About US
When refugees arrive in the United States, many organizations come together to meet basic needs for their first 3 months.
But our founders know more than anyone that holistic and long-lasting community care must extend beyond that.
We facilitate the transition for refugee families in the United States by helping them become self-sufficient and productive members of American society.
We provide a place of community for refugees to maintain their cultural and ethnic identity as they assimilate to life in the U.S.
We promote gender equality among the refugee community. We believe that strong and informed women and mothers promote healthy, productive families and communities.
We advocate for the needs of refugees in the U.S. and serve as a resource for agencies and groups to foster a greater understanding of the refugee community in the state of Rhode Island.
International Women's Day 2024
PROGRAMS & PROJECTS
Women's Empowerment Group
Welcoming and Placement Program
At Women’s Refugee Care (WRC), our Welcoming and Placement Program ensures that every refugee family arriving in Rhode Island feels supported from the moment they land. Inspired by our founder’s lived experience as a refugee, we are committed to going above and beyond to ensure that every person feels a profound sense of welcome and belonging. When refugees arrive, they are greeted with food from their native country, essential household items, and clothing. We also collaborate closely with other resettlement agencies to ensure that someone fluent in the family's language is available to offer a warm welcome and answer any immediate questions. Our priority is to address any urgent needs, helping refugee families start their new lives with dignity and care.
Our Women’s Empowerment Group is a weekly peer-to-peer support group designed specifically for refugee women. It provides a safe and nurturing environment where participants can de-stress, build a sense of community, and learn valuable skills. A key component of this program is our sewing project, which offers women the opportunity to practice their English language skills, create clothing and textiles that are integral to their cultural heritage, and actively contribute to our mission. Through this group, we empower refugee women to reclaim their independence and strengthen their ties to the community.
Education Advocacy Program
In this program WRC helps as a liaison between the RI Dept. of Education and refugee families. This work entails sensitizing school administrators and teachers on the unique background of refugee children. It also involves educating parents that have arrived in the U.S. about the education system, how to enroll, and what the expectations are for their children in school.
Refugee Youth and Mentoring Program
Our Refugee Youth Program connects volunteers, college students, and refugee youth through weekly workshops on essential topics like computer literacy, civic awareness, mental health, and financial literacy. This program helps young refugees develop character, pursue education, and integrate into the community.
In parallel, our Mentoring Program pairs newly settled refugee families with mentors who guide them in adapting to U.S. culture, learning the language, and navigating their new environment. Together, these programs empower refugees to thrive socially and economically in their new lives.
Give a Smile to Your Neighbor
Our “Give a Smile to Your Neighbor” program is were we distribute necessities to the refugee community. Our partnerships with the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, Trader Joes Market, and Commercial Fisheries of Rhode Island allow us to provide cultural food staples, fish and other items that refugees can’t access with food stamps.
