December 30, 2022:
Happy New Year from Refugee & Immigrant Transitions! We wish you peace, health, and joy in 2023 and beyond.
Please read on to see how our community welcomed newcomers in 2022 (including: a geographical expansion for RIT!) And if you haven't supported RIT yet, kindly consider a year-end donation. Thank you!
In the year 2022...
RIT now supports a new area: Contra Costa County!
Many refugees have been settling there due to lower cost of living. RIT was called to fill in service gaps in the community. We've teamed up with local organizations and school districts to help new families enroll kids in school, complete critical paperwork, and access legal and other resources.
RIT grew youth services.
It's been a stressful time for youth and families. In addition to readjusting to in-person learning, our students often have to juggle school and work to support family, and (like many youth nationwide) face growing violence at schools and neighborhoods.
RIT's program at Fremont High School in Oakland has been building community for student wellness. We've been bringing in soccer and music partners, running support groups, and increasing our academic support and youth leadership.
RIT expanded adult education.
Our adult classes, whether Vocational, Women's, Citizenship, or General English, continue to be highly desired in the community. In addition, we're running a workshop series for Afghan women, on a very in-demand topic: passing the driver's knowledge test.
And last but not least, RIT celebrated 40 years of welcoming refugees and immigrants.
While there have been many challenges this past year, there's also been joy. We see this joy when we come together as a diverse and shared community. Exhibit A: RIT's 40th anniversary in Oakland (watch video below):
RIT welcomes and partners with people who have sought refuge in the Bay Area, employing strengths-based educational approaches and community supports so they may thrive in our shared communities.
Thank you for being part of our shared community!