Refugee Entrepreneurship in San Diego - ethniccommunities.org

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BUSINESS
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DIRECTORY
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Refugee Entrepreneurship in San Diego

Copyright November, 2009
Designed by Kim Vu
International Rescue Committee (IRC) San Diego
5348 University Avenue, Suite 205
San Diego, CA 92105
Phone: (619) 641-7510
Fax: (619) 641-7520
Web: www.theIRC.org/SanDiego

The following directory is a list of some of the refugee
owned businesses that IRC San Diego has assisted
through its Microenterprise Program. We encourage you
to support these businesses.
Sincerely,
International Rescue Committee (IRC)
San Diego
The IRC responds to the world’s worst crises.
For over 75 years, when people have been
forced to flee war, persecution or natural
disaster, we have led them to safety and selfreliance.
At work in over 40 countries and 22
US cities, the IRC offers lifesaving care and
helps devastated survivors rebuild their lives.
Look for these boxes throughout the directory for more information on
IRC and refugees.

Contents
Restaurants and Catering
African Spice
Amina’s Catering
Giant Pizza King
Retail and Shopping
Al Baqrah Market
Bantu Beads Cooperative
BBB Plaza
Besa’s Market
Dessu Art
Fana’s Alterations
Iftin Entertainment
Issir’s Scarves
Kaafi Fashion Center
Kee Yawng Beadwork
Health and Beauty
East Africa Beauty Salon
Euro Style Beauty Salon
Marima Dawud
M&L Salon
Automotive and Transportation
Center Stage Auto
Diamond Auto Transportation
M&M Towing
Muridi Transport
San Diego Discount Auto
.....................................................4-5
Peppoli’s Pizza
Red African Cuisine
Safari Grill
....................................................................6-12
Lengi’s Boutique
Mae La Traditions
NBS Coffee and Gift Shop
Qambi International Import and Export
Sahro’s Jewelry and Clothing
Salah Jameel
Somali Arts and Crafts
Star Fashion
The Seventh Wish
Sylvia’s Sewing School
Tropical Heritage
......................................................................13-15
The Flying Barber
San Diego Body Cleanse
Younan Family Dentistry
.............................16-19
All Nations Cabs
American Limousine Services
Agape Cab
B6AM
Soledad Transportation

Childcare
..........................................................................................................20
Dahabo’s Childcare
Lia’s Childcare
Haija’s Childcare
Siritia Childcare
Khadra Childcare
Education
.........................................................................................................21
Ginny’s Piano Lessons Roula Aoneh Teaching
I-5 Driving School
Cleaning
American Cleaning Experts
Clean Team
Home Improvement
All Around Handyman
Finance and Insurance
MBA Financial
Printing, Film and Design
Artistic Printing
Sam Productions
......................................................................................................22-23
Safia Cleaning Services
San Diego Clean and Repair
.........................................................................24
King of Carpentry
...............................................................25
Bankers Life and Casualty
Alena’s Studio
.....................................................26
Miscellaneous .........................................................................................27
Dal Mar Express
Delfe Meeting and Event Management
They Poured Fire On Us From the Sky

Restaurants and Catering
African Spice
African Spice was opened in 2006 by a group of
Somali women and offers a variety of East African
and Mediterranean dishes. The restaurant is located
inside the Safari Market and is open daily from 11am
to 9pm.
(619) 549-9096
4348 54th Street San Diego 92105
Amina’s Catering
With a booth every Saturday at the City Heights
Farmers’ Market, Amina’s Catering has become a
local destination for East African spiced foods and
sambussa. If you are interested in having your next
event catered, Amina’s can provide a wide variety of
menu options for any budget or palate.
Amina Essa (619) 559-9950
www.cityheightsfarmersmarket.com
Giant Pizza King
Serving San Diego since 1984, Giant Pizza King is open 7 days a week and
provides local delivery services. The menu contains a wide variety of pizza,
pasta, salads, combo plates and more. Visit www.kgpizza.com to place
orders online.
Steve Alyadako (619) 282-2221
3638 El Cajon Boulevard San Diego 92311
www.kgppizza.com
4

