Immigrants Working Centre’s Post

A partnership between ESL and Rochester Refugee Resettlement Services, Inc is working to address a vital challenge within our community – affordable housing. Access to affordable housing helps create stability, greater opportunities for education and employment advancement, and strong neighborhoods. Visit our website to learn more about this initiative: https://lnkd.in/eyiVV5rZ #AffordableHousing #CommunityImpact #RochesterNY

There were 6 executive orders signed yesterday affecting immigration in some way, including the suspension of the refugee resettlement program. While we feel sad, angry, heartbroken, and scared, we are not hopeless, nor are we powerless. Our vision remains as important now as it ever was. Treetops is committed to continue building cross-cultural friendships that allow us to truly see and stand with each other. To understand each other and our fears and needs and hopes. To walk boldly into an unknown future, not alone, but together. This week, we continue to prepare for the new cohort of 8 Concentric Leaders beginning their 15-month journey with us this February. We open the shop and cafe for community connection. We offer space for refugees to gather and address their migration trauma. We walk alongside teen girls in their high school classrooms as they emerge as adults in a new country. We leave space for the uncertainty and the quiet anxiety that creeps in when headlines break, knowing that we have been here before. We can, and we will, do what needs doing. But in order to do that, we need the support of neighbors to rally around this mission and ensure that West Michigan is a place of radical welcome. Become a monthly donor today — even $5 a month is something we can rely on to support refugees already here. https://lnkd.in/eWfEBU-A Whatever happens next, we’re here, and we’re in it together. #spreadwelcome #rootedtogether #refugeesarewelcomehere

An interesting perspective - at Neighbors Link, we see this on the ground everyday, community members stepping forward to welcome new arrivals. "The story you probably don’t know is that more than 2 million Americans have volunteered to serve as private sponsors for refugees in the last two-and-half years, serving as bridges to safety for newcomers in need. They’re Republicans and Democrats, Northerners and Southerners, Americans in big coastal cities and in small towns across the heartland. They’ve leveraged over $7 billion in their own time and money to pay for travel; to meet newcomers at the airport; to help them find housing, employment, education and English classes; and to support newcomers navigating their new communities." https://lnkd.in/eckMVPMr

It’s National Refugee #AdvocacyDays24! This week, hundreds of advocates nationwide are meeting with their members of Congress in their home states, urging them to #ProtectNewcomers. At Partnerships for Trauma Recovery, we know #AdvocacyWorks, and we call on Congress to strengthen protections for people seeking safety and uphold our nation’s tradition of welcoming newcomers. #AdvocacyDays24 #WeAreAllAmerica

🌟 Join Us in Making a Difference: RCAG Seeking Board Members and Volunteers! Dear LinkedIn Community, I am thrilled to introduce the Refugee Community Action Group (RCAG), a passionate and dedicated non-profit organization committed to supporting refugees and their families during their resettlement journey. Our mission is simple yet profound: to empower resilience and foster belonging. Who We Are: RCAG is more than an organization; it’s a movement—a collective of compassionate individuals who believe that every person, regardless of their background, deserves a chance to thrive. We work tirelessly to provide holistic support, advocacy, and community integration for refugees in Central New York. Our Focus Areas: Advocacy: We amplify the voices of refugees, advocating for their rights and access to essential services. Education: We offer language classes, skill-building workshops, and educational opportunities to empower refugees. Health and Well-Being: Physical and mental health are paramount. We provide healthcare resources and trauma-informed support. Community Engagement: Bridges are built through connections. We foster understanding and collaboration between refugees and local residents. Youth Empowerment: Our young refugees are future leaders. We mentor, educate, and empower them to shape their destinies. How You Can Get Involved: Board of Directors: We are actively seeking passionate individuals to join our Board of Directors. If you have expertise in governance, fundraising, or community development, we’d love to hear from you! Volunteers: Whether you’re a language enthusiast, a mentor, or simply someone with a big heart, your time and skills can make a difference. Join us in creating a welcoming community. Connect with Us: Visit our website at www.refcag.com to learn more about our services and impact. Let’s build bridges together! 📩 Interested? Send me a message or email us at david@refcag.org. Together, we can create a world where displacement is met with welcome, and where every person finds a place to call home. David Langevin - Executive Director #RefugeesWelcome #CommunityAction #Empowerment #Belonging

