Welcome With Purpose: Support Refugees Resettling

Over the past several months, the Human Migration Institute has continued implementing a variety of events and initiatives designed to support the integration, economic independence, and emotional well-being of refugees in the Inland Empire.

Here are the key milestones and events carried out during this period.

Community Engagement Picnic

In January, we gathered our community at Fairmount Park to celebrate our clients’ milestones and strengthen local support networks in a welcoming environment. The picnic brought together 45 children and 55 adults, including HMI team members, volunteers from the University of California, Riverside (UCR), and International Justice Mission students from California Baptist University.

Families received valuable community information from Munira Akhunzada, an Immigrants’ Rights Case Worker and DOJ-Accredited Representative with CAIR-LA, who shared Know Your Rights resources in Dari. Rabia Zaki Ludin of the Sahaba Initiative also provided vital information on mental health support, emergency rental assistance, food access, and other resources available to Riverside families.

After lunch, children enjoyed soccer, ping-pong, and balloon team-building activities led by Joey-Zufan Cheng, HMI’s Academic & Outreach Coordinator. While the children played alongside volunteers and staff, parents were recognized with certificates celebrating their commitment to HMI’s education and independence-building programs.

HMI also distributed women’s hygiene and care packages containing essential supplies and hand-painted canvases with uplifting messages. These packages were made possible through a collaboration with the Middle Eastern Student Center at UCR, whose "Compassion Through Care Packages" event helped fund and assemble the kits, extending care and support far beyond the picnic itself.

International Women’s Day Celebration 

On March 8, HMI hosted a Women's Day celebration at Fairmount Park in Riverside, bringing together clients, volunteers, and community members for a day focused on creativity, wellness, and connection.

One of the most memorable moments was the affirmation circles, where women shared words of encouragement with one another. Children also participated in their own affirmation circle, expressing appreciation and gratitude for their mothers, which created a very moving experience for many families.

Attendees enjoyed a variety of hands-on activities, including painting, bouquet making, embroidery, bracelet making, and henna, to encourage connection, self-expression, and opportunities to try something new in a welcoming environment.

The event also featured a well-being activity led by Erin Edwards, Executive Director of Blue Zones Project Riverside, who introduced practical wellness concepts in an engaging and accessible way.

HMI also wants to extend its gratitude to representatives from Women at Amazon and the Black Employee Network at Amazon for their participation and support, whose efforts helped make the event a success.

Inland Empire Refugee Forum

On March 11, the first Inland Empire Refugee Forum of 2026, co-hosted by HMI and Lifting Humanity, brought together community members, service providers, and local representatives at Chaffey Adult School in Ontario. The school's Vice Principal welcomed attendees, expressed strong support for the refugee community, and opened the school's doors as a dedicated space for ongoing regional dialogue and collaboration.

A highlight of the forum was the participation of Eric Myers from the Riverside Police Department, who shared his department's commitment to the refugee community and engaged directly with attendees during an open question-and-answer session, helping strengthen mutual trust and communication.

Participants also received updates from the State Refugee Coordinator on current refugee resettlement numbers and statewide developments, ensuring organizations and community members stayed informed about changing policies and resources. Representatives from Church World Service (CWS) and CHIRLA provided additional community updates, shared available resources, and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting refugee families throughout the region.

Advanced Certifications & Interview Strategies Workshop

At the end of March, HMI’s Refugee Career Pathways (RCP) team hosted “Elevate Your Career: Advanced Certifications & Interview Strategies,” a targeted workshop designed to help clients take the next step in their professional journeys.

The first half of the session focused on advanced certification opportunities through platforms such as Coursera and eCornell, highlighting how industry-recognized credentials can strengthen resumes and support long-term career growth. Additionally, through HMI’s partnership with Upwardly Global, clients can access these certification pathways at no cost while receiving expert guidance on navigating workplace culture, professional communication, and career advancement in the United States.

The second half featured an interactive interview skills lab where participants analyzed sample interview responses and discussed strategies for answering common questions. Together, they explored how to introduce their professional backgrounds, connect their skills to specific roles, share examples of problem-solving, communicate international experience effectively, and maintain professionalism throughout the hiring process. The session created a supportive, collaborative space for participants to ask questions, reflect, and practice with confidence.

Becoming Neighbors: A Community Conversation on Resettlement and Belonging HMI x Riverside Reads

On April 8, HMI partnered with the Riverside Public Library to co-host a special Riverside Reads event exploring what it means to resettle and build a sense of belonging in a new community. The Cellar Door Bookstore generously provided the space, creating a welcoming setting for these vital conversations.

Moderated by HMI founder Dr. Selin Nielsen, the panel featured community liaisons Friba Dawar and Anastasiia Krylova, who shared their personal experiences of leaving familiar lives behind, navigating new systems, languages, and cultures, and rebuilding their futures in the United States. Their stories offered an honest and powerful reflection of the systemic challenges and profound resilience that many refugees and immigrants experience.

The evening also included an interactive empathy activity led by Matthew Silguero, HMI’s Case Manager and RCP Career Navigator. The exercise invited participants to step into the difficult decisions refugees and immigrants must face when fleeing war, persecution, or crisis, offering attendees a deeper understanding of the realities behind displacement and resettlement.

HMI’s Pinwheel Program Excursion

At HMI, we aim to go beyond the classroom by connecting students to their wider environment through enrichment experiences like our Pinwheel program. Our recent excursion to Laguna Beach in May provided a meaningful opportunity for students to explore, ask questions, and learn through direct engagement with the world around them.

Shaw’s Cove offered a beautiful coastal setting where students learned directly from a marine biologist and local beach lifeguards about regional marine ecosystems. They explored tide pools, identified local species, and discovered how to safely interact with the delicate environment. Younger students enjoyed building sandcastles and playing along the shore, while older students explored the deeper tide pools with staff support. Throughout the day, students demonstrated curiosity, confidence, and excitement as they engaged in hands-on learning.

Families also took part in a beach cleanup activity, reinforcing the importance of stewardship, caring for shared spaces, and giving back to the host community. During this excursion, 17 students from 10 families participated alongside HMI staff and volunteers, creating a day centered on discovery, connection, and belonging.

Looking Ahead

These are just a few of the many valuable events we have executed over the previous months. HMI remains highly committed to our ongoing work supporting refugees across the Inland Empire. This vital work would not be possible without our dedicated staff, community partners, passionate supporters, and donors. We are eternally grateful. 

Please consider supporting our work to help us make an even greater impact for newcomer families in our community.