Out of Many, One
By Marko Mijic, Board Member
March 2025
When my family arrived in the United States as refugees, I was just 11 years old. We had fled a war-torn country, leaving everything behind to seek safety and a fresh start. But starting over was anything but easy. We didn’t know the language. We didn’t understand the systems. My parents faced the daily fear of how to put food on the table and keep a roof over our heads. It was the kindness of strangers and the support of organizations like Opening Doors that made all the difference.
Today, I have the privilege of serving on the Board of Directors of Opening Doors, where I see firsthand the unwavering commitment of our team to helping refugees, immigrants, and survivors of trafficking rebuild their lives. For more than 30 years, Opening Doors has been a lifeline— helping families secure safe housing, find jobs, access legal services, and navigate healthcare. We believe that when people fleeing danger arrive in our community, they deserve more than just safety— they deserve the chance to thrive.
The last few weeks have brought more uncertainty than many of us anticipated, and it’s not slowing down. While it has been a challenge for organizations like Opening Doors to navigate these chaotic waters, the uncertainty and anxiety that we feel is nothing compared to those that we serve.
Right now, thousands of refugees and immigrants in Sacramento are facing the same struggles my family once did. They’ve escaped war, persecution, and unimaginable hardship— only to find themselves on the brink of losing everything again. Federal funding for critical services is disappearing, leaving families without the support they need to build a new life.
This is where you come in.
Our country’s motto, E Pluribus Unum— Out of Many, One— is more than just words. It’s a promise we must uphold. When we come together as a community, we ensure that every family— no matter where they come from— has the chance to contribute, to belong, and to succeed. And when these families thrive, we all benefit— our communities grow stronger, our economy becomes more vibrant, and our collective future becomes brighter.
But without action, that promise remains unfulfilled.
Your donation— no matter the amount— can provide housing, food, healthcare, and legal support to those who need it most. It can mean the difference between a family finding stability or facing homelessness. Between hope and despair.
Let’s stand together. Let’s make E Pluribus Unum a reality. Let’s show these families that they are not alone, that their dreams matter, and that their future is worth fighting for.
Because at the end of the day, what kind of community do we want to be? One that turns away in indifference— or one that lifts people up, extends a hand, and makes sure every person has a fair shot at building a better life?
I know what kind of community I want to be a part of.
Join us. Take action. Give what you can. Every contribution makes a difference.
Thank you for believing in this mission. Thank you for standing with those who need us most.