Resource Spotlight: Illinois Welcoming Center (IWC) For immigrants and refugees in Illinois, navigating systems in a new country can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re highlighting the Illinois Welcoming Center (IWC), which is a resource providing holistic support to immigrant and refugee communities across the state. 𝗜𝗪𝗖 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗼𝗻𝗲-𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴: 1. Case Management: Tailored, comprehensive guidance to connect you with essential services. 2. Employment Services: Support in job searches and workforce development. 3. Vocational Training: Helping individuals gain the skills they need to thrive. 4. IWC provides services to immigrants and refugees in a linguistically, culturally sensitive manner in Illinois. If you know someone who could benefit from this resource, please share this post. 𝗜𝗪𝗖 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: https://lnkd.in/ggX-ZY32  #CIMH #CoalitionforImmigrantMentalHealth #IllinoisServices #CaseManagement #ResourceSpotlight

Mergers aren't just for the corporate world! KHG | Nonprofit Strategy + Collaboration features mergers and partnerships in the nonprofit space, and Kate Harris is brilliant at the work of supporting nonprofits through that process. She recently highlighted CIRA - Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement's recent merger process, and it's so smart to look for the examples of how this can be beneficial for the communities we serve. We are going to need to become MUCH more open-minded and prepared for discussing the "what about" questions, which ultimately means more willingness to discuss closures, mergers, and sunsets.

Crain's Detroit Business 🙏 Samaritas, Michigan's largest refugee resettlement agency, is adapting to potential changes in federal refugee admission policies. The nonprofit is expanding its services to support refugees already in the state, focusing on post-resettlement programs like housing, workforce development, and mental health services. This strategy aims to create stability for refugees and protect the organization from fluctuations in new arrivals. Samaritas is also developing affordable housing plans across Michigan, with dedicated units for refugees. They've bolstered their employment services team to help refugees find jobs quickly, promoting self-sufficiency. The organization is preparing to resettle over 2,000 refugees in the coming year, a 20% increase from the current year. #Refugeeswelcome https://lnkd.in/eHzmrDBB

WRC statement: Together against hate At the Welsh Refugee Council, we are profoundly heartbroken by the recent surge in far-right extremism and the violence directed at sanctuary seekers, refugees, those with migration heritage, and advice workers. Racism, Islamophobia, and hostile language have no place in our society. Amidst these troubling times, we are incredibly proud of how Wales, as a Nation of Sanctuary, has united in standing against those who seek to divide us. Our communities and partner organisations have shown extraordinary solidarity and bravery, making it clear that hatred has no place here. We stand with all those affected—men, women, and children who have already endured so much. The government's condemnation of these attacks is important, but we need more immediate action. We call on funders and the government to invest urgently in vital sanctuary support services, and community building work. We ask our new UK Government, to renounce hostile language, that can often perpetuate click bait headlines and normalise racism. We are committed to creating lasting change and encourage organisations to work with us to combat misinformation and strengthen understanding. If you would like training for your team, or organisation please get in touch. Let’s come together to build a Wales where kindness triumphs over division and every individual finds a true sense of belonging. 

Empowering Voices of Refugee Youth In today's video on our Youtube channel, check out this powerful snippet from the Refugee Youth Summit, where our team lead, Simon Marot Touloung, passionately addresses the urgent need for refugee youth to share their own stories. “If there are people who are writing refugee stories, why do we have others coming from outside to tell our stories in the refugee settlements?” he challenges. Simon poses thought-provoking questions that resonate deeply with our mission: “Do we want to wait for tomorrow to see the change we need, or is tomorrow now?” “What kind of leadership do we envision for our communities, and what is the leadership we currently lack?” These words remind us that the power of storytelling and creative expression is essential for advocacy and change. It’s time for refugee youth to seize the narrative and lead the charge! Watch the full video to see how integrating arts and culture can empower youth to become advocates for their own futures: https://lnkd.in/dv3SJHiT Let’s spark a conversation! How can we support refugee youth in sharing their stories? Share your thoughts in the comments below and on YouTube! #RefugeeYouth #Storytelling #YouthLeadership #Advocacy #Empowerment #AfricanYouthActionNetwork #CommunityChange #ArtForChange