LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A Las Vegas nonprofit is working to assist refugees via sustainability and empowerment.
Esra Altahan is initially from Iraq and has a background in agricultural engineering. She has lived within the U.S. for nearly six months.
“Sometimes we work three to four days a week and it depends on the weather with our schedules,” Altahan stated as she walked 8 Information Now via 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 defined. “The first thing is freedom for women, freedom for what you’re thinking about and also gives me more choices.”
That second probability began when Altahan met Cindy Trussel via Lighthouse Charities and dealing at Rose Creek Backyard has given Altahan the chance to indicate off her expertise and keenness.
“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.
Rose Creek Farm (KLAS)
Rose Creek Farm (KLAS)
Trussel is the CEO of Lighthouse Charities and has helped many refugees via numerous applications. The nonprofit’s backyard serves as an on arms studying house to observe 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 loads to do.
“Right now, we are harvesting zucchinis, tomatoes, onions, Swiss chard, radishes, eggplants, carrots,” Trussel stated. “All of those are in season right now.”
Altahan stated working on the farm is an effective way to be a part of our rising neighborhood.
“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 shall 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 return to the refugees and the Lighthouse Charities workforce applications.
