refugees acclimate and thrive in their new community.
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Advocacy & Awareness: CFR doesn’t just provide immediate services, they also work to raise awareness about refugee issues and to advocate for the dignity, inclusion, and rights of refugees in the larger community.
Why this matters
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Welcoming the displaced with dignity and hope. Refugees often arrive after fleeing war, persecution or violence. Helping them resettle with housing, basic needs, community support is among the most humane and important actions a community can take. CFR gives them a real chance at a safe, stable life in Corvallis.
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Building stronger, more caring communities. CFR’s model doesn’t just help refugees -- it invites the entire community (volunteers, neighbors, local organizations) to engage, build relationships, and transform together. Their philosophy emphasizes that welcoming newcomers enriches the entire community.
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Lasting impact -- not just short-term fixes. The long-term case-management, employment support, education, and community integration offered by CFR aim for lasting independence and success, rather than temporary relief.
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Practical, immediate impact. From making homes ready with furniture to helping pay rent or utilities, donations to CFR directly translate into safety, stability, and dignity for real families.
Why Borrowed Leather Goods is proud to support CFR
At Borrowed Leather Goods, we’re committed to make a meaningful difference. By directing a portion of our December profits to Corvallis For Refugees, we hope to:
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Contribute to building safe homes and new beginnings for refugee families.
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Help welcome newcomers to our community with open arms.
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Encourage others (customers, readers, neighbors) to learn about refugee needs and consider how they might help.
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Reinforce a belief that businesses can play a role in social change and kindness.
Learn more at https://www.corvallisforrefugees.org
💙Emily