LISTENING OUT…
Since A Far Cry’s founding, we have relied on our most powerful rehearsal technique - something we call “listening out.” Criers take turns leaving the ensemble while in rehearsal to step out into the audience space to listen, gaining a critical new perspective to hear the whole more clearly.
In this spirit, we invite you to join us in bringing the listening we experienced together tonight out of the concert hall and into our communities and neighborhoods.
For “Homeland,” we are highlighting the work of organizations helping to welcome, resettle, and empower refugees - our new neighbors - right here in Boston, as well as across the USA and world-wide. This list of primarily local organizations is not intended to be exhaustive, but instead a jumping off point to learn more.
“At the heart of this music is the question of how one might define – or be forced to redefine – the meaning of ‘home.’”
Refugee & Immigrant Assistance Center (RIAC)
RIAC, formerly known as the Somali Women And Children’s Association, was founded in 1993 and has offices in Boston, Lynn, and Worcester, MA. They are a community-based, non-profit, grassroots human service agency that provides comprehensive services to refugees, asylees, and immigrants as well as the larger community. Their services include refugee resettlement, counseling, outreach and education, and other social services.
Immigrant Family Services Institute, Inc. (IFSI-USA)
IFSI’s mission is to expedite the successful integration of recent immigrants into the social and economic fabric of the United States with justice and dignity. Located in Mattapan, MA, IFSI focuses on children first, and provides targeted academic support and enrichment services, using a holistic approach that addresses the unique challenges of immigrant children as a way to maximize their full potential in school and beyond. In addition, IFSI advocates for immigrant rights.
Karam Foundation is determined to redefine what it means to be a refugee. They help Syrian youth harness their ambition and creativity, so they can define themselves not by what they’ve survived, but where they’re going. They offer community, mentorship, and innovative education to Syrian youth and families, helping them harness their power and shape their own future. The Karam Foundation team is a community of individuals and volunteers living throughout the United States, and in both Istanbul and Reyhanli, Turkey.
