Soft Landing Missoula: Bridging Cultures, Building Community in Montana
By Fabrice Iranzi, Missoula - Montana
Montana, the Big Sky Country, is known for its breathtaking landscapes, rugged mountains, and vast prairies. But beneath the stunning scenery lies a growing initiative that has been making a significant impact on the state's cultural diversity and community cohesion.
The Soft Landing Missoula initiative has been quietly reshaping Montana's social fabric, bringing together people from different corners of the world and fostering a sense of belonging and understanding.
After a delayed and then cancelled flight from Memphis Tennessee, my delegation and I, after spending a night in Denver Colorado, finally landed on Sunday evening July 30th at Missoula Airport, the weather was balmy such as the one that we can experience between Gitega and Ruyigi in summer season. Just a soft wind that all the 14 journalists from different African countries currently touring the USA with me found relaxing and welcoming. We couldn’t wait Monday morning. We were eager to visit Soft Landing Missoula, a Non profit impacting the Montana Community.
Soft Landing Missoula is a grassroots organization that was established in response to the international refugee crisis. “Our mission is to provide a safe and welcoming community for refugees seeking a fresh start in the United States.” Said Mary Poole, the Executive Director with a smile, welcoming us at their office on 939 Stephen Avenue.
Since its inception, the initiative has primarily focused on the city of Missoula, the second-largest city in Montana, and a city that has been wholeheartedly embracing the initiative's vision.
Welcoming Refugees with Open Arms
The core of the Soft Landing Missoula initiative is its commitment to welcoming refugees with open arms. Refugees escaping from war-torn regions, political instability, and dire living conditions find solace in the caring and compassionate community that Missoula offers. The initiative's volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that refugees have access to essential resources, including housing, education, employment, and healthcare.
Cultural Exchange and Understanding
Montana has long been a state with a predominantly homogenous population. Soft Landing Missoula has, however, brought about a noticeable change in this aspect. As refugees from diverse countries such as Syria, Afghanistan, DR Congo, Burundi and Somalia find a home in Missoula, the city has become a melting pot of cultures and traditions.
“Local residents have embraced this opportunity to learn about different cultures, and as a result, the city has witnessed a surge in cultural exchanges, events, and celebrations. From language exchange programs to community festivals showcasing international cuisine, the initiative has fostered a deeper understanding of the world's varied cultures, creating a richer and more inclusive community” Said one of the beneficiaries Paul Mwingwa, a Resettled Refugee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Economic Contributions
One of the concerns that skeptics initially raised was whether the Soft Landing Missoula initiative would place an economic burden on the city and the state. However, the data has shown quite the opposite. Refugees who have been resettled in Missoula have become a driving force in the local economy.
Many refugees possess valuable skills and talents that they bring with them, and this has translated into a positive impact on the job market. From doctors and engineers to skilled craftsmen and entrepreneurs, refugees have not only found gainful employment but have also started businesses that contribute to the city's economic growth.
“The other concerns was more about lack of understanding the Islamic faith of to be resettled refugees” Added Mary Poole noting that the community came to learn more and became supportive thereafter.
Social Integration and Community Building
An integral aspect of the Soft Landing Missoula initiative is its emphasis on social integration. The initiative's volunteers work closely with local community members to facilitate connections with newly arrived refugees. This process not only helps refugees adapt to their new surroundings but also bridges the gap between cultures and encourages lifelong friendships.
Studies have shown that such social integration initiatives result in higher levels of community satisfaction and harmony. As Missoula continues to build these connections, it becomes a beacon of hope for other communities around the state of Montana, showcasing the power of unity and collective efforts in shaping a prosperous and inclusive society.
Cultivating Unity Through the Flavors of “United we Eat” program
If we learned one lesson by visiting Soft Landing Missoula is that food has an uncanny ability to transcend cultural boundaries and bring people together. In the heart of Montana, the United We Eat initiative by Soft Landing Missoula has been harnessing the power of food to foster unity, understanding, and friendship among refugees and local residents.
“This heartwarming initiative has had a profound impact on the community, creating a culinary journey that showcases the rich diversity of cultures and flavors found in Missoula.” Said Casey Chapman the Kitchen Manager for United We Eat
The Origins of United We Eat
United We Eat was born out of the desire to celebrate the diverse culinary traditions that refugees bring with them when resettling in Missoula. As the Soft Landing Missoula initiative gained momentum, it became evident that food could serve as a universal language, creating connections that transcended language and cultural barriers.
Responding to our questions, Carly Graf, the Soft Landing’s outreach and communication manager explained that at the core of United We Eat is a series of community dinners, cooking workshops, and food-related events that allow refugees to share their culinary heritage with their newfound community.
Regular community dinners are organized by Soft Landing Missoula, where refugees take center stage as chefs, one of the Chefs that we met is Munaa Alkayal from Syria who arrived in the US from Egypt her children among them Rozan Shbib who serve as Kitchen Assistant at United We Eat. These dinners feature dishes from their home countries, lovingly prepared with authentic recipes and ingredients. Local residents are invited to partake in these gatherings, creating an atmosphere of inclusivity and camaraderie.
United We Eat also hosts cooking workshops where refugees and locals come together to learn about each other's culinary techniques. Participants have the chance to try their hand at preparing traditional dishes, fostering a deeper appreciation for each other's cultural heritage.
Soft Landing Missoula organizes food festivals and markets where refugees can showcase their traditional foods and cuisines to a broader audience. These events serve as platforms for cultural exchange, enabling the wider community to embrace the diversity that has become an integral part of Missoula's identity.
According to Linda Fry, one of the volunteers, United We Eat has become a gateway for locals to learn about the rich tapestry of cultures that exist worldwide. The initiative has acted as a bridge, bringing refugees and locals together in a shared experience that goes beyond food. Friendships are formed, stories are shared, and a sense of belonging is cultivated, strengthening the bonds that hold the Missoula community together.
Myself and my colleagues from 14 african countries learned also that United We Eat has provided economic opportunities for refugee chefs and food entrepreneurs. Many have started catering businesses, pop-up restaurants, or food stalls at local events, contributing to the city's culinary landscape and fostering economic growth.We understood that by showcasing the diverse talents and contributions of refugees, United We Eat challenges the stereotypes often associated with displaced populations.
It highlights the strength, resilience, and skills refugees bring to their new communities, changing the narrative around refugees in Montana.
The Soft Landing Missoula initiative has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on Montana, and particularly in the city of Missoula. By embracing the values of compassion, understanding, and inclusivity, the initiative has created a unique and vibrant community that stands as a model for the rest of the state.
As the world grapples with complex global issues, Soft Landing Missoula has demonstrated that even in the heartland of America, it is possible to build bridges of hope, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and unity.