TIF History:

The TIF idea was started by a Congolese brother (David) and sister (Genereuse) - both in their 20’s - who were able traverse the maze of regulations, barriers and qualifications that all refugees face before being allowed to come to the USA. Louisville, KY is where they landed. Though they arrived in different years, both of their journeys started from a refugee camp in Burundi, where they had lived for several years after fleeing the conflict in The Democratic Republic of Congo. (Somehow need to indicate the absolute poverty and lack of transportation, electricity, plumbing and most modern conveniences. This is to establish contrast for what they face the first instant they are in the US) Fortunately for them there is a sizeable number of Congolese Refugees here in the Greater Louisville. And, because David and Genereuse had a bit more education than the average Congolese refugee, thru hard work, diligence and perseverance within a couple years they were able to get a good start on the

American Dream. Like most all of the Congolese refugees who arrive in Louisville, the initial resettlement process mostly overseen by the likes of KRM and Catholic Charities lasts for about 3 or 4 months. During that time there is an overwhelming amount of change the refugees have to manage. Not having adequate English speaking skills multiplies the challenges significantly. Family connections help - but at the end of the initial period where there is some financial and housing support, the refugees are then on their own. I’m running out of gas - Paul - some points that enter my thought process are - and not in any order of priority:

1. Making a link that David and Genereuse have to the plight of those in and around the refugee camps - and the significance of education as the key to success here as well as in Burundi - where ever the refugees are

2. David and G having college degrees earned since their arrival - they had strong desire to help those they’ve met here as well as wanting to support educational opportunities for children in Burundi

3. From their early beginnings here they have been helping anyone they could here and were seeing the magnitude of the problem / opportunity here and wanting to be able to help

more.

4. With their education they learned of 501c3 and in 2021 registered one in KY - TIF

5. Hearts in right place, but could only help one person or family at a time with their available

time and resource.

6. Life circumstances with school and increasing and changing job requirements - and the growth of their own families and responsibilities - kept their abilities to do more limited by their personal connections and friends they could inspire to also volunteer.

7. In 2022 with the additional help of a couple folks with some bigger insight and connections (?) they were able to get a few more people to volunteer and a $400 grant from one of the local church groups.

8. The 501c3 exists with the requisite legal standing and a small bank account…but now good way to raise money even to get a website. Now there are a few more volunteers who are trying to facilitate a website and a fund-raising effort to help more refugees - especially at that critical time when the financial support from NGO’s runs out.