2025 Awesome Outreach Celebration
The fun begins Saturday, October 11, at 11:30 a.m. when supporters of the Arabic Outreach Center gather at Heartland Presbyterian Church for a grand celebration/fundraiser that will include a soup luncheon, inspiring stories, a celebrity trivia challenge, and music by the First Arabic Youth Choir. Attendees will also enjoy a Sudanese style-show, a live auction, and the opportunity to purchase some yummy treats to take home. The goal of the event is two-fold: 1 – to celebrate the mission of the Arabic Outreach Center; and 2 – to raise $10,000 to fund the vital services it provides.
CELEBRATING SANDY WAGENER…
As part of our program, we will honor long-time AOC volunteer Sandy Wagener for her faithful service to this organization. For more than ten years, Sandy has given her time and shared her wisdom so very generously to help refugees and immigrants in need. This event will be a fitting time to celebrate Sandy and all that she has done for the AOC!
YOUR SUPPORT IS NEEDED!
The cost for the lunch is $20 (due at the event); however, we pray that the stories, the music, and the expressed needs will move you to consider a greater gift that will sustain and further the ministry of the AOC. Please help us reach our goal… the need is great!
SIGN UP NOW!
Reserve your seat today! You can sign up individually, or you can reserve a whole table for seven and bring six friends! Click this link or call 515-777-0429 and register now!
WHY IT MATTERS…
As you may already know, the Arabic Outreach Center provides life-changing support to immigrants and refugees and their families as they assimilate into American culture. In addition to providing on-going services (translation, transportation, referrals, etc.) the AOC has expanded outreach to serve youth and families, guiding them toward a brighter future.
Raising teens can be difficult for any family, but immigrant/refugee families face additional obstacles. These teens and their parents do not share a common native language, nor do they embrace the same cultural norms. Often parents are working two jobs just to make ends meet, leaving kids unsupervised for long periods of time. Teens may find it difficult to succeed under these circumstances. New AOC programming is helping teens prepare for a successful future through mentoring and by covering some of the expenses when preparing for post-high school education or training.
In addition, families originally from Sudan must deal with the harsh realities of war, violence and famine back home. Sudan and South Sudan are currently facing the worst humanitarian crisis in the world. Most of the refugees and immigrants served by the AOC have family and friends back home who are suffering and living in fear. The AOC seeks to provide comfort and support for those here who continue to carry the terrible burden of worry and grief.
Yes, what the AOC does matters, and this celebration also matters – to the families we serve, to their parents, and to the community. And it matters to all of us at the AOC. Changing lives for the better is what we do!