Peppoli’s Pizza
Peppoli’s Pizza is a family-style restaurant
specializing in a wide variety of pizza, pasta,
and salads. Peppoli’s also offers home
delivery and catering services.
(619) 264-3333
4115 Home Ave San Diego 92105
Red African Cuisine
Red African Cuisine is a professional catering company
specializing in Sambussas - an East African stuffed
pastry offered in 6 varieties. Red African Cuisine is
also available at many San Diego farmers markets. To
view a menu or to find out where Red African Cuisine
is currently available, please visit www.sambussas.com.
Mohamed Ali (619) 549-9096
www.sambussas.com
Safari Grill
The Safari Grill is a Somali restaurant
located in the heart of City Heights. The
restaurant is open daily from 11am to
9pm.
Abdulkadir Osman (619) 548-3252
4990 University Avenue San Diego 92105
5

Restaurants Retail and Shopping and Catering
Al Baqrah Market
Opened in early 2008, Al Baqrah Market offers
halal meat, groceries, and traditional East African
spices. The market is located on University
Avenue in City Heights, and accepts Food
Stamps and WIC Vouchers. The market is open
daily from 9am to 6pm.
Ali Abdalla
6159 University Avenue San Diego 92115
BBB Plaza
Bantu Beads Cooperative
Mouna Isaac (619) 641-7510 ext 255
www.bantubeads.com
BBB Plaza is a retail location that sells shoes for the entire family. BBB offers
a variety of styles at low prices, and is a local destination for residents of South
San Diego.
Wameed Tepo (619) 690-3808
644 E San Ysidro Blvd San Ysidro 92173
6
The Bantu people of East Africa have a rich cultural
tradition of passing on knowledge and customs through
intricately woven and embroidered fabrics and beaded
bracelets and belts. The Somali Bantu Women’s
Cooperative brings these cultural goods to San Diego.
All pieces are unique and handmade. Visit
www.bantubeads.com for more information.

Besa’s Market
Besa’s Market is a small convenience store located inside the San Diego
Marketplace. The store offers snacks, beverages, and various household items
to Marketplace shoppers. The market is open daily from 10am to 6pm.
Jean Samba
1755 Euclid Avenue Suite A-40 San Diego 92105
Dessu Art
Gebrelu Dessu is an artist from Ethiopia.
Gebrelu paints in water colors, oils and
acrylics on a variety of materials including
wood, canvas sculptures, dried animal skin
and paper mache. Call Gebrelu to arrange
a showing of his latest work or to ask about
prints.
Gebrelu Dessu (619) 624-0431
www.gebrelu.com
Fana’s Alterations
Fana’s Alterations offers specialist tailoring and alteration services, including
custom dresses, curtains or tablecloths. Fana’s Alterations draws from years of
experience in both San Diego and Ethiopia.
Fana Semere (619) 624-0431
7

Restaurants Retail and Shopping and Catering
Iftin Entertainment
Iftin Entertainment is located in the Safari Market and carries a wide variety of
East African movies and music.
Ahmed Farah (619) 415-7100
Safari Market, 4348 54th Street San Diego 92105
Issir’s Scarves
Issir’s Scarves offers a wide range of products from light
and casual to warm, luxurious Pashmina scarves.
Issir Guled (619) 641-7510 ext. 262
Kaafi Fashion Center
Kaafi Fashion Center is a Somali clothing store located in the Safari Market
offering a variety of clothing options ranging from special occasions to daily
use.
Salado Abdulle (619) 269-6405
Safari Market, 4348 54th Street San Diego 92105
In 2008, IRC gave over 1.8 million people access
to clean water and sanitation, reached some 7
million people through its health education and HIV/
AIDS prevention programs, and served 11.6 million
individuals with primary and reproductive health care.
8

Lengi’s Boutique
Lengi’s Boutique is a family owned shop in San Diego
carrying African clothing, crafts and jewelry. Products
also include many different types of African lotions,
perfumes, movies, music and home décor. The owner,
Agnes, also provides professional hair braiding services
at the boutique. Call today to schedule an appointment
or visit her website to view a portfolio or her work.
Agnes Hassan (619) 280-3100
4111 El Cajon Boulevard San Diego 92105
www.lenghisboutique.jimdo.com
Mae La Traditions
Mae La Traditions sells authentic Burmese
handbags and clothing. The owner, Ma, provides
a genuine array of her culture’s finest goods -
importing her products from the Mae La Refugee
Camp, located along the Thai-Burma border.
Ma Nyo (619) 641-7510 ext.255
NBS Coffee and Gift Shop
NBS Coffee and Gift Shop is located at the Sheraton Suites in downtown San
Diego. The shop offers a wide variety of gifts and commonly needed items for
guests of the Sheraton and of Symphony Hall. The store has been open for 5
years and is located on the 12th floor.
Nadia Azhaer (619) 544-0043
9th Floor, 701 A Sreet San Diego 92101
9

