Welcome With Purpose: Support Refugees Resettling

HMI continues its mission of building strong support systems — from navigation and bridging cultural/language gaps to helping refugees access employment, services, and education. This summer was filled with moments of resilience, learning, and community. Here are some highlights of our work:

June

Riverside County Refugee Forum 2025: HMI brought together partners and organizations to strengthen the community infrastructure for refugee support through information-sharing, networking, resource mapping, and programmatic collaboration. By uniting voices across local, county, and state levels, the forum amplified a collective commitment to advocacy and action, ensuring refugees are not only welcomed but supported with dignity and opportunity.

Youth Achievement: We celebrated Asma, the first woman in her family to graduate high school in the U.S. Graduating with honors, she is now pursuing Biology at UC Riverside School of Medicine. Active in HMI’s Refugee Career Pathways program and mentoring newcomers, Asma embodies what is possible when refugees are supported to thrive.

Leadership Recognition: HMI’s Academic & Outreach Director, Teresa Hsu-Contreras, received the UC Riverside School of Education Alumni Excellence Award for her pioneering ESL programs that integrate social-emotional learning. These classes have already benefited more than 300 refugee and newcomer students.

World Refugee Day: On June 21, HMI hosted its annual event under the theme “Love over Fear.” The gathering emphasized choosing support over silence and brought together refugees, community members, public officials, and volunteers for speeches, recognition, and solidarity.

July

Youth Summer Camp: Our second annual summer camp offered newcomer children in Riverside a week of learning and joy through literacy activities, library visits, art, games, sports, and creative projects.

Legal Rights Session: In partnership with CHIRLA, HMI provided Afghan Newcomer Support Program (ANSP) participants with vital information about their rights, along with practical multilingual tools (“Red Cards” in Dari, Pashto, and English).

August

Educational Pathways Partnership: HMI partnered with Motivated Youth Academy (MYA) to expand educational opportunities for refugee youth and adults unable to pursue traditional K–12 schooling. Beneficiaries of ANSP, Refugee Career Pathways, and ARSI initiatives now have access to high school diploma programs that strengthen not only individual futures but also families and communities.

Ukrainian Independence Day Celebration: More than 20 Ukrainians gathered at our office to honor their national holiday with a documentary screening and Ukrainian cuisine. The event fostered belonging, reduced isolation, and built community connections.Most importantly, it made participants feel at home.

Ukrainian Newcomer Support Program Impact: As of this month, HMI’s case managers have supported more than 83 Ukrainian individuals, reflecting our growing role in helping newcomers navigate resettlement with dignity and care.

Behind every achievement is a network of support — and your generosity makes it possible. From youth graduating with honors, to families finding legal protection, to children discovering joy and belonging, these stories show the power of community. Your donation helps us continue providing education, advocacy, and care to refugees as they rebuild their lives with hope and dignity. 

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