WELCOME TO OUR WEBSITE
Thank you for visiting the AZ Lost Boys Center website. We hope you enjoy reading about all the activities taking place at the Center and the exciting events going on in the lives of our Lost Boys. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Center.
JOURNEY OF HOPE FUNDRAISER DINNER
On Saturday, February 9, 2008, the AZ Lost Boys Center held their fundraiser, Journey of Hope Dinner at the Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas.
We would like to thank all who attended and everyone who helped with planning, silent auction donors, and especially our Chair Person Susan Jones.
http://www.azlostboysbenefit.org
LOST BOYS MISSION TO SUDAN
The delegation from the AZLBC has returned safely from Sudan. On Wednesday, March 26th the group held a reception. They shared their stories and pictures with all those in attendance. All supporters were given a picture of the delegation as a souvenir of the trip. Once again, we thank everyone who supported us and made this trip a reality.
The AZLBC basketball team is currently competing in the Sunnyslope League.
Schedule for upcoming games are on website calendar.
Sunnyslope Community Center
802 E Vogel
Phoenix, AZ 85020
Admission is free.
Come out and support our team!!!!
On Saturday, May 10th the law office of Fennemore Craig sponsored a fundraising hike at South Mountain Park. Hikers had their choice of a 5 mile hike or 1 mile hike.Everyone had a great time. AZ Lost Boys Center thanks Fennemore Craig,all the hikers who participated and everyone who donated to this event.
more pictures from hike
Major General Abraham Turner speaks to Lost Boys and Girls
Major General Abraham Turner, speaking to a packed house at the Neighborhood Ministries Event Center shared his message of "Capturing the American Dream". In his speech the General acknowledged the accomplishments of the Lost Boys since their escape from Sudan. It was an enjoyable evening with refreshments provided by Bill Johnson's BBQ, Holsum Bakery and Blue Bell Ice Cream.
Here are more GeneralTurnerPhotos .
AZ LOST BOYS CENTER RECEIVED MAKE OVER BY THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME STAGING
AZLBC, received a much needed makeover by the International Association of Home Staging Professionals (IAHSP). Every year, each IASHP regional chapter takes time out from their regular work and gives freely of their time, service and talent to help a family or organization in the community. The charitable work began on September 9th with the final results unveiled on Saturday, September 15th. Many thanks to the 28 wonderful stagers who worked so hard to give us the beautiful Center we now have. Thanks goes out also to the vendors who donated materials, Arizona Upholstery & Patterns,Goodman's Furniture, Lone Star Landscaping, Inc, and Sherwin Williams.
ROCK N ROLL MARATHON TEAM
The JOURNEY OF HOPE TEAM participated in the PF Chang Rock n Roll Marathon on Sunday, January 13, 2008. Our team consisted of 30 runners. Everyone completed their event. Our sincere appreciation to all the runners and volunteers who helped with this event.
To see how Philip Panek, Cow Coordinator, forms a ceramic cow from a clump of clay, click here The Making Of A Ceramic Cow
Thanks to Loren Anderson for taking the photos.
For information on buying a cow, click on "cow project" on the left side of the screen. You may also call the Center at (602) 262-2300 and ask for Philip Panek or Yak Mayiik.
On Friday May 11, 2007 the AZ Lost Boys Center celebrated the College Graduation of eleven of our Lost Boys and Girls. This is the single largest number of Lost Boy/Girl graduations on one day in the country.
The Graduates include:
Jane Abucha -- Phoenix College
Deng Atem -- Remington College
Yai Atem -- Arizona State University
Awel Awel -- Phoenix College
Anyuon Chan -- Paradise Valley Community College
Jany Deng -- Arizona State University
Mimi Deng -- Phoenix College
Tut Gatyiel -- Phoenix College
Gai Gop -- Phoenix College
Gabriel Chol Kuany -- Phoenix College
Peter Makol -- Phoenix College
Philip Panek -- Glendale Community College
The Lost Boys and Girls worked hard for their degrees as they all held jobs while going to school. The celebration had a wonderful turn out including former NBA star, Manute Bol, who also comes from the South Sudan and who made a special appearance to celebrate in their astounding achievement. The party lasted through the night with inspirational messages and dancing. To our new graduates, we congratulate you and wish you the best of success in all of your endeavors!
View graduation pictures at GraduationCelebration2007
More often than not, when a Lost Boy arrives on American soil,
he is assigned Jan 1st as his birthday as he doesn’t always know his
actual birth date. Due to circumstances such as losing his parents, fleeing a destroyed village or escaping a war torn country, he has no way of knowing when he was born.
On April 19, the 3rd annual Az Lost Boys birthday party
took place and what a party it was! Guests dined on Sudanese food and enjoyed a variety of music. A joyful celebration indeed!
To view pictures of this event go to LostBoysBirthdayParty
Friday was a busy day at the Phoenix Courthouse. Four of the boys became U.S. Citizens today! Yak, featured in the picture above, is the Cow Project Coordinator for the AZ Lost Boys Center. To view pictures of this event go to
CitizenshipDayMarch2007
The Career Management Workshop put on by the Thunderbird Garvin School of International Management had a great turnout. Our members had a great time and felt the workshop better prepared them for their career goals. Thank you so much to the Thunderbird volunteers. To view photos of this workshop go to this link
CareerManagementWorkshop
ASU College of Public Programs
"For Our Eyes" Art Display
411 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix AZ 85044
Come and view the photographs of Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya taken by Loren Anderson. The public is invited to tour the display on the 4th and 5th floors Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The display will be open for viewing throughout the year 2007.