Restaurants Retail and Shopping and Catering
Qambi International Import and Export
Qambi International is located in the Safari Market and offers a wide selection
of East African clothing and home décor.
Sahra Qambi (619) 278-1790
Safari Market, 4348 54th Street San Diego 92115
In the Unites States, IRC helps
to resettle more than 9,000 newly
arrived refugees on an annual
basis.
Sahro’s Jewelry and Clothing
Sahro offers clients a wide selection of African
and Middle Eastern jewelry. Call to arrange a
viewing of her latest products.
Sahro Jama (619) 358-0163
Salah Jameel
Salah Jameel is an artist from Iraq who
specializes in pastel and oil paintings, with
styles ranging from abstract to still life. Salah
was featured as an artist in the UN “Artists in
Exile” book in 2007.
Salah Jameel (619) 938-2291
10

Somali Arts and Crafts
Somali Arts and Crafts offers authentic, handmade
crafts imported from artisans in Somalia. Call today for
information on viewing and purchasing traditional Somali
items.
Safia Ali (619) 607-2072
Star Fashion
Founded by Fowsia in 2008, Star Fashion offers a
variety of East African and Middle Eastern clothing
and jewelry. The boutique is located in City Heights
and is open daily from 10am to 7pm.
Fowsia Osman (619) 384-0447
5450 University Avenue San Diego 92105
The 7th Wish
The 7th Wish offers hand crafted clothing, head scarves, hand bags and
jewelry, designed by Sarah Sami - a professional designer from Iraq. Call today
to arrange a viewing of her products.
Sarah Sami (619) 243-9303
11

Restaurants Retail and Shopping and Catering
Tropical Heritage
Tropical Heritage sells arts and crafts from
Liberia and Kenya. Mary Page, the owner,
founded the company in 2003 and uses the
business as a vehicle to raise money and
awareness for youth groups. Products are
available for purchase at various San Diego
Farmers’ Markets and at Where the World
Meets, a cultural gifts store located at 336
Euclid Avenue in San Diego.
Mary Page (858) 568-2151
www.AfricanTropicalHeritage.com
Sylvia’s Sewing School
Sylvia’s Sewing School offers professional stitching
on custom-made attire and instruction in sewing
techniques for all sewing experience levels. After
gaining 20 years of experience stitching for her family
and friends, Sylvie launched this Sewing School in
2006 to share her talent with others. Call today to
schedule a full consultation or to enroll in her class.
Astrid Mokili (858) 391-9059
In San Diego, IRC has helped more than
21,000 refugees since 1975 settle into their
homes, schools and communities and move
toward economic independence.
12

Health and Beauty
East Africa Beauty Salon
East Africa Beauty Salon is located in the Safari Market
on 54th Street in City Heights. Open daily from 10am
to 7pm, the Salon offers women wearing hijab a place
to get their hair cut, colored and styled. Henna tattooing
is another specialty of the salon. Call to make an
appointment.
Shukri Abdullahi (619) 792-2686
Safari Market, 4348 54th Street San Diego 92105
Euro Style Beauty Salon
At Euro Style Beauty Salon, highly trained staff offers a full range of hair care
services, and carries a broad range of hair and skin care products from popular, well
known brands. Located in the heart of Scripps Ranch, the salon is open Monday
through Friday 9:30am to 7pm and Saturday 9:30am – 5pm.
Irina Bogomolny (858) 693-0509
10299 Scripps Trail San Diego 92117
Marima Dawud
Marima Dawud is a professional hairstylist, offering hair-cuts, coloring, perming,
relaxing and styling services. Find Marima at Dani’s Beauty Salon - call today to
schedule an appointment.
Marima Dawud (619) 518-5650
3639 El Cajon Boulevard San Diego 92104
15
13

Restaurants Health and Health Beauty and Catering
and Beauty
M&L Salon
M&L Salon is a hair salon located in downtown San Diego. A professional hairbraider
and licensed cosmotologist, Monica, owner and operator, works with
clients to achieve their desired looks. M&L Salon also has a wide selection of
beauty products at competitive prices.
Monica Carr (619) 347-8449
825 Broadway Ave San Diego 92101
San Diego’s refugees hail
from many countries, including
Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq,
Sudan, Ethiopia, and Vietnam.
The Flying Barber
The Flying Barber offers quality personal grooming services performed in your
own home. Services Include: hair cut, hair trim, beard and mustache trim.
Serving the Greater San Diego Area. Call for special discounts for senior
citizens, persons with disabilities and residents of nursing homes.
Amir Ishou (619) 442-6770
14

