This Annual Report tells the story of the heroic year we've had at WANA. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, those that we have always served — those facing the debilitating consequences of poverty or economic hardship, including food insecurity and housing insecurity, and those seeking safety and liberation from oppression and/or bigotry — have been the communities most severely hit. These communities have not only been disproportionately affected by COVID, but also by increasingly restrictive government policies — particularly over the last several years.

This year, WANA received 501(c)3 status and began functioning under our new organizational structure. To meet the increased need, we have not only maintained our services, but expanded them. This year we had some of our highest daily rates of Food Pantry service in our over 40-year history of providing food to people in need in Harlem. We expanded our Shelter to meet the 24-hour needs of guests during the lockdown. We expanded our case management staff to help guests access resources and navigate the increased red tape and provided more referrals for additional NYC services. In addition, we continued to provide community outreach with a bagged lunch on Saturdays, and opportunities for (remote) social interaction and a meal on Friday evenings.

Still, despite the impossibility of guessing the path this pandemic will take, I would like to look forward a bit. What can the next year (and beyond) bring for WANA? I believe the keyword, again, is "Expansion."

Shortly, we will be expanding our Board of Directors to include members with complementary expertise to work with us to reach our goals. Commitment to diversity is built into our founding documents and we look forward to broadening our diverse Board even further.

We will also be expanding our advocacy role. Our mission includes working with and advocating for vulnerable individuals, but it also includes speaking out and partnering with like-minded organizations to change the systems that create these vulnerabilities. WANA representatives have been making their voices heard at Community Board meetings, throughout the media, and at rallies, both in-person and online. As our organization grows, so will WANA's voice in the community.

And, further down the road, we are looking at the possibility of providing an additional shelter space to accommodate even more of those we aim to serve, chiefly a space for women.

Like most non-profits, what we can achieve is limited by the funds we have available to us. While we have been working hard to reach out to individuals, foundations, and government programs, we are making plans to enhance our fundraising capabilities to ensure that these expansion plans become realities. We value every way our community has stepped up to support our work. Our programs would not thrive without you. And we are beyond grateful for your life-giving partnerships.

In gratitude, solidarity, and hope,

Lisa M. Slocum, Esq.

Board Chair,

We Are Not Afraid Community Resource Center (2020-2021)

New York, Jan. 18th, 2021—In an effort to expand its services and provide greater community support, New York City’s RDJ Refugee Shelter announces its status as a not-for-profit organization and expands its scope to become We Are Not Afraid (WANA) Community Resource Center Inc. RDJ Shelter is the only shelter for asylum seekers and refugees in New York. Since 2017 the RDJ Refugee Shelter has led the effort to permanently resettle 127 refugees and asylum seekers in New York City and supported 2470 asylum seekers and refugees with resources such as legal support, English-as-a-second-language referral, job readiness, and psychosocial support in collaboration with other refugee and asylum seeker service providers.

The leadership of the organization has transitioned from Edafe Okporo as the Director to an Executive team that includes Ameya Biradavolu, Mary Foulke, and Edafe Okporo.

There is a sense of gratitude and resilience that I have come too far to give up now. WANA is the future. – Edafe Okporo

WANA’s mission is to provide support, advocacy and resources to people seeking safety from oppression and/or bigotry, people facing the debilitating consequences of poverty, including food insecurity, and people facing economic hardship, including housing insecurity. At the center of WANA are the most vulnerable in our community: the poor, the suffering and dispossessed, children, the elderly, single mothers, immigrants, and people of color. We work to maintain a space for people that is a safe one, where we treat differences in gender, gender presentation, sexuality, legal status, language, race, ethnicity, and religion with respect, dignity, and joyful welcome. WANA’s two primary programs are the EW Food Programs established in 1982 and the RDJ Refugee Shelter established in 2011 by St. Mary's Episcopal Church.

"Becoming a not-for-profit enables WANA to do more for these vulnerable communities. COVID has exacerbated the situation for many people - food lines are longer; asylum seekers have increased hardships - but WANA is well poised to rise to this moment. With our not-for-profit status and executive leadership, we will make strides in supporting these communities in need and advocating on their behalf." – Brian Cabezas, Board member.

Through leadership that is community-based, helmed by those who reflect the demographics WANA serves, the organization strives to establish an empathetic, impactful, and long-lasting relationship with every individual it serves.

WANA Board Chair Lisa Slocum

A Message from the Chair of the WANA Board of Directors

RDJ Refugee Shelter, a Landmark NYC Shelter for LGBTQ Asylum Seekers, Announces Status as a Not-for-profit, Expands Scope to WANA Community Resource Center Inc.