September 1, 2020—With COVID-19 and economic downturn, community demand for RIT programs (virtual education, language access, navigating resources…) is as high as ever. Check out this short video to see how we’re adapting:
(Please see video transcript below).
Together, we can help ensure that ALL of us get through this. With our students, community partners, volunteers, and supporters, we work towards a community where:
No one is barred from accessing vital resources (such as unemployment benefits, food banks, housing programs, etc.) due to language barriers -- with RIT’s multilingual team that speaks 12+ languages.
Adults and youth engage in top-notch distance learning, tailored to their language and educational level -- with RIT’s virtual education programs (that see increased enrollment: most RIT adult class rosters increased by 60-80% compared to Spring 2020).
Our communities get an accurate count in the Census, to ensure just distribution of government funds -- with RIT’s Census outreach.
Small children engage in art, physical activities, and read with friends -- with RIT’s early childhood program.
Everyone is socially supported, and no one falls through the cracks in this age of social distancing -- with RIT’s workshops, support groups, and circle to make face masks.
Thank you for being part of the RIT community!
Want to further support RIT? Please share on social media.
Sample post: Local nonprofit, Refugee & Immigrant Transitions, needs your support! [Enter your own RIT story]. They help refugee and immigrant families in the Bay Area cope with the impact of COVID-19 and the economic crisis. RIT is a multilingual and multicultural agency that provides English language, youth development, wellness, system navigation, and other support. Demand for their work is as high as ever. Check out the video below and donate at reftrans.org/give. https://youtu.be/evN_61q0-Gs
+ Click here to read the video transcript
- RIT is operating at full capacity during COVID-19.
- Together with our communities, we’re adapting to the new reality.
- We now support refugee & immigrant communities in the virtual format:
- Virtual adult classes: English, Citizenship, Vocational.
- Youth programs with school partners: Virtual tutoring, Online class support.
- Our volunteer program is ongoing. Volunteers meet with students virtually or with social distancing.
- Narcisa is one of our youth students and a 2020 grad.
- Our staff & interns speak 12+ languages and provide multilingual support to refugees and immigrants:
- Navigating community resources, filling in applications, accessing free internet, and much more.
- We help our participants get counted in the Census.
- RIT’s virtual workshops & support groups reduce social isolation.
- Our Afghan women students run a virtual craft circle with RIT and ARTogether. They have already sown 300+ face masks for the community.
- We continue our early education program by holding virtual activities 2-3 times a week, and even making videos for the tots!
- Staff delivered packages to families, with items to use for the virtual tot program.
- ”In the last few months, I was reminded of the strength and drive of our students. They have inspired me to continue working for the best, no matter the challenges life throws at us.” - Ricardo, RIT Staff
- We couldn’t do it without YOU, our supportive community. Thank you!
- Our friends and supporters help keep these programs afloat. They also donated $14,500+ to direct financial relief campaign for RIT students.
- All of us benefit when refugees & immigrants thrive. Please support RIT’s vital programs: reftrans.org/give
- We’ll get through this together.
- Refugee & Immigrant Transitions: Education, Family Engagement, Community Leadership.