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AZ Lost Boys Center

1918 W. Van Buren St.
Phoenix, AZ 85009

(602) 262-2300 p

(602) 262-2310 f

(866) 262-1640 toll-free

Who Are The Lost Boys of Sudan?

Since the mid-1980's, Sudan (in East Africa) has experienced brutal civil war fueled by religious, ethnic and regional strife. Fleeing the violence and bloodshed of Sudan's internal conflict, thousands of innocent children have experienced mind-numbing horrors and intense hardship. Orphaned as young as four years old, they fled into the jungle and began walking to Ethiopia. They stayed in refugee camps in Ethiopia until the government overthrew the Communists in 1991 and forced the young boys to leave at gunpoint. When they returned to Sudan, they were again met with hostility.

Thus began another long walk—this time to a United Nations refugee camp in Kenya. They lived in Kakuma since 1992. Although hungry, frightened, and weakened, their spirit of hope remained strong through their unyielding faith in God, and their intense desire to become educated. Intolerable living conditions in the camp gave the United States government reason to resettle some 4,000 of these, now, young men in America. In 2001, some 550 “Lost Boys” have “found” Arizona and have made it their new home. They are bright with hope, full of smiles, and ready to become contributing members of their new communities.

THE NEXT STEP IN THE JOURNEY:
Our Mission

Vision:

The Lost Boys and Girls of Sudan living full and meaningful lives in which they are able to achieve their dreams.

Mission:

Empower the Lost Boys and Girls of Sudan to achieve their goals by supporting their educational, employment, cultural and emotional needs.

Values:

  • Provide a safe, positive and healthy environment at the Center for everyone who enters.

  • Foster relationships of trust that are open, honest, caring, supportive and nurturing.

  • Treat every Lost Boy and Girl with dignity and respect.

  • Respect the integrity, commitment and dedication of our clients, volunteers and staff.

  • Honor each person's unique story of perseverance and hope.

  • Develop collaborative partnerships with community volunteers and other agencies.

  • Empower the Lost Boys and Girls to assume an ever-increasing role in managing their Center to meet their needs.



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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



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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.


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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!!!!



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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



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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 .







ROCK N ROLL MARATHON TEAM

The JOURNEY OF HOPE TEAM is once again seeking runners to participate in the 2009 PF Chang Rock n Roll Marathon. For further information, please contact AZ Lost Boys Center. Our sincere appreciation to all the runners and volunteers who helped with the 2008 marathon.



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To see how Panek Biar, 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 Peter Arok.



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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




On Friday, July 25, 2008 Panek Biar and James Deng became U.S. Citizens. Panek spoke about his experience since coming to Phoenix and how it felt to become a U.S. Citizen. It was a moving experience for everyone who attended.





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

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Title: "Yohanes Chan Holding His Family Portrait"

Theme:
The hands of Yohanes Chan carefully cradles a photograph of his family living in Africa. Yohanes can be seen in the upper right hand corner of the photo.


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.



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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!!



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SUDANESE CHOIR IN PHOENIX

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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

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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.




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




Events

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DanielDeng
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