San Diego Body Cleanse
San Diego Body Cleanse offers safe, gentle and effective body cleansing and
detoxification solutions. Call today to learn more about services offered.
Irina Popov (619) 218-8772
3737 Moraga Avenue Suite A2 San Diego 92117
www.sandiegobodycleanse.com
What is a microenterprise?
A microenterprise is a small
business, with five or fewer
employees and total business
capitalization of $35,000 or less.
Younan Family Dentistry
Dr. Selma Younan is a licensed dental health care professional with extensive
experience in dentistry. Younan Family Dentistry is located in El Cajon and
provides professional dental services for children and adults.
Dr. Selma Younan (619) 440-0866
312 Highland Avenue Suite 102 El Cajon 92020
15 171

Restaurants and Catering
Automotive and Transportation
Center Stage Auto
Center Stage Auto provides vehicle repair and maintenance services, including
complete diagnostics, oil chages, brakes, transmission, shocks, and air
conditioning. Services are available for nearly all makes and models.
Said Ram (760) 480-1900
1339 Simpson Way Escondido 92029
Diamond Auto Transport
Diamond Auto Transport offers vehicle
transportation to any of the 48 continental states.
A professional team of drivers with years of
experience and competitive pricing has helped
Diamond Auto Transport stand out in their
industry. Call for a free quote.
Albert Yakubovich (619) 507-3670
Refugee Microenterprise
Many refugees were business
owners in their home country,
and prevail over cultural,
linguistic, and economic barriers
in the United States to become
business owners again.
16

Muridi Transport
M&M Towing
Fully licensed and insured, M&M Towing
is a family owned and operated tow truck
service. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,
M&M Towing serves all of San Diego and
East County. Services range from lockout
assistance and fuel delivery to tire change
and repair. Visit the website for more
information.
Sabir Ali (619) 288-9191
www.MandMTowingSD.com
Muridi Transport provides long-haul trucking services throughout the
continental U.S.
Omar Muridi (619) 602-0986
San Diego Discount Auto
San Diego Discount Auto is a wholesale-only, home-based, used vehicle
dealer. With more than 8 years of experience in vehicle sales, Adam Sami
launched San Diego Discount Auto in early 2009. Call today if you are in the
market for a used vehicle.
Adam Sami (619) 274-9889
IRC ‘s Microenterprise Program supports
refugee entrepreneurs in every step
of starting and expanding a business,
including: planning and research, license
and permit applications, bookkeeping, and
marketing and advertising.
17

Restaurants and Catering
Automotive and Transportation
All Nations Cab
All Nations Cabs provides taxicab services
throughout San Diego. To combat negative
ecological affects, All Nation’s fleet includes
cabs running on low-emissions, natural gas. Visit
the website for more information or to schedule
your next pick-up: www.taxisandiego.com
Shakur Elmi (619) 229-2111
www.taxisandiego.com
Agape Cab
Family owned and operated for more than 5
years, Agape Cab is a taxicab operator. Service
is available throughout all of San Diego, including
airport drop-off and pick-up. Call today to schedule
your ride.
Fassila Tsegaye (619) 957-4443
18
American Limousine Services
American Limousine Services specializes in
airport and hotel transfers. Launched in 2007,
American Limo’s fleet includes late-model
limousines and sedans. The business serves
all of San Diego, including North County
destinations. For a free quote call or visit
www.AmericanLimoSD.com.
Kazem Dosti (619) 277-2477
www.AmericanLimoSd.com

B6AM
B6AM Transportation offers executive
transportation services throughout all
of San Diego county. For a ride to
or from the airport, or a wine tour of
Temecula, B6AM offers professional
transportation services at an affordable
price. To receive a quote, visit
www.b6amtransportation.com.
Mohamed Becissa (619) 632-2329
www.B6AMTransportation.com
Soledad Transportation
Soledad Transportation provides limousine
and sedan services for airport pickup, hotel
transfers, executive transportation, proms,
weddings and other special events in San
Diego County. Call today for a free quote.
Mohamed Titaou (619) 743-6009
www.soledadtransportation.com
IRC’s Microenterprise Program offers start-up
grants and business loans of up to $15,000. Since
2000, the program has facilitated access to nearly
$1 million in capital to San Diego’s refugee
entrepreneurs, while maintaining a 96% repayment
rate on its loan portfolio.
19

