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VDSS Office of New Americans
R E F U G E E_A N D_I M M I G R A N T_S E R V I C E S
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Renew Your DACA in 2025: Stay Informed and Prepared
As we enter 2025, DACA recipients should prioritize timely renewals. Informed Immigrant offers a comprehensive online guide for DACA renewals, available HERE. The website provides step-by-step instructions, from creating a USCIS account to submitting your application. Key points include filing 4-5 months before expiration, using the latest forms, and preparing for fee increases. The site also offers valuable resources on legal challenges, fee assistance, and avoiding immigration fraud. Additionally, access "Find Your Help: Use the DACA Resource Finder" to get specialized assistance and information in your location. With DACA's future uncertain, early renewal within the recommended timeframe is crucial to maintain your status and work authorization. All information is available in Spanish on the website.
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Adelante Scholarship: Empowering Latino/x Students in VA
VALHEN is proud to announce the 2025 Adelante Scholarship, an incredible opportunity for Latino/x high school seniors and undergraduate students across Virginia. Applications open January 5, 2025, and close February 28, 2025. This scholarship supports students of Latino/x or Hispanic heritage pursuing higher education in Virginia, with awards ranging from one to four years. Eligible students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA, demonstrate leadership, and be enrolled or accepted to a Virginia college or university. Undocumented and DACA students are strongly encouraged to apply. Visit VALHEN's website for full details and application instructions.
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Preparing Virginia Immigrant Families for Tax Season
As tax season approaches, it's crucial for immigrant families to prepare for filing their taxes. Filing taxes is complex, and immigrants and individuals with limited English proficiency face additional barriers to understanding the U.S. tax system, complying with filing requirements, or claiming credits they are entitled to. Taxes are an important consideration for anyone who works in the U.S., including immigrants, regardless of their immigration status. To assist in this process, the Office of New Americans (ONA) Immigrant services has compiled a comprehensive guide with important resources to help families start preparing for tax season.
This guide, available in both English and Spanish.
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Refugee + Immigrant Volunteer Summit (RAIVS)
ReEstablish Richmond invites community members to the upcoming Refugee + Immigrant Volunteer Summit (RAIVS), a two-day event on February 22-23, Richmond. These gathering aims to educate, empower, and connect volunteers supporting refugees and immigrants in Richmond. Through professional development, training, and networking opportunities, RAIVS seeks to strengthen allyship and create a more welcoming environment for newcomers. Both experienced and new volunteers are encouraged to participate in this impactful event that promises to enhance skills and foster a more inclusive community. For more information visit event website HERE.
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Promoting your organization's services, educational webinars, or community events? We would love to help spread the word! Please reach out to liliana.penalver@dss.virginia.gov to share your initiatives and ensure that Virginians have access to valuable resources and events. Together, we can enhance awareness of resources and strengthen support for New Americans in Virginia! | | |
Federal, State, and Local News | |
Federal REAL ID Enforcement Deadline Extended to May 7, 2025
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles announced that the federal REAL ID enforcement deadline has been extended to May 7, 2025. Starting on this date, every air traveler 18+ years of age will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, state-issued enhanced driver's license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States. If you don't have a U.S. passport, you will need to get a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card to board domestic flights and enter certain federal facilities. You can obtain a REAL ID at a local DMV office for a $10 fee or apply online. See HERE for more information.
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Migration Health Initiative Afghan Health Micro Grants
The Migration Health Initiative (MHI) is providing $5,000 grants to organizations interested in using NRC-RIM resources that support the health needs of Afghan new arrivals. Grants are available to cover staff time and printing costs to implement the following:
Funds may only be used for one of the above NRC-RIM resources. Interested organizations should complete this form by Feb. 21, 2025. Selected organizations will be notified by March 5th and will be invited to participate in a 30-minute interview to learn how the resources impacted the community served and how the resources can be improved.
