April 24, 2020 - Many in our community have expressed concern about the most vulnerable neighbors, especially immigrant families. Like other working-class Californians, a lot of refugees and immigrants have lost jobs and don’t know how they will pay rent. Immigrants represent 20% of the workers in the hardest-hit industries. Many don’t have access to safety-net programs available to U.S. citizens.
If you are able to, we invite you to support refugee and immigrant families impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. Our multilingual team is working hard to provide educational and family support services remotely. But our students still have immense barriers, such as language, tech skills, and computer/internet access. Your support is essential to ensure no one falls through the cracks.
Per the new CARES Act to help the economy, up to $300 in charitable gifts will qualify for a tax deduction. (For those who don’t claim itemized deductions on their federal income tax returns.)
Carmen and Amanda (pictured above) are two of RIT’s multilingual staff members on the front lines. Each day, they call dozens of newcomer youth and families who speak Spanish, Mam, and English.
One of the biggest issues for low-income refugee and immigrant youth is navigating the new reality of virtual schooling.
“When students get information from schools, it’s all in English,” says Carmen. “Another issue that’s coming up is internet access. Getting a computer and internet takes multiple steps, which are very hard to navigate if you don’t speak English.” Carmen spends a lot of time helping kids get home internet, translating, and answering questions.
Her goal is to ensure access to educational opportunities, such as RIT’s virtual tutoring. Despite school closures, RIT staff and volunteers continue to tutor youth remotely and support them on their pathways to graduation. (Last year, 84% of RIT students graduated high school, compared to 69% of English learners statewide.)
These virtual education programs also maintain precious social connections. “Now that the schools have shifted to remote learning, students feel disconnected. I am excited that our virtual tutoring will help them regain the sense of community,” says Carmen. It allows the youth to “just be students and just be kids in this time.”
RIT’s case managers (like Zar Ni and Sandra pictured above) are busy sharing community resources, helping navigate online bureaucratic systems, and filling in applications (such as unemployment). The online benefit systems are overloaded right now, so it’s especially critical that clients have someone to help them in their native language.
We also continue to share vital COVID-information and hold virtual wellness workshops.
Would you please join us today and ensure that all community members are supported?
We are dedicating a portion of the funds to provide financial support to RIT students most in need (such as assistance with rent and utility bills.) Some families we serve might not have access to other relief options.
Thank you so much for standing with us!