Restaurants Childcare and Catering
Dahabo’s Childcare
Located in a diverse and culturally rich neighborhood, Dahabo Childcare is
open from 6am to 6pm, Monday through Friday.
Dahabo Ali (619) 274-1163
5173 University Ave San Diego 92105
Haija’s Childcare
Hajia Kangame has been operating her licensed childcare for over 2 years in
City Heights. Services are available Monday – Friday from 6am to 6pm.
Khadra Childcare
Khadra Childcare is located in the City Heights neighborhood
and offers services Monday – Friday from 6am to 6pm.
Khadra Anshour (619) 788-3284
5110 Wightman Street San Diego 92105
Haija Kangame (619) 255-6014
3853 50th Street San Diego 92105
Lia’s Childcare
Lia’s has over 5 years of experience as a childcare provider and offers a
multicultural, multilingual environment for children to learn while having fun.
Services are available for children 10 years and younger, Monday – Friday from
6am to 6pm.
Sirita Childcare
Sirita Child Care is open Monday through Friday and is
located in City Heights.
Sirita Kumbi (619) 808-8679
4067 Estrella Ave San Diego 92105
20
Lia Woldu (619) 255-9290
4020 69th Street San Diego 92115

Education
Ginny’s Piano Lessons
Formally trained in Europe, Yevgenia is a versatile and experienced pianist.
With more than 25 years of experience, she is able to teach both basic and
advanced techniques to children, adults and seniors. Yevgenia can meet you at
your home or welcome you at her studio.
Yevgenia Nisman (619) 988-1259
I-5 Driving School provides online and
classroom lessons for teen and adult learners,
as well as competitively priced behind-thewheel
driving instruction. I-5 Driving School
serves all of San Diego County, including
North County and South San Diego residents.
Visit www.i-5drivingschool.com for more
details.
Abdoul Diallo (760) 690-3702
135 W Mission Ave Escondido 92025
www.i-5drivingschool.com
Roula Aoneh Teaching
Roula Aoneh Teaching provides Arabic language training to students of all ages
and experience. Choose between classroom learning or one-on-one private
tutoring sessions. Call today to enroll.
Roula Aoneh (858) 689-4089
I-5 Driving School
21

Restaurants and Catering
Cleaning
American Cleaning Experts
American Cleaning Experts (ACE) is a
commercial and residential cleaning business
launched in 2006 by Osman Osman. ACE
specializes in residential light cleanings, fullservice
deep cleanings, carpet shampooing,
apartment complex cleaning, and commercial
cleaning. Visit www.sandiegocleaningace.com
for more information.
Osman Osman (619) 665-6879
www.SanDiegoCleaningACE.com
Clean Team
CleanTeam provides commercial and janitorial services throughout San
Diego and Riverside counties. From small businesses and offices to
supermarkets, restaurants and warehouses, CleanTeam will put together
a customized cleaning and maintenance package for any needs. Call for
a free quote.
Sheko Omer (619) 922-2215
www.cleanteamservices.com
22
IRC’s Microenterprise Program has helped to start
more than 150 refugee owned businesses in San
Diego. As these businesses mature, the program
continues to provide ongoing technical assistance
and access to capital to support their expansion and
strengthening.

Safia Cleaning Services
Safia Cleaning Service offers one-time and weekly or bi-weekly
residential cleaning services to all of San Diego County. Safia
launched this business in 2006 and is available every weekend for
cleaning services. Call today for a free quote.
Safia Ali (619) 607-2072
San Diego Clean and Repair
San Diego Clean and Repair offers residential
cleaning and handyman services. Launched in 2007,
the business uses only environmentally friendly
cleaning products.
Rahat Kamilova (619) 549-8008
In 2008, IRC San Diego collaborated with
other organizations in San Diego to launch the
City Heights Farmers’ Market, the first market
in San Diego to accept food stamps. The market
is open every Saturday from 9am to 1pm.
23

Restaurants and Catering
Home Improvement
All Around Handyman
All Around Handyman offers light construction and repair services for small,
residential and commercial projects. The business opened in 2006 and
specializes in wood damage repair, doors, windows, flooring, light plumbing
and electrical work. Call today for a free quote.
Mohamed Khodaey-Saklooh (619) 760-6648
King of Carpentry
King of Carpentry offers woodwork and carpentry service for any home
improvement or decoration project. With close to 20 years of experience
in several capacities - including artistic projects - King of Carpentry offers
affordable rates and professional service.
Hamid Raza Aziz-Mohammadi (619) 270-6888
24