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IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL TRAININGS / WORKSHOPS | |
Updates for Welcomers: What's next for Humanitarian Parole Sponsorship & Actions to Take
WelcomeUS
On Demand - Virtual
Train the Trainer: Building Trauma-Informed Coaches & Educators
Upower Team
Feb 3, 6:30 PM - Virtual
Financial Literacy Across the Adult Education Spectrum
Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center
Feb 3, 3 PM - Virtual
Introduction to Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care
Greater Richmond SCAN
Feb 4, 1:00 PM - Virtual
Conozca sus Derechos
Foro Comunitario
OIRE
Feb 5, 6 PM
Richmond - In-person
2025 Annual Asylum and Immigration Conference
Immigrant ARC
Feb 6, 1 PM - Virtual
Employee Rights
USCIS
Feb 6, 2 PM - Virtual
*Useful for workers, worker advocates, job seekers, employers, and HR professionals
Join 211 Virginia Week
Counsil of Community Services
Virtual
Feb 10, 11:00 AM - State of 211 Virginia
Feb 11, 11:00 AM - Website Lunch Party
Feb 12, 11:00 AM - Decoding the Directory
Feb 13, 2:11 PM - Data Detectives
Feb 14, 11:00 AM - Celebrating Our Partners in Problem-Solving
Teen Economic Abuse: How School-Based Health Center Providers Can Support Students
School-Based Health Alliance
Feb 11, 2 PM - Virtual
Supporting Refugees with English Language Learning and Career Pathways
Switchboard
Feb 12, 1 PM - Virtual
Community Trauma Basics Level 1 Training
Roanoke Valley TH Community network
Feb 12, 12 PM - Virtual
*Organizations can request a Trauma Basics 1.0 or 2.0 course for their staff.
Youth Mental Health First Aid Workshop
Virginia Home for Boys and Girls
Feb 14, 8:30 AM to 5 PM
Henrico, VA - In-person
Trauma-Informed Technique Tuesday: Brief Introduction to Internal Family Systems
Greater Richmond SCAN
Feb 18, 12:00 PM - Virtual
Rompiendo el Silencio
LVEC
Feb 18, 6 PM - Virtual
*Grupo de apoyo en español, sesiones virtuales.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Training - Trauma and Resilience
Eastern Shore CSB - Prevention
Feb 19, 9 AM - In person
Positive approach to Care
SVLAS
Feb 20th, 10 AM - Virtual
*Focus on elder population
Expanding and Supporting the Oral Health Workforce for Displaced Communities
Asylum Medicine Training Initiative
Feb 24, 12 PM - Virtual
Virginia 6th Annual Dual Language Immersion Day
Virginia Dual Education Network
Feb 22, 9AM to 3:30 PM - Midlothian, VA- Free- In person
Workers Granted Asylum and Refugee Status
Department of Justice
March 12, 1 PM - Virtual
*Training on anti-discrimination protections for workers granted asylum, refugee status, humanitarian parole, and Special Immigrant Visas.
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The Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center (VALRC) offers a powerful search tool designed to support newly arrived refugees, immigrants, and new Americans. This resource connects users with English language learning opportunities through federally-funded programs, community organizations, and educational materials. It also helps locate additional services crucial for immigrant and refugee populations.
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The Legal Aid Justice Center's "Rapid Response Toolkit" is a comprehensive resource designed to help immigrants prepare for potential immigration emergencies. This toolkit offers practical tools, information, and videos to empower and protect immigrant communities. It includes an emergency planning guide, a form for appointing a standby guardian, and a limited power of attorney document. The toolkit also provides guidance on understanding legal rights during encounters with immigration authorities and steps to take in case of detention. Additionally, it features "Know Your Rights - Preparing for 2025" videos in both English and Spanish. All these resources are available in Spanish and English on the website.
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Commonwealth Catholic Charities is hosting the second Youth Listening Sessions on February 6th from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. The session is specifically for youth aged 18-24 with lived experience of homelessness and/or housing instability. Their goal is to capture the youth voice related to their expertise and experience and then incorporate it into their local homeless services system. Youth will be PAID for participating. Youth can RSVP to attend HERE. Find flyers HERE.
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USCRI's Know Your Rights and Safety Planning guides are invaluable resources for immigrants, refugees, and non-U.S. citizens navigating their legal rights in the United States. This comprehensive resource emphasizes that all individuals, regardless of immigration status, are protected by constitutional rights. Whether your client is a survivor of human trafficking, an asylum seeker, a parolee, or any non-U.S. citizen, this guide provides essential information to help them understand and assert their rights in different situations. The Know your Rights and Safety planning guides are available in English, Haitian Creole and Spanish. Both available in wallet size.
