Resettling
in Roanoke

"We have really enjoyed getting to know [our Burmese] family! We have done several social things with the family and also are beginning to help out with being advocates for them in the schools their kids are in. We are hoping this grows . . . . " (More)

Q&A with
Shawn Nghiem,
Asian Network
- Capital One

Last October, Capital One donated $8,000 to RIS to support basic refugee resettlement needs. Why did Capital One choose to support RIS in its work?

Shawn Nghiem: Capital One's Asian Network is one of five Associate Networks the company developed with the common goals of recruiting, retaining, and developing associates while supporting community efforts. Last year, the Capital One Asian Network was looking to help support a community organization that shares our values, and RIS was a natural fit. Bringing refugees into America and helping them get settled into a new, better way of life is something that resonates with many members of our Asian Network, and we are proud to help support these efforts. (More)

My AmeriCorps
VISTA Volunteer
Experience

Courtesy Ace Clipart

by Karen Schomaker

As the AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer for the Hampton Refugee and Immigration Services office this past year, I'll say this: If I had known then what I know now, it wouldn't have been nearly as adventurous, but I may have gotten more accomplished. Starting here last June, I worked part-time helping with an English language computer lab, and then I came into the office, where I started working on recruiting active RIS volunteers. Little did I know that was only the beginning . . . . (More)

Volunteer
Opportunities
Abound at
Richmond RIS

Flash Slideshow
by Dena Reynolds and Jeffrey Kraus

Lisa Pedraja and Ann Beall narrate a slideshow about volunteering at Refugee and Immigration Services. This work was produced by VCU journalism graduate students Dena Reynolds and Jeffrey Kraus and is hosted on Kraus' website.
(See Slideshow)

In the Media

July 3, 2009, article for Independence Day by Richmond Times-Dispatch staff writer Bill Lohmann:
"Immigrant families celebrate newfound liberty"

June 28, 2009, commentary by Richmond Times-Dispatch columnist Robin Beres:
"Don't Cover Our Melting Pot With Slimy Fruit Salad"

June 7, 2009, Richmond Times-Dispatch article by Tammie Smith about a disabled Burundi refugee whose family RIS resettled:
"Born without arms and legs, refugee finds new life in U.S."

U.S. Asylum
and Gratitude
in Hampton

My name is Juan Rosado. I was born in Honduras. Because I had criticized the corruption of my country's government and its militarism, police and traffic in narcotics, my oldest son was murdered. Then I became the object of threats. This situation forced my family and me to flee from Honduras two years ago.

Our time in America had its problems until we finally experienced good fortune. I still remember the first day that I went to Refugee and Immigration Services in Hampton. It was February of 2009. I met the director, Karen Kurilko. She listened to our case, giving us hope again for our lives. That same evening, RIS provided my family with a comfortable apartment to live in. (More)

Links to Africans

by Vickie Johnson-Scott

Developing and strengthening its international bonds with Africa, the Commonwealth Chapter of The Links, Inc., has established a partnership with Refugee and Immigration Services (RIS).

The International Trends and Services Program of The Links helps orient immigrant families to life in the U.S. Its efforts have focused on a family of nine that has found refuge here after leaving their native country of Burundi. Located in the Great Lakes region of Eastern Africa, Burundi was torn by a civil war from 1993 to 2006. Still, peace agreements have not been finalized, and violence continues to daily threaten the lives of Burundi citizens. (More)

World Refugee Day

Thank You for
2nd Collection
Donations

During Mass in the first weekend of May, a number of parishes throughout the Catholic Diocese of Richmond held a second collection for RIS. Bishop Francis DiLorenzo approved these second collections in recognition of World Refuge Day. Several priests and parish staff members participated in their churches' planning for this. The many generous donations received from parishioners will support RIS' efforts helping refugess who come to Virginia. Thank you very much!

RIS has a Page

Jennifer Spangler has arrived in Richmond and jumped into action by creating an RIS Facebook page.
(Visit Facebook)

YouTube Video
About RIS

by Dena Reynolds and Jeffrey Kraus

This video produced by VCU journalism graduate students Dena Reynolds and Jeffrey Kraus explores RIS activities.
(See Video)