Finance and Insurance
MBA Financial
MBA Financial provides accounting, tax, and payroll services to small
and medium sized businesses in San Diego. With more than 10 years of
experience, MBA Financial takes care of all accounting and tax needs allowing
small business owners to focus on running their business. Tax and home loan
modification services are available for individuals as well.
Elham “Ellie” Tajbakhsh (858) 638-9888
8380 Miramar Mall Suite 222 San Diego CA 92121
Bankers Life and Casualty
Speak to Nima Hilmi, a state-licensed insurance agent, to learn about health
and life insurance options. Nima offers seniors a broad portfolio of competitive
insurance products as an agent of Bankers Life and Casualty Insurance.
Nima Hilmi (818) 436-9955
nima.hilmi@bankerslife.com
In 2009, IRC San Diego broke ground on
a 2.3 acre urban farm in the heart of City
Heights. The New Roots Community
Farm has more than 80 plots available for
refugees and members of the City Heights
community to grow their own food.
25

Restaurants Printing, Film and and Catering Design
Artistic Printing
Artistic Printing is a family owned business specializing in offset, digital, and
wide format printing, vinyl signage, website development, and graphic design.
Call today to find out how Artistic Printing can assist with all your printing and
website needs.
Vic Jubber (760) 758-1070
www.Vic4Print.com
Alena’s Studio
Alena Stralkova (760) 436-2081
stralkova@yahoo.com www.alestudio.us
Sam Productions
Nasser Gortani is a professional film and
videographer with more than 20 years of film
experience in Iran. Nasser launched San Diegobased
Sam Productions in 2007 and offers
videographer services (filming and editing)
for any special occasion, including weddings
and birthdays. In addition, Nasser writes and
produces short independent films for television
and film festivals.
Nasser Mostajeran-Gortani (619) 278-1780
Alena’s Studio offers variety of small business marketing solutions. Services
include website development, new product packaging, graphic design, and
internet marketing. Alena launched this business in San Diego in 2008 after
gaining 10 years of professional marketing experience across the globe. Get
your project catered to meet your needs. For more information and to view a
portfolio of past projects, visit www.AleStudio.us.
26

Miscellaneous
Dal Mar Express
DELFE Event & Meeting Management
DELFE Event and Meeting Management specializes in assisting corporations
and non-profit organizations plan their next ‘green’ meeting. Services provided
include meeting site selection and contract negotiation with hotels and
venues worldwide. Emphasis is placed on how to create and implement a
cost effective but environmentally sustainable meeting. Call today for more
information.
Feben Yohannes (415) 846-3957
Licensed USPS and DHL agent offering a full range
of domestic and international postal services. In
addition, the business offers key cutting, passport
photos, notary services and DMV registration
processing.
Shukri Adam (619) 757-0441
4981 University Ave San Diego 92105
They Poured Fire on Us
From the Sky, a Memoir
This is the true story of Sudan in the early 1990’s as
seen through the eyes of three boys - Alephonsion
Deng, Benson Deng and Benjamin Ajak - all of whom
currently reside in California. The authors are available
for speaking engagements.
Judy Bernstein (619) 977-5650
www.theypouredfire.com
judyaberstein@aol.com
27

Thank you for
your support
In addition to patronizing these
businesses, please consider
other ways to support refugees
and IRC:
• Donate to IRC
• Volunteer at IRC
• Shop at the City Heights Farmers’
Market
We are very grateful to our sponsors:
• Office of Refugee Resettlement
• City of San Diego
• Women’s Empowerment
• County of San Diego
• AT&T Foundation

Each year, thousands of refugees are invited to live in the US
by our government. Forced to flee conflict and persecution,
often at a moment’s notice, many have survived against
incredible odds for years in camps or temporary settlements.
They step off the plane into an unfamiliar country and an
unknown future, having traveled thousands of miles with next
to nothing but their dignity and determination. In 22 offices
across the country, the IRC helps refugees build new lives
as productive members of our communities. The IRC office
in San Diego was established in 1975 and offers a variety of
programs including Microenterprise, Financial Education and
Career Development.
5348 University Avenue, Suite 205
San Diego, CA 92105
Phone: (619) 641-7510
Fax: (619) 641-7520
www.theIRC.org/SanDiego