Governor Newsom Budget Proposal Includes Important Changes for Refugees and Immigrants

February News

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Governor Newsom budget proposal includes important changes for refugees and immigrants

Last month, Governor Newsom released his budget proposal for 2022-2023.The California Blueprint includes a number of important changes for immigrants and refugees resettling in California, such as:

a historic expansion of Medi-Cal coverage to all Californians regardless of immigration status (not just emergency Medi-Cal) that could potentially cover an additional 765,000 people;

the expansion of CalFresh food assistance to income-eligible undocumented Californians over 55 years old;

and, new investments in immigrant-owned businesses and workers.

Continued advocacy by all Californians will be required to ensure that these important pieces remain in the final budget in June, but this is a very positive start for the communities served by Opening Doors.

View the proposed budget in its entirety here.

Womens' Wellness classes empower Afghan women through education and peer support

Opening Doors' Afghan Womens' Wellness Program just wrapped up its fourth cohort, supporting 19 Afghan women in their transition to living in the U.S.

These 12-week sessions promote mental and physical wellness for Afghan women by building a community of support for women at risk of mental illness and covering adjacent topics such as navigating the healthcare system, family planning, emergency preparedness, mental health, culture shock and gender roles, family conduct, child discipline, affordable housing, budget and finances, transportation, and finding employment.

The program's fifth cohort begins this week, but interested participants are welcome to enroll at any time. For more information about the program, please contact Health Programs Manager, Hiba Hummadi.

From Fall 2021 attendees:

"I learned that I am able to do anything I put my mind to. Learning the difference between our cultures has helped me understand how I can combine both of them to feel more at home."

“I have learned about public transportation, making appointments, and how to keep my personal information safe."

“I believe every refugee woman needs to take these classes. I am referring everyone I know. My sister is going to come in the next few weeks and she’ll be joining this program too."

"I liked every topic that we talked about and I felt empowered after taking these classes. We were taught to be independent and that we can achieve anything that we want to in our life.”

Gaining the knowledge and resources needed to begin a professional career in a new community

Opening Doors is proud to continue its partnership with Los Rios Community College District and the Refugee Career Pathways program.

The program helps to enable refugees to achieve self-sufficiency by obtaining the necessary credentials, education, experience, and job skills to secure employment in professional and/or skilled career fields.

To learn more about the Refugee Career Pathways, please visit www.losrios.edu/refugees or contact Program Director, Lien Lam to refer an individual to the program.

Social Media Spotlight:

First Partner Jennifer Newsom and family visits with newly arrived refugee family

Follow us on social media for program updates, news, and ways to support newcomers in our community, follow us on social media.

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