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The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) offers valuable support to help households reduce energy consumption and improve living conditions. This program focuses on implementing cost-effective energy-saving measures, which not only lower utility bills but also enhance resident health and safety. WAP services typically include sealing air leaks, adding insulation, and repairing heating and cooling systems. To learn more about the specific services offered, visit the program's information page. You can find a local WAP provider using their online tool, and check if you meet the income eligibility requirements through their income limits guide.
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The Free to Learn initiative by the U.S. Department of Education offers valuable resources for creating safe, inclusive educational environments. It provides tools to address bullying, promote mental health, and foster diversity in schools. The initiative includes tailored resources for specific student populations, such as Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian, LGBTQI+, Black Diaspora, and Hispanic/Latino students. These materials help educators better support diverse student needs, ensuring all learners feel valued and can thrive academically and socially.
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The National Immigration Law Center remains a vital source of information and support for immigrants and their advocates. Recent updates include essential fact sheets and "Know Your Rights" guides that address the expansion of expedited removal, workplace immigration enforcement, healthcare access for immigrants, and the rights of healthcare providers in the context of immigration enforcement. For the latest information and additional resources, please visit the National Immigration Resource Center's website.
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Immigration Rapid Response Hotline Virginia Network offers support during ICE enforcement actions and if you have particular concerns about safety. Only use in urgent situations encountering ICE like raids and home arrest, please call (855) AYU-DAR1 - 855-298-3271. This line doesn't provide legal advice. Download Immigration Rapid Response Hotline Virginia Network Yellow Cards in Spanish and English for quick reference.
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA
NOVA Kids Camp Fair
Babycito
Vienna Volunteer Fire Department
400 Center Street South Vienna
February 8, 10 AM to 1 PM
Fair Oaks Mall Lunar New Year Celebration
HHCC
Fairfax County, Fair Oaks Mall
Feb 8 and 9, 1 PM to 5 PM
Advocating for Change Through Resilience
ReelAbilities Film Festival
Northern Virginia Community College - Alexandria Campus
5000 Dawes Avenue Alexandria
February 18, 2PM to4 PM
PWCAC DST 4th ANNUAL HBCU COLLEGE FAIR
Prince William County Public Schools - Edward L. Kelly Leadership Center
14715 Bristow Road Manassas
Feb 22, 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM
COASTAL VA (EASTERN SHORE & HAMPTON ROAD & VA BEACH
Feria de Salud / Health Fair
EVMS, Sentara & Lions Club
5150 Beamon Rd. Norfolk, VA
Feb 1, 9 AM to 1 PM
*More information and mammograms appointments
call Keren Tjaras 757-382-1706 or Angie Ramos 757 685-7571
WBCU Passion for Prevention Health Fair
Sentara
Ebenezer Baptist Church
955 Baker Rd, Virginia Beach
Feb 1, 10 AM to 2 PM
Health and Wellness Fair: Strengthening the Health of the Community
Sentara
3927 Bridge Road Suffolk
Feb 2, 3 PM to 6 PM
Community Resource Refresh Forum
York/Poquoson Department of Social Services
159 Goodwin Neck Rd
Community Room Yorktown, VA
February 12, 1 to 4 PM
Sixth Mount Zion Vaccine & Enrollment Clinic
Enroll VA
3100 Butternut Drive, Hampton, VA
Feb 7 and 21, 10 AM - 1 PM
Chinese New Year Celebration
Organization of Chinese Americans & Virginia Chinese Teaching and Learning Center
1668 Kempsville Road Virginia Beach, VA
Feb 8, 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Clinica Comunitaria Esperanza
Easter Virginia Medical School
830 Southampton Ave, Norfolk, VA
*Free clinic run by EVMS students and physicians. Provides medical care to low-income and uninsured families in the Hispanic community. Call to make an appointment 757 -403-2474. Se habla español.
