PhoenixBites

Events | Global Market AZ Pop Up Store Opening February 2nd

Taryn Jeffries

Every now and then we hear about a new restaurant, event or concept that really makes my heart swell. That happened today when I heard about the Global Market AZ Pop Up in downtown Phoenix.

It’s important to know the “why” behind Global Market AZ before we get into all the delicious details. The pop-up was created by ASU Social Work graduate students as a community engagement project. The project was designed to help refugees become self-sufficient through entrepreneurial engagement and professional development.

How does it work? As just one example of how the project works, I want to introduce you to Rodain. She and her family were once one of the most fortunate in Syria. They owned one of the best restaurants in the area and Rodain loved her work there. Five months into the Syrian war their life’s work was reduced to rubble and their dreams left in ashes. They found initial respite in Jordan, but Rodain could not see raising her family of three boys there. They applied at IRC as refugees and found their new home in Arizona.

About three months after their arrival they were met by threats on the street and had their paperwork and money stolen. Rodain suffered a heart attack, brought on by the trauma of the events. Since her recovery, she has received support and encouragement from her community and a new sense of purpose with the Global Market AZ. She has received her food handlers card and has whipped up some great treats for the Market’s grand opening, ready to pursue her dream of opening a restaurant here in the Valley.

There are more than 25 stories similar to Rodain, refugees looking for a fresh start by sharing their talents at the Global Market AZ pop up store. The market’s grand opening is slotted for Friday, February 2nd and you’ll find a variety of unique handmade products for sale.

Just some of the items the Global Market AZ Pop Up Store Will Feature

The best part of this project is that 100% of the proceeds go directly to the individual refugee vendors.

The Market will be open Monday through Saturday from 10am until 6pm and closed on Sunday. The grand opening will take place on Friday, February 2nd beginning at noon and Vice Mayor Laura Pastor will be on hand to cut the ribbon, officially opening the store. I am planning on taking my boys and grabbing some baklava made by Rodain, maybe getting some henna done and buy a few things for friends and my home.

The Market will have a ton of events throughout the month, from art classes, a Valentines photo session and much more. I hope that this will be a place that you will visit often as the goods and services will vary from time to time.

You can check out their Facebook page for specific dates, times and descriptions of events as well as to get more personal stories about the refugees involved in the program.

Global Market AZ Pop Up Store | 1 E. Washington St. | Phoenix | 85004 | 602.687.2882

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© Taryn Jeffries 2018

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