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Former refugee has found her calling by helping others who are new to America

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As a refugee who came to America from Africa nearly a decade ago, Winnie Bulaya understands the struggles people face when they come the states with a language barrier, few connections if any and a feeling of isolation. Bulaya, 47, wanted to do something to help those people, most of whom come here with families they need to take care of.

She was here for only two weeks when she started helping immigrants, and her compassion has evolved over time to an operation of mostly direct charity, including household items such as laundry detergent. She founded Refugee Welcome Baskets, which is exactly what it sounds like: New immigrants get a laundry basket full of goods such as paper towels and hygiene products.

ā€œWhen I meet someone from a different country, I start by saying, ā€˜Me, Iā€™m like you.ā€™ā€ Bulaya said. ā€œAnd then theyā€™ll be quick to be open to me because the person understands immediately that this person understands me.ā€

Bulaya works full time as a janitor at IUPUI. Itā€™s been her line of work since she came to the United States from Kenya in 2010 and started working as a maid at a hotel. Bulaya was fleeing war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo. Author Pauline Kurtz wrote a book about Bulaya ā€” ā€œWinnieā€™s Saga: Fleeing the Congolese Warā€ ā€” which published in April and is on Amazon for $8.95. Proceeds go to help Bulaya buy the supplies for her welcome baskets.

Bulaya said there are some weeks where she does something to help an immigrant family every day. Itā€™s not uncommon for her to be spontaneous about it. Sheā€™ll just happen to meet someone whoā€™s in need, or a friend recommends someone who could use some help.

ā€œIf you like something, you will find the time,ā€ she said.

Bulaya estimated sheā€™s helped about 100 families so far, but thatā€™s more than she could do on her own. Sheā€™s been working with local churches to expand her reach.

Furaha Mmbiya came from the Democratic Republic of Congo to the United State with her family in 2016 and, like many people who are new to the country, needed help. Bulaya worked with a church in Zionsville to raise $500 for Mmbiya, who lives on the west side.

ā€œShe does something we always appreciate,ā€ Mmbiya, 33, said with Bulaya translating. ā€œ[She brings] laundry soap, welcome baskets, clothes. Without knowing us, she gave it to us.ā€

Bulaya also helps around Christmas time, buying coats and jackets for children whose parents canā€™t afford to. Sharmirah Gaha, a 7-year-old girl who lives with her family on the west side, got excited when asked how she feels when Bulaya comes around.

It makes her feel ā€œhappy,ā€ Gaha said with a smile, ā€œbecause I get a lot of things. My mom always prays to God to make everybody happy.ā€ Gaha, whose family came to American from Ethiopia, said her mother believes Bulaya is the answer to those prayers.

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Contact staff writer Tyler Fenwick at 317-762-7853. Follow him on Twitter @Ty_Fenwick.

Winnie Bulaya stands outside the Information and Communication Technology building at IUPUI, where she works as a janitor. Bulaya fled war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo and came to America a decade ago. She has since been helping immigrants by giving them household basics such as laundry soap and paper towels and even raises money when needed. (Photo/Tyler Fenwick)

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