Since 2014, over 12,000 unaccompanied children have immigrated to New York State. Fleeing violence in their home countries, these children make the perilous journey to the United States in search of safety. As child refugees, they face significant challenges. Without support, they are at risk of being sent back into violence or falling into poverty.
Recognizing this urgent need, Robin Hood collaborated with the New York Community Trust, political leaders, like the New York City Council, and other nonprofits to develop Terra Firma and ICARE, which provide legal, medical and mental health support for refugee children.
At Wednesday night’s Unplugged, co-hosted by the Pershing Square Foundation, award-winning journalist Sonia Nazario joined Dr. Alan Shapiro and Jojo Annobil, both of whom were instrumental in creating Terra Firma and IJC respectively, to discuss the challenges unaccompanied minors face and how to provide them with additional support.
Sonia’s book, “Enrique’s Journey”, tells the story of a Honduran boy’s journey to reunite with his mother in the United States. As Sonia told the crowd of nearly 100 Robin Hood supporters, “If a child is knocking at our door and if that child is in danger, a country like ours must always open our door and help.”
Watch the full Unplugged conversation below.
To support Robin Hood-funded organizations like Terra Firma and ICARE, donate here.