In January, MIRA will be hosting two important "Know Your Rights" virtual trainings. These sessions will cover crucial topics such as rights during interactions with immigration enforcement, family preparedness, public charge, where to obtain legal assistance, and information on notario fraud and immigration scams. It's important to note that regardless of your immigration status - whether you're a U.S. citizen, green card holder, student visa holder, or undocumented - you have legal rights. For more information about the upcoming virtual trainings and educational materials in different languages HERE.

The Religious Immigration Services (RIS) team has recently shared a valuable resource for religious workers and organizations navigating the complex landscape of immigration processes. Recognizing the challenges of managing multiple resources, deadlines, and paperwork, RIS has compiled a comprehensive list of essential tools. This curated collection aims to simplify the immigration journey for religious workers, ensuring they have easy access to crucial information needed to maintain their status and fulfill their missions in the United States. Religious organizations and foreign nationals can now find a centralized hub of resources to stay informed and compliant throughout their immigration process. For more information HERE.

Commonwealth Catholic Charities is hosting two Youth Listening Sessions on January 9th and February 6th from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. These sessions are 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. Youth should fill out the form even if they cannot make it, as the organizers will follow up about other opportunities to participate.

Find flyers HERE.

CORE has developed new resources to help providers introduce the topic of mental wellness in a culturally sensitive manner. Newcomers and providers can access PDF fact sheets and videos on emotional wellness, mental health in the U.S., and managing stress. All resources are available in ten different languages. For more mental health resources for Afghans, review NRC-RIM's Mental Health Toolkit.

ALMA (Alliance for Latino Youth Mental Health and Advocacy) is seeking Latino/Hispanic parents and caregivers to join their Parent Council in Richmond. Participants will have the opportunity to share and express their interests and concerns about Latino youth mental health in the Richmond area. A compensation of $50 will be provided for each meeting attended. Interested individuals should complete the form available via the QR code in the flyer. For more information, please contact Lorena Suarez at 804-218-4915 or suarezcabrd@vcu.edu. Spanish Flyer.

The Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) has developed a range of valuable materials to empower advocates and community members in the face of immigration enforcement concerns.

These resources are designed to educate individuals about their rights and provide practical strategies for protection. The ILRC aims to combat fear and panic within immigrant communities, fostering a more informed and resilient population. These educational materials serve as essential tools for community organizers, legal professionals, and individuals alike, helping to ensure that immigrants are aware of their rights and prepared to navigate challenging situations.

For more info check Know your rights Toolkit. See the ILRC’s Immigration Preparedness Toolkit available in English and Spanish.

Join Switchboard's free online certificate course Trauma-Informed Supervision of Refugee Service Providers which will meet in four 90-minute sessions every Thursday from January 23 to February 13, 2025. Application due January 9, 2025.