Summer update from our executive director
On a sunny August morning in 2017, Rehema and her mom posed for a first day photo at one of my most favorite schools in all of the land—Children’s Village at Hoover in Davenport.
This gem of a preschool is where my own two kids attended, and I shed quite a few tears that morning when mom Noela and I waved goodbye to three-year-old Rehema. Less than a year after she left behind her life in a refugee camp, Rehema wore a cute yellow dress and a pink backpack when she walked into Miss Lisa’s classroom that first day. That was nine years ago, just two months after we filed the paperwork to form Tapestry Farms. It feels like yesterday that we took this photo outside of the school:
Noela and Rahema in 2017.
This coming school year, Tapestry Farms will be assisting about a half-dozen refugee kids with getting to and from preschool each day. We could not be more excited about this possibility, as we see, over and over again, kids who have had access to preschool thrive as they grow older.
In a little bit, I will ask you to give a donation towards the purchase of a minivan, car seats, and staff time to make this magic happen. But first, an update on how things are going in our world.
The gardens are growing really well. We are harvesting cabbage, zucchini, garlic, and other delicious things already—some up for sale to financially support our work, some going to families and food pantries. Our hydroponics container is humming along, and the greens and root vegetables that emerge from the grow walls are gorgeous. If you stop by the farmers’ markets in downtown Rock Island and downtown Davenport on Saturday mornings, you might see us there. Watch for our monthly schedule on our social media and website.
Our social enterprise is expanding, with our monthly fresh produce subscriptions, floral subscription, and bakery items (baklava and Dubai chocolate). We will add a couple of fun things this fall from our new orchard, and will be ready for the holidays with all of the sweets and flowers you could ever need.
Hortense with flower arrangements made for the farmers’ market. Dave and Fidele at a garden in north Davenport.
We hope you will consider coming to the movies with us on the evening of Thursday, July 30. A gift from a local organization is giving us the opportunity to welcome 250 cars worth of people to the Voy Drive-In Movie Theater just north of DeWitt on Highway 61. Come and enjoy an evening out with time to play and a movie at dusk.
Tapestry Farms families are settling into their new communities. All have at least a year and a half in the U.S. now, and we love cheering them on as they begin to spread their wings. Our English classes are going strong with a field trip to the Figge Art Museum this month. A hearty crew of volunteers is ensuring kids are engaged in summer activities.
The three girls pictured are enjoying summer enrichment this summer. Mazaher (right) shows her artwork created during English class.
On June 21, Tapestry Farms turned nine years old. What started with one refugee family, a few rows of potatoes planted, and a handful of volunteers is now an organization that we hope brings joy, nourishment, connection, knowledge, and care to all that we encounter.
With this anniversary, we ask that you will consider a gift of $90 to celebrate. The funding will be focused on the preschool access initiative I mentioned earlier in this letter, along with support for all we serve. We are so thankful for the circle of care that surrounds this work in countless ways—including financial gifts that keep our operations running.
A few weeks ago, I picked up Noela and Rehema from their house and we headed over to Children’s Village Hoover. The same sign that greeted Rehema when she was a three-year-old preschooler still stands today. Mom and daughter stood in front of it, just as they did in August 2017. Rehema, taller than her mom now, said she is having a good summer, and is looking forward to seventh grade starting in the fall.
“She’s so smart!” her mom says with a big smile. “Preschool is good.”
Yes, indeed, Noela. Preschool is good.
Noela and Rehema in 2026. Rahema will enter junior high school this fall.
Thank you for coming along on this journey of welcome with us. I appreciate it more than you know.
Ann McGlynn
Executive director, Tapestry Farms