Consulado Móvil de El Salvador para Emisión de Pasaportes
1317 E Little Creek rd., Norfolk
Feb 22, 8 AM to 3 PM
*Primera vez, Renovación y Reposición. No se necesita cita. Llame para más información al 503-7070-1071
Health & Wellness Empowerment Fair
Virginia Pathways to Justice
636 High Street Portsmouth, VA
Feb 22, 12 PM to 3 PM
SHENANDOAH VALLEY
Jornada de Salud Gratuita para chequeo de Vista y Audicion
Sin Barreras Waynesboro & Partners
1801 Monroe Street, Waynesboro, VA
February 1, 11 AM to 4 PM
*Se requiere cita previa, llamar 540-492-5008
Building Connection Community Agency Fair
Harrisonburg Public Schools
JMU Festival Center, Harrisonburg
Feb 6, 6 PM to 8:30 PM
2025 Life After High School Transition Conference & Resource Fair
Piedmont Regional Educational program
Piedmont Virginia Community College Bolick Student Center- 501 College Dr, Charlottesville
March 22, 8:30 AM to 1:15 PM
*Please join us as a presenter, exhibitor, or both!
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CENTRAL VIRGINIA
Community Resource Fair
Waymakers foundation
Beulah Recreation Center
6901 Hopkins Road Ampthill, VA
February 4, 12 PM to 2 PM
*Food assistance, health services, educational resources, job opportunities, legal Help, Tax assistance, domestic violence services, banking information.
Niños de Camino Brillante
Support group for kids 8-13 years old
Latinos in Virginia Empowerment Center
9513 Hull Street Rd, Suite B, N Chesterfield
Feb 4 ,11 ,18 and 25 (4 sessions)
5 PM to 6:30 PM
*For more information and registration call 804 -658-3341
Sentara Mobile Clinic
Sentara & Optima Health & Virginia Premier
The Hope Center
827 Commerce Street, Peterburg
Every Thursday, 10 AM to 1 PM
*Medicaid and Uninsured community member are welcome!
Molina Healthcare's Diabetes Clinic
Peterburg Resource Center
510 Sycamore St
Feb 11, 11 AM to 3 PM
*This is an ongoing clinic held on the second Tuesday of every month.
ERSSE School Education Literacy Symposium and Book Fair
L. Douglas Wilder Library & Learning Resource Center
1500 North Lombardy Street Richmond
Feb 22, 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Latino Hub (Community Services by appointment only)
Latinos in Virginia Empowerment Center
9513 Hull Street Rd, Suite B, N Chesterfield
TANF, Medicaid, SNAP, Community Tax Law Project and more. Call for appointment 804 -658-3341.
See dates February Calendar
Job Fair Capital Region
Virginia Career Works
304 Turner Road North, Chesterfield
Feb 20, 10 AM to 2 PM
*Flyers Spanish and English
Richmond Climate Funding Convening: Navigating Climate Funding in the Dark
Richmond City Office of Suitability
SHIFT Retail Lab
1235 West Broad Street Richmond
Feb 22, 4 PM to 7:00 PM
*Topics: Grant writing tips, collaborate and network with city staff and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) across Richmond.
Rise Against Hunger
St. Ann Catholic Church
105 S. Snead Street, Ashland
Feb 22, 8: 30 AM
Impuestos 2025 / Tax Season
Sacred Heart & United Way & PCLI
1400 Perry St, Richmond VA
From January 27 to April 9
*BY APPOINTMENT ONLY! FREE tax preparation for the years 2022, 2023 and 2024, ITIN/Tax ID applications-new and renewals-Tax legal matters consultations. These services are in Spanish. Services also available in Portuguese and sign language.
SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA
Lunar New Year Celebration
Local Colors
Taubman Museum of Art
110 Salem Avenue Southeast, Roanoke
February 1, 12:00 PM 2:00 PM
Wise County Diaper Distribution Sign Up Opportunity
Appalachian Community Action & development agency Inc.
401 Kilbourne Avenue Appalachian
Feb 11, 11:00 AM
Scott County Diaper Distribution Sign Up Opportunity
Appalachian Community Action & development agency Inc.
5532 Veterans Memorial Highway Gate City
Feb 17, 9:00 AM
Lee County Diaper Distribution Sign Up Opportunity
Appalachian Community Action & development agency Inc.
28970 Daniel Boone Trail Jonesville, VA
Feb 25, 10 AM
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