Hernandez’s thinking has challenged me significantly as I shape Project Dignity. Should we simply help refugees find jobs, or invest in helping them build meaningful careers? Should we donate cars outright, or facilitate opportunities for refugees to purchase them independently? Transactional aid often feels simpler—and sometimes immediate relief is necessary. Yet my mission—to preserve refugees’ dignity—requires that empowerment remain foundational.

We are excited to welcome Kathy Shreiner as our new Volunteer Coordinator. Kathy brings years of experience in healthcare, education, and community engagement, along with a deep understanding of what it means to serve with wisdom and humility.

By the end of their sessions, Alma could hold simple conversations and understand instructions at work—a huge milestone in her new life. More than just her language skills improved—her confidence blossomed. She no longer hesitated to greet neighbors or ask questions. Alma often said that Brooks didn’t just teach her English—he helped her feel at home in a new country.

I learned that these factories aren’t just places of labor; they are spaces where people embody the classical kind of wonder—a drive to innovate and solve problems.  It’s “wonder in the wild”—a testament to human creativity and perseverance in the workplace.