In Sanskrit, Sumitra means “having good friends” and this is precisely the aim of this new effort whose goal is two-fold: 1) fostering simple and direct friendships between established residents and newly arrived refugee families and 2) providing logistical training, sharing of best practices, and emotional support among the friends themselves. Potential friends are invited and welcomed from diverse backgrounds and may think of themselves as humanists and/or members of established spiritual/religious traditions.

Sumitra San Diego is an experiment in creating a “global village” in our midst. Its goal is not to extend or duplicate the practical skills and training provided by refugee agency case workers, but rather to extend genuine friendship and connection to newly arrived families living nearby. If you live within easy driving or bicycling distance of City Heights and have a few hours per week to share your life, you may just find that your life will be transformed as well.

Come and join us on on April 5th at 6:30 PM to learn how you can join in!  We'll have dessert and refreshments to share.  And don't forget to bring a friend!