What is Iskashitaa?

Iskashitaa's supporters and recipients say Iskashitaa means, empowerment, cross cultural exchange, sustainability, connections, collaboration, education, community engagement, service, opportunities, arts, traditions, environmentally conscience, new experiences, identity, local food, diversity, and much more.

What does Iskashitaa mean to you? 

Join us for an event and find out!

 

Our Mission

Iskashitaa News

Who do we serve?

Nearly 33 million people are uprooted from their homes by persecution and armed conflict. These refugees’ loss is incalculable: they may lose their home, livelihood, safety, belonging, or family. Currently, less than one percent of these refugees are resettled to a permanent home. Upon arrival, the success of these lucky families depend on the welcome they receive from their new community.

Get Involved                               Learn More 

Event Spotlight

You are invited to a book launch-party!  

Combo Westside brings its hip shaking sound to Solar Culture at 7pm on Friday March 8th for a book launch party and fundraiser. The book is Tucson Tales – Bohemians, Bolsheviks and Border Rats by local author, Harvey Burgess. The proceeds to benefit Iskashitaa Refugee Network. Don’t miss a great night of music and literature, while at the same time supporting Tucson’s refugee community. 

Admission is Free!

Happenings

Sign up to volunteer or attend by clicking the event!
Jun25 Harvest Citrus!
Harvest Citrus in Tucson with Refugees! Arrive at office 2:15 p.m. departure! Enjoy the weather an...
Jul8 Food Preservation Workshop
Jun22 Food Preservation Workshop

Volunteer Spotlight

Volunteer of the month
We are honored to announce Ty Trainer as Iskashitaa's Volunteer of the Month!

Ty is nothing short of a volunteer superstar. He is always willing to help whenever
and wherever he can-regularly attending harvests, food preservation workshops, events
and more. Last month, to preserve fruit affected by the freeze, Ty spent over two
days juicing lemons at the Iskashitaa office. His incredible hard work and marvelous
upbeat energy never fail to bring a smile to everyone he meets. Thank you, Ty!

Intern of the Month
Max Efrein, a Broadcast Journalism and History Major from the University of Arizona, began his internship with Iskashitaa Refugee Network on August 2012. He is working with Iskashitaa staff, Girls Making Media, volunteers and refugees to develop a cookbook that highlights refugee recipes and cultural traditions. Max has used his journalistic skills to proactively collected recipes while creating relationships with refugees, so much so that he has been invited to refugees' homes to share delicious meals that will be featured in Iskashitaa's cookbook. Max is always ready to lend a helping hand and has been a great asset to Iskashitaa.

Thank you Max for all your hard work!
Volunteer of the Month
Kylin Jewell started out as an Americorps member working with the Iskashitaa Refugee Network in the sewing and crafts program and is now a volunteer for the sewing class we provide at the Oasis Apartments!

She is a very thoughtful and reliable person and always gives her best to help refugees learn how to use a sewing machine so they can makeclothing or other items.

Read more about Kylin on our Blog!


Duke Interns

Cheska and Danielle have joined Iskashitaa from Duke University this summer. This dynamic duo have been attending events around the Tucson Community raising awareness on Iskashitaa programming and building relationships with refugees. Cheska and Danielle have been using their skills to build readership on our blog, Facebook and newsletter. 

Learn how you can become an Intern by contacting our Volunteer Coordinator.


Perserving Memories

Sue Troutman's dynamic personality and willingness to help in a pinch make her an ideal volunteer for Iskashitaa. She is the driver when you need it and the photographer responsible for all of our swim program pictures. You may find Sue Troutman editing photos, peering through a lens, driving refugees to a program, harvesting, or chatting with a refugee friend. Iskashitaa has been proud to have Sue as a part of our programs for many years as our photographer and dedicated volunteer. Thank you Sue!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Preserving the Memories!
Sue Troutman's dynamic personality and hard work ethic make her a pleasure to be around and a true asset to the Iskashitaa team. She can be found harvesting with the HCET interns, pool side with the new swimming classes, or helping staff out in a pinch.  She is also the woman behind the lens of the beautiful swimming pictures and many of our website's photographs.  Thank you Sue for preserving our memories!