Making Education Accessible for 1st and 2nd Generation Immigrants
If you asked Mohit Jain and Vishal Sharma a few years ago about starting a nonprofit together, they probably wouldn’t believe you.
Fast forward to March of this year and what was once a thought quickly became reality.
The Founders and Veganism
Vishal and Mohit were introduced through mutual friends and instantly connected because of their passion and core beliefs in the vegan movement. Both have been following this lifestyle for many years. They are also new fathers with daughters that they are raising vegan.
How Immigranted Started
Vishal came to America from India when he was 18. He was fortunate to have an amazing extended family that let him stay for free while he pursued a bachelor's degree. He strongly believes that education is the great equalizer to uplift an individual, his/her family and community. It’s through the generosity of others that has put him in a place where he can give back. Click here to see his Immigranted Story.
This is how the seed for Immigranted was planted, but it was still missing something, or more specifically, someone.
Vishal was in Los Angeles in mid February for work and met up with Mohit. He proposed the idea of this non-profit. Mohit was on board immediately and Immigranted was born!
Although Mohit was born in California, he is not immune to the struggles of immigrants. His father came to America from India, worked hard and provided a great life for the family. He’s a new dad himself and feels it’s a responsibility more than ever to build something that supports those that are in need.
Immigranted’s mission is to make education accessible for 1st and 2nd generation Immigrants. We do this by using our contributions to offer interest-free loans and providing mentorship to students in need.
After Immigranted became a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, Mohit and Vishal used their network of amazing friends to create a team that could help carry their vision forward.
An Eventful Weekend
On July 14th to 16th, Immigranted hosted their first fundraiser, backpack drive, and benefit dinner at Sanctuary Bistro.
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On July 14th, The Founding Board Members used their professional and creative talents to organize a wonderful event at the Unicorn Lounge in San Francisco, CA and raise over $16,000. Luis Cortes was our first loan recipient and we presented him a check at the event. He has his sights set on UC Berkeley and is currently taking extension classes there. Part of Immigranted’s loan procedure is to have potential recipients make a video. Check out his story. It’s both heartfelt and inspiring!
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The following day Immigranted donated 100 backpacks filled to the brim with school supplies to the Mission Education Center in partnership with the Kids In Need Foundation.
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The city of Berkeley holds a special place in Mohit’s heart because he’s a former graduate of UC Berkeley. So, when Sanctuary Bistro decided to donate 30% of the proceeds as part of their Benefit Dinner program, it was the best of both worlds - delicious vegan food and donations to our cause!
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Nelson Mandela once said, “it seems impossible until it’s done.” Our journey - which once seemed insurmountable, has become a reality, but it could not be possible without our donors, partners, and the talented good hearted people at Sanctuary Bistro.
Thanks for being an example for our community. With your food, you feed us. With your minds, you help us see a new way of conscious living. With your heart, you uplift the spirits of organizations like ours that are trying to make this world a little better than when we found it.
Sincerely,
Immigranted
Bio -- Immigranted is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that helps immigrant students with access to interest-free loans in the educational space. Immigranted also partners with other non-profits and organizations to help younger students with supplies or mentorship to get them on the right path.Social Media HandlesFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/Immig