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 refugee families in our program, in partnership with Church World Service (CWS), receive the support they need from the moment they arrive in Rhode Island. Rooted in our founders’ lived experiences as refugees, we are committed to creating a sense of belonging and stability for every family we serve.
Upon arrival, families are welcomed with culturally familiar food, essential household items, and clothing. We work closely with the larger community to ensure that someone fluent in their language is available to greet them and answer any immediate questions. Our priority is to address urgent needs and provide a strong foundation for a dignified, stable, and hopeful new beginning while fostering meaningful connections within the broader Rhode Island community.
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 Food Pantry
Our “Give a Smile to Your Neighbor” program plays a vital role in addressing food security for Rhode Island’s refugee community. Each week, we serve over 1,000 individuals, ensuring that local families have access to nutritious and culturally familiar food staples. This program is made possible through the generosity and dedication of our partners, and we are deeply grateful for their ongoing support.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, whose invaluable contributions provide a consistent and reliable food supply, significantly strengthening food security in the area. We are also grateful to Trader Joe’s Market for their continued donations and to the Commercial Fisheries of Rhode Island, which allows us to provide fresh fish—an essential part of many refugee families' diets.
Through these partnerships, we are not only distributing food but also fostering dignity, cultural connection, and community resilience. We remain committed to expanding our reach and ensuring that local families in our program receive the nourishment and support they need to thrive.
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