Hometown is a podcast from Episcopal Migration Ministries, the refugee resettlement and welcome ministry of the Episcopal Church.

Reflection author and Interview Guest:
This week’s reflection author and interview guest is Drocella Mugorewera, Executive Director of Bridge Refugee Services, the only refugee resettlement agency in East Tennessee since 1982. Mugorewera came to the United States in 2009 as a refugee herself and was resettled by Bridge Refugee Services, an affiliate partner of Episcopal Migration Ministries. Drocella is passionate about dignity for all and socio-economic and environmental justice. She believes that with proper management of all the abundant natural resources and being open to new ideas, we can minimize the homelessness in America. Drocella previously served as a Parliamentarian and Secretary of Lands, Environment, Forestry, Water, and Mines in the Government of Rwanda. Drocella is a Board member of Tennessee Valley Homeless Coalition and the Refugee Congress, the only national advocacy organization led by refugees and for refugees. A graduate of the 2017 class at the Consortium for Social Enterprise Effectiveness -Haslam College of Business, she has been recognized by the Knoxville Mercury as one of 10 women making a difference in Knoxville TN. She completed 2018 Leadership Knoxville class. She currently serves on the Connect Knox Steering Committee. Mugorewera is also an active member of the Knoxville Association of Women Executives (KAWE). Mugorewera was honored as one of the 34th Annual YWCA Tribute to Women finalists. In November 2018, Mugorewera received the Champions for Change award from Church World Service. Drocella is one the 2019 Peacemaker award recipients from the Oak Ridge Environmental Peace Alliance. Drocella speaks five languages including English, French, Russian, Kinyarwanda and Kirundi. Drocella likes reading, traveling and visit places, networking and empowering/helping people.

We invite you to join us for an event hosted by both The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations and Episcopal Migration Ministries called Love God, Love Neighbor: Advocacy in Action. This two day gathering June 27 and 28 in Washington DC will provide both messaging and advocacy training, as well as a full day on the Hill advocating on behalf of refugees and the refugee resettlement program. Learn more at episcopalmigrationministries.org/lgln

Have a question about how to be most helpful in serving refugees, immigrants, and asylum-seekers? Interested in sharing your work or your congregation’s work? Eager to make connections with other people who are doing the same kind of work and learn from one another? Join Partners in Welcome, a free online community that offers a chance for engaging conversation, connection with people all over the country who care about these issues, and a wealth of resources and learning opportunities. We have so much to gain from sharing information and experiences with one another. Sign up today! www.episcopalmigrationministries.org/partnersinwelcome

Join in the work of welcome by making a donation to Episcopal Migration Ministries. No gift is too small, and all are put to use to welcome our newest neighbors. Visit episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text HOMETOWN to 91999.

Our theme song was composed and recorded by Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at www.abrahammwindamusic.com

Episcopal Migration Ministries: www.episcopalmigrationministries.org, www.facebook.com/emmrefugees, Twitter & Instagram, @emmrefugees