Current Focus areas
Stabilization and Development for Unaccompanied Youth Refugees & Stabilization and Support for Refugee Families
Unaccompanied minor refugee/immigrant youth and refugee families are welcomed into the community with housing and supportive services provided including tutoring, food, mentoring, support in adjusting to community systems, transportation, activities for youth and learning U.S. systems.
Stabilization for Unaccompanied Youth and Families Exiting Homelessness or Unstable Living Conditions
The community provides housing and intensive support services for individuals and/or families whose circumstances have led to homelessness or housing instability. Services include housing, meals, case management for setting goals, financial assistance, and other basic needs.
Community Support
Members of the community gather for sharing, helping each other with resources, a sewing circle, community meetings, a spiritual group, celebrations of life milestones and gatherings on special topics of interest to the community members. Cultural celebrations are planned. Community meetings and information sessions are provided on a variety of topics.
Advocacy
Community members and staff participate in local and state-wide advocacy efforts on issues related to immigration and resettlement, food insecurity, mental health services, homelessness, racial inequities, and the environment and sustainability.
Land Sustainability and Community Garden
The community has a garden where community members come to participate in the gardening process and share meals from our bounty. In addition, on the 2.5 acres of community land we engage in sustainable practices such as tree expansion, composting, soil re-building and more – an awareness of the effects of climate change and our treatment of the earth is part of our stewardship.
Community Meals
Every Thursday and Saturday Angelica Village hosts community meals to bring together all who wish to participate, both from within the AV community and the community at large. Through the sharing of a meal, we build connection, support relationships, participate in the joy of being together, share healthy food and food from home countries.
Mental Health and Trauma Based Services
We currently encourage and refer community members for mental health services as needed. We also operate from a trauma informed model, recognizing that trauma from war, racism, extended poverty, displacement and family violence can be a barrier to meeting one’s goals. We provide trainings by specialists on trauma informed care.
future Expansion
Social Enterprise and Community Wealth Building
Angelica Village have been working since 2022 on a plan for a community store or booths at co-ops or farmer’s market as an opportunity to increase income for community members. In addition, we have a program where community members can rent a home with the eventual plan of buying the home at a lower cost than market rates. Finally, we support community members in the process of starting a business.
Families Seeking refuge from War: Ultimately, we hope to invite three to five additional families who have arrived in the United States with refugee status to live in the immediate community anywhere from eleven months to two years, depending on their particular circumstances. During this time, they will be provided comprehensive support including food, shelter, general acculturation support, a therapeutic environment, emotional support, childcare, financial support, help finding employment, educational support and assistance finding and furnishing a permanent home. Once families resettle in a new home, they will remain integrated and supported by the community for as long as they desire.
Creative Art and Music Space: We envision having a space devoted to art and music for the creative engagement of all community members.
Community Corner Store: The store would provide the basic amenities, food staples and crafts made by members of the home. It will also be a coffee and sandwich shop. Community members will be able to work in the store and proceeds will go back into the home.