Bob the Tutor

by Jenny Haynes

There is an old saying that if you want something done, you should give it to someone who's already busy. We can paraphrase that saying and apply it to RIS English tutor Bob Johnson as follows: if you want a willing volunteer, find someone who's already volunteering. (More)

Hampton RIS
2^nd Annual
Community Dinner

by Karen Kurilko

The Hampton Roads Refugee and Immigration Services office will hold its Second Annual Community Dinner on April 24, 2010, from 7:00 P.M to 10:00 P.M. at the Hampton Roads Convention Center/Embassy Suites Hotel. (More)

A Church in Action

by Carol McElhinney

Finding community in diversity -- that's what Crestwood Presbyterian Church achieves in welcoming strangers to Richmond. Over the past three decades, Crestwood's English as a Second Language (ESL) program has formed, grown, receded and arisen again in amazing synchronicity with the ebb and flow of refugee newcomers into their South Richmond neighborhood. (More)

Six Weeks
Felt Like
Eternity

by Sara Mawa and Suzi Smith

For some people, a six-week Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program consists of a month and a half of staying up late to study and then waking up early to take an exam. For Kanakuze Fidelite, however, her limited English grammar meant it was six weeks of trying to make sense of terms such as ADL and vital signs. It meant taking an exam while struggling to understand the wording of some of the questions on the test. (More)

Tea and Social Work

by Stephanie Wohnlich

As a graduate intern from VCU's social work program, I have been given many opportunities at Richmond Refugee and Immigration Services to work with clients. Specifically, I've worked with two Bhutanese families.

This has been a great learning experience for me as a student, but I think the most meaningful piece of my work has been when one of these families has had me over for tea. I have acquired a great deal of knowledge about hospitality and the importance of community from the way they are so quick to invite me into their homes and offer tea. (More)

Fans of RIS . . .

Jennifer Spangler, a member of the Community Board of Richmond RIS, has created a Facebook page for Refugee and Immigration Services.
(Visit Facebook)

University of Richmond
Bonner Scholars

From 7 to 9 P.M. on Tuesday and Thursday nights, an unassuming classroom in a generous Presbyterian Church situated in suburban Richmond, Virginia, is transformed into a cultural safe zone for all who wish to come. Ranging from ages four to 65 and from all ends of the world, they have come together in pursuit of the English language. Sharing different religions, languages, cultural practices, fears, hopes, dreams, ideas, and more, a group gathers that would otherwise never have met. (More)

Total Freedom

by Jenny Haynes

"The best thing about America is being completely free to go wherever you want." So says Burmese refugee ThiRi Shwe, age 25.

Since she arrived in Roanoke in June of 2009, ThiRi has found many differences between her new home and the refugee camp in which she spent six years. But the one that stands out to her most is freedom of movement.

ThiRi is originally from the country of Burma, now known as Myanmar. A member of the Karen tribe, she and other family members were finally forced to flee their village as government forces battled with Karen soldiers. (More)

Community Partners

by Marilyn Breslow

Refugee and Immigration Services is privileged to have so many team mates who help carry out the work of refugee resettlement and immigrant assistance. Our partners are large and small, ranging from professional organizations to children running school collections. Colleagues include: state and local public agencies, universities, area non-profits, faith congregations, donors, individual volunteers, employers, and local businesses. (More)

Attention!
Calling All
Richmond RIS
Supporters!

The Richmond RIS Community Board is preparing for their Summer 2010 fundraising event held in conjunction with World Refugee Day in June.

We are currently collecting items to be put on auction to benefit RIS programs. Do you have some artwork, photography, a beneficial skill, timeshare, or local discounts that can be auctioned? (More)

International
Banquet Fêtes
Roanoke RIS
Class of '09

by Jenny Haynes

In December, every refugee RIS resettled in the Roanoke area during 2009 was invited to an international banquet in the city.

Despite the first heavy snow of the season, more than 100 people assembled at Grace Church on Edgewood Street for an afternoon of food and fellowship. (More)

If you would like to stay in better touch with Refugee and Immigration Services, please go here as we update our list of people who volunteer and otherwise help us in our mission.