USAHello.org and Welcome.US: Two Helpful Online Tools for our Refugee Friends and U.S. Locals who are Welcoming them
USAHello.org
A free online center for refugees and immigrants of all backgrounds. The nonprofit website offers information and education in Arabic, Chinese, Persian/Dari, French, Pashto, Spanish, and Vietnamese to help you reach your goals in the United States. USAHello.org is your home for trusted information and free online classes you can count on to help you build a bright future in the United States.
Find resources near you on https://find.usahello.org/#/list.
Search for job advice, lawyers, healthcare, English classes and other services near you. FindHello has help and services for immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented people in the USA.
Afghan Resource Center
This Resource Center is also translated in:
The Afghan Resource Center offers practical information and resources for newly arriving Afghans to the USA. Find information in English, Dari, or Pashto on services and benefits, immigration, jobs, daily life, American culture, U.S. laws, money, health, and education. Use our FindHello app to connect to local services in cities across the country. Find help for every status including Special Immigrant Visa (SIV), refugees, and people with humanitarian parole.
Welcome.US Launches Effort to Meet Urgent Needs of Afghan Refugees and Nation’s First In-Kind Giving Platform
In December 2021, Welcome.US announced a first-of-its kind tool called the Welcome Exchange— an online portal for matching businesses that are willing and able to give support and resources with the specific local needs of Afghan newcomers identified by nonprofits and resettlement groups.$3 million in supplies and resources have been committed by organizations including Accenture, CVS, Harry’s, Target, Starbucks, Serta Simmons Bedding, Walgreens, and P&G.
Visit the Wecome.US website to learn how businesses and community leaders are getting involved.
Their Story is Our Story Applauds the Signing of Virginia House Bill 995 and Continues Efforts to Open Doors for Foreign-trained Medical Professionals in Other States
Their Story is Our Story (TSOS), a non-profit organization that collects and shares the experiences of refugees to deepen understanding and influence action, applauds the signing of Virginia House Bill 995 into law by Governor Glenn Youngkin, after its unanimous passage through the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate. It will create a pathway for foreign-trained doctors who have immigrated to the state, including those whose careers were interrupted by forcible displacement, to fill workforce gaps in medically underserved communities.
Idaho One Refugee Conference
Last fall I was able to attend the 1Refugee Conference in Idaho. The event was well organized and everyone who approached our table was interested in what we did and wanted to know how to get involved. There were at least 100 students majoring in a variety of things who attended the event and we had 20 students give us their contact information. Most were interested in our internship programs.
How I Learned about Trauma, Resilience, and Safety
Last week, I learned that, “Trauma is all about safety.” I attended a Trauma and Resilience class taught by Phoenix Refugee Connections. Three speakers and a panel of refugees spoke about helping refugees and volunteers through the trauma refugees and helpers encounter.