Karen Organization of San Diego

Are you struggling to pay your rent because of the COVID-19 pandemic? If so, please contact KOSD staff today. You might be eligible for the San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC)'s Housing Stability Assistance Program (only for residents of the City of San Diego) SDHC is still accepting the applications. https://www.sdhc.org/.../help.../covid-19-rental-assistance/

"This is a crime against humanity." More than 500 killed, including 43 children, in the military coup in #Myanmar. A local organization is now urging San Diegans and government officials to pay attention. https://bit.ly/3fJEBtq

If you are 50 or order, you are now eligible for free COVID-19 vaccination without any eligible conditions. If you need any help with your vaccination, please contact the KOSD staff. Also, KOSD has received some serious scams warnings. These announcements about COVID-19 vaccine research (offering some cash rewards) are all scamsPlease don't respond to any of these and never share your personal information. Please spread the word to protect others in our community too. https://www.consumer.ftc.gov//ignore-bogus-covid-vaccine-s

International Rescue Committee in San Diego is offering this amazing training program for women. If you are interested in, please contact Mahsa at IRC or you can contact KOSD staff who can assist you.

[This Saturday!] Please join our Community Rally for Myanmar this Saturday, 4/10. If you join, please wear a mask and practice social distancing for everyone's safety.

Starting today, everyone 16 and older are eligible to get FREE COVID-19 vaccines in California If you have any questions about vaccination or you need help to schedule a vaccine appointment, please contact KOSD staff.

Dear KOSD friends and supporters. Please help us spread the word. On March 27th, more than 120 innocent civilians were murdered by their own county's military in Myanmar/ Burma. Some of them were very young children. Fighter planes dropped bombs on a Karen village and killed innocent villagers. How many more lives need to be taken away this way? #whatshappeninginmyanmar A nationwide Multi-Ethnic Protest is being held in Washington D.C. on April 10, 2021. In San Diego, KOSD is hosting a community rally on the same day.

KOSD appreciates everyone who organized and participated in our community rally for Myanmar (Burma) last Saturday. And, a huge thank you to our amazing MC, speakers, interpreters, and event supporting staff. We will continue standing in solidarity with the people of Myanmar/Burma and demanding justice and peace.

KOSD is so excited to partner with IRC MAKE Projects! Next week, their Family Meals will be exploring food inspired by Karen State in Myanmar (Burma). IRC MAKE Projects will donate 50% of the Family Meals proceeds next week to the KOSD. Please purchase your Family Meal today at: exploretock.com/makeprojects

See you all tomorrow morning at 11 am. Please bring your own posters and flags and show up with your beautiful ethnic clothing! And, please don't forget your masks:)

[Tomorrow!] Please join our Community Rally for Myanmar/Burma tomorrow, Saturday, 4/10. If you join, please wear a mask and practice social distancing for everyone's safety.

Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans - PANA has released the executive summary for the "PANA San Diego County Refugee Experiences Report." This work conducted surveys with 544 refugees and first-generation community members about health, employment, housing, COVID-19, education, and their sense of safety and belonging. KOSD really appreciates the opportunity to be a part of this important work to listen to the voices of our refugee community members so that we can reshape the services and programs to be more impactful. https://www.panasd.org/refugee-experiences-report

Happening tonight! The US Advocacy Coalition of Myanmar (Burma) will hold a national virtual protest tonight (6:30 PST) to show our rejection of the military coup and continuous support for the people of Myanmar. Register at: https://bit.ly/3cyv7y1

Please join tomorrow's morning vigil organized by Asian Solidarity Collective. "Only through solidarity can we grieve the multiple levels of violence that have plagued each of our communities for generation."

KOSD Online Community Meeting on COVID-19 updates and Election

Please join our Facebook Live Today, 10/23, at 1PM for both Karen and Burmese speakers! We will talk about COVID-19 updates, KOSD's response to the pandemic, and Election.

It's beautiful Saturday, but please make sure to follow the new state and county guideline for private gatherings to stop the spread of the COVID-19. Main points are: - Please don't gather with more than 3 different households. - Gathering outside is much safer than inside. ... - Please don't attend any gathering if you feel sick. - Always wear masks and have enough social distancing. - Gatherings should be 2 hours or less. https://www.cdph.ca.gov//CDPH-Guidance-for-the-Prevention-

Today is your last chance to respond to the 2020 Census! We know that almost all of you have already responded, but please share this message with your friends to make sure that everyone gets counted! #countme2020 #AAPI2020 2020census.gov

KOSD will host some election workshops soon, but we want to share this event hosted by Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans - PANA. Tomorrow, October 14, starting at 7PM.

KOSD Online Community Meeting about KOSD's reopening, COVID-19, Census 2020, and Voter Registration.

Please join our Facebook Live Today, 9/30, at 1PM for both Karen and Burmese speakers! We will talk about KOSD's reopening, COVID-19, Census 2020, and Voter Registration.

KOSD is pleased to announce that our office is partially reopened nowOur current office hours are 9 am-12 pm on Monday and Wednesday, and 1-4 pm on Tuesday. We provide in-person services by appointment only (no Walk-in). To make an appointment, please call 619-320-5087 (Karen speakers) or 619-320-5063 (Burmese speakers). Masks are required, and please stay home if you are sick. Thank you for your support!

Less than 10 DAYS to be counted in the #2020Census! 9/30 is the last day to fill in census. Please make sure EVERYONE in your household is counted, including babies, children, and elders. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCxCWA6uQWI&t=13s

Less than 10 DAYS to be counted in the #2020Census! 9/30 is the last day to fill in census. Let's make sure that EVERYONE is counted! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jc3qwDEBcTQ

KOSD's Online Community Meeting 9/18/2020 about COVID-19, Census 2020, and KOSD's Reopening Plan

Please join our Facebook Live Today, 9/18, at 1PM for both Karen and Burmese speakers! We will talk about the COVID-19, Census 2020, and KOSD's office reopening plan!

Please follow our new Instagram account so that you won’t miss our Taste of KOSD project recipes. https://www.instagram.com/karenorganizationsd Recipe # 4 is Grilled Turmeric Leaves Shrimp by Hsihsa Thaw (KOSD’s Family Engagement Program Manager).... [Story of My Recipe]: "Growing up in the wilderness, life was full of adventure. Herbs become our medicine, our food, and even our decoration. Many adults used tobacco leaves to stop bleeding on cuts. My parent made soup with both drumstick leaves and fruits. I also remember decorating my bamboo desk with turmeric flowers. Despite many challenges in receiving sufficient nutrition, we were blessed enough to go to bed without an empty stomach everyday. We felt strong and healthy by consuming a variety of herbal plant, fruits, roots, seeds, and flowers. Turmeric consist of many medical benefits. We can use and consume the whole plant which include the root,leaves, and the flowers. My parent used turmeric powder in every curry. My father always grilled fish and shrimp using the turmeric leaves. In remembering of my parent, I decided to make this dish. You can make this anytime at home and enjoy the taste and smell of the herbs!"

Today, we would like to send a huge THANK YOU to Free Throwz (https://freethrowz.org/), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide sporting equipment to youth in need in our community so that they can be a part of the wide world of sports. KOSD received basketball donations from Free Throwz in July, and we have finally distributed the balls to our youth! It is a critical time to provide opportunities for youth to play sports and do physical activities because their schools remain closed and they attend classes online everyday. Please consider supporting this wonderful organization run by a young leader, Marco, who is making a huge difference in the community. Thank you for your support! https://freethrowz.org/