The ASU Emeritus College Art Exhibit includes more than 150 pieces by
professional and avocational artists.
"For Our Eyes" includes over 100 pieces depicting the stories of Phoenix area nonprofits and community.
Call (602) 496-0600 for details. No reservations needed.
Below is one of the photographs taken by Loren Anderson
Title: "Yohanes Chan Holding His Family Portrait"
THE SIZE AND COST OF THE PHOTOS ARE:
Unframed: 11x14........Cost: $100.00
Framed: 16x20...........Cost: $150.00
To see additional photos of Lost Boys, click here Photos by Loren
If interested in purchasing a photo, call the Center at (602) 262-2300.
More photos of the Lost Boys are seen at Loren Anderson's website:
http://www.lorenandersonphoto.com
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The AZ Lost Boys Center was honored to have Bishop Paride Taban visit the Center.
Bishop Paride Taban, emeritus was born in 1936 in Eastern Equatoria, Sudan. He was ordained as priest in Juba in 1964.
In 1989, Bishop Paride was taken prisoner of war by the Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement Army for his work in saving lives of over three thousand civilians and his insistence on speaking up for innocent civilians. Because of pressure from the international community, including the United States, Bishop Paride was released from prison. Bishop Paride was the strongest advocate for the resettlement of Lost Boys in the United States.
At the present time, the Bishop describes this period of his life as follows:
"I live as a nomadic bishop, continually changing places, suffering bombs, etc. with the civilian population and encouraging the civilian population, giving them hope and acting as the voice of the voiceless; working on healing the body, the hearts and minds of those suffering from the pains and wounds caused by war."
To see photos of this special day, click here Bishop Paride Taban.
WELCOMES THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE SPLM/SPLA
Below Ralph Serpico, the Center's Executive Director, welcomes Mr. Pagan Amoum to the AZ Lost Boys Center.
To see more photos of this memorable day, click here Mr. Pagan Amoum.
The Lost Boys Soccer Team
The AZ Lost Boys Center Soccer Team also known as "Greatnile" participated in the Scottsdale United Amateur Soccer League (SUASL). The team made it all the way to the semi finals. Unfortunately we lost, but everyone enjoyed the game. We look forward to next season starting January 20, 2008. Thanks to all who came out and supported our team in 2007 and continued support for the upcoming 2008 season!!
SUDANESE CHOIR IN PHOENIX
The choir has been invited to perform at many Sudanese weddings all over Arizona. We are available to perform out of state, if transportation is available.
The Sudanese Choir is working on their own gospel recording and will be releasing their first album in the near future.
The choir has been invited to many churches all over Arizona to perfom hymns in various languages including brand new African Gospel music style from South Sudan. The main languages being sung in Sudanese churches are English, Achole, Arabic, Bari, Lotuko and Dinka.
For more information on the Sudanese Choir, please contact:
William Ochan
ochanbill@yahoo.com
To view pictures of the Sudanese Choir go to SudaneseChoir
ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF LOST BOYS
Below is a photo of Samuel Manyang and Ralph Serpico on Samuel's graduation day.
A Day to Remember
To see more photos on what is going on in the lives of the Lost Boys, click here Lost Boys Accomplishments
TO MEET WITH A CENTER STAFF MEMBER
In order for us to give you our full attention and to make the best use of your time, if you need to talk with one of our staff members, please call the Center and make an appointment with that person. That way, you can be sure the staff member will be at the Center on that day and will have set aside time just for you. Thank you.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO VOLUNTEER?
If you are interested in volunteering, click here to download the volunteer application http://www.azlostboyscenter.org/images/AZLB-VOLUNTEER-APPLICATION.doc, fill it out and mail or fax it to the AZ Lost Boys Center. Our fax number is (602) 262-2310.
LOOKING FOR A UNIQUE GIFT?
How about buying a glazed ceramic cow that is made by one of our Lost Boys? Click here Cow Project Information to read about our project.
LEIGH FLAYTON wrote a very indepth article over at salon.com describing the history of the Lost Boys.
OUR WEBSITE CALENDAR is now available. Click on "what's happening" on the left side of this screen to see what activities are taking place this month and next.
DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION OR COMMENT?
Click on "Forum" located at the bottom of this screen. There is a place for General questions, Website questions, Marathon questions. Feel free to ask questions or make comments and someone will reply back to you. Thanks.
WELCOME TO THE SNADD
(This message is for Lost Boys and Girls only!)
The Government of Southern Sudan is in great need of all levels and types of skilled Sudanese to rebuild Southern Sudan. Sudanese Diaspora has the unique skills and the enthusiasm to help.
The Sudanese North American Diaspora Database will be the primary resource for identifying Sudanese in the North American Diaspora interested in participating in skills transfer programs through short/long term assignments with projects and programs to build capacity and contribute to the development of Southern Sudan. These programs are expected to involve volunteer assignments and may also be for paid employment.
This database is administered by the International Executive Service Corps on behalf of the Government of Southern Sudan and is funded by the United States Agency for International Development.
To go to their website, click here...http://www.snadd.org
