Join us for our 3rd Annual 'Run for Refugees!'
ACC is officially registered as a charity partner for the upcoming Denver Colfax Marathon on May 16-17!
How Does it Work?
To participate, please first visit runcolfax.org and sign up for your preferred race distance (5K, 10 Miler, Half Marathon, Full Marathon, or Marathon Relay).
As you're registering, please select the African Community Center (ACC) as your charity partner.
Once you've done this, someone from our team will be in touch with more information via email, including information on how to set up your own fundraising page (optional but encouraged!). All participants who donate or fundraise at least $50 for ACC will receive a "Run for Refugees" shirt to wear during the race!
Why Run for Refugees?
These is a global refugee crisis with 1 in every 67 people forcibly displaced worldwide. Despite the continuous need, this is a time of political uncertainty and almost no new arrivals. As a result, our focus is on fostering belonging:
"We foster security and trust by building welcoming and diverse communities based on relationships of reciprocity."
Running for Refugees is a powerful act of solidarity with newcomers who are rebuilding their lives in Denver as well as all of the displaced people around the world searching for a safe place to call home.
Why raise funds for ACC?
While national priorities on refugee resettlement fluctuate, the needs of families who are already here remain. Our community members rely on us for up to five years. The most urgent need we face today is preventing a slide into crisis. Your donation is a proactive safety net, preventing homelessness and hunger so families can focus on learning English, securing stable employment, and integrating into our community.
Your contribution does more than just cover a month's rent or put a meal on the dinner table...It provides the stability a family needs to finally breathe, to heal, and to build. You are investing in the future of a person who will enrich our Colorado community!
Donation Impact Levels
$25 can provide essential hygiene items for a refugee family
$50 can provide a cleaning kit for a newcomer’s apartment
$100 can provide new sheets and pillows for a family
$150 can provide a twin bed frame & mattress for a refugee child
$250 can provide full cart of groceries including fresh fruits & vegetables
$500 can provide partial rent payment to family struggling with medical concerns
MEET A COMMUNITY MEMBER
Emmanuel, pictured above with Sarah, an ACC Caseworker, was resettled in Colorado on November 2024, along with his brother, Michael.
Emmanuel arrived with strong hope and determination to rebuild his life and eventually reunite with his mother and sister, who were unable to join him and his brother on their journey.
Soon after arriving, Emmanuel focused on finding employment and building a sense of community. Emmanuel has secured a job within a month of arrival and although the job was challenging at first, he viewed it as a good starting point for his career.
Reflecting on his journey, Emmanuel shared: “I came from where there were no opportunities, so coming here really helped. It has given me a platform to try to change my life, build myself as a person, and have a future.”
Since arriving, Emmanuel has learned how to drive and cook, joined a local soccer league and joined us at our 2nd Annual Run for Refugees at the 5k!