5 days ago
Las Vegas nonprofit working to help refugees through workforce program
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A Las Vegas nonprofit is working to help refugees through sustainability and empowerment.
Esra Altahan is originally from Iraq and has a background in agricultural engineering. She has lived in the U.S. for almost six months.
'Sometimes we work three to four days a week and it depends on the weather with our schedules,' Altahan said as she walked 8 News Now through the flowers and produce at Rose Creek Farm.
'We decided to come because this is a freedom country. So, when I decided to come with my family here in the beginning it's so hard. I'm thinking what am I doing here? What will I do? This country has given me a lot of things,' Altahan explained. 'The first thing is freedom for women, freedom for what you're thinking about and also gives me more choices.'
That second chance started when Altahan met Cindy Trussel through Lighthouse Charities and working at Rose Creek Garden has given Altahan the opportunity to show off her skills and passion.
'She supports me a lot like I'm an agricultural engineer and she brought me here on the farm and we decide to work here and I'm so happy because this is what I know and what I do and why I studied that,' Altahan added.
Trussel is the CEO of Lighthouse Charities and has helped many refugees through various programs. The nonprofit's garden serves as an on hands learning space to practice hydroponics, composting and sustainable farming.
'When we have our clients come here, their eyes light up. It's a familiar setting to their country, where they came from,' Trussel remarked. 'Almost half of the refugees that come through resettlement have agricultural backgrounds. So coming here and helping them find peace and hope here in this space has really helped them to heal from what they've gone through and help them reach their goals of self-sufficiency.'
From weeding, harvesting and planting, there's a lot to do.
'Right now, we are harvesting zucchinis, tomatoes, onions, Swiss chard, radishes, eggplants, carrots,' Trussel said. 'All of those are in season right now.'
Altahan said working at the farm is a great way to be part of our growing community.
'I believe when I came here to this country and I want to be like an American, so this country gave to me and I'm suppose to give to it,' Altahan beamed.
There will be a farmer's market at Rose Creek Farm this month off Bradley and Alexander roads on June 14 and June 28 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Proceeds will go back to the refugees and the Lighthouse Charities workforce programs.
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