|
|
|
VDSS Office of New Americans
REFUGEE AND IMMIGRANT SERVICES
|
|
|
Office of New Americans Celebrates Immigrant Women
On International Women’s Day and throughout Women’s History Month, the Office of New Americans honors the resilience, strength, and leadership of immigrant and refugee women in Virginia’s communities. These women overcome significant challenges to rebuild their lives, support their families, and enrich our shared humanity. To learn more and get involved, explore the International Women’s Day website for free resources, toolkits, and events, and the American Immigration Council’s “Snapshot of Immigrant Women in the United States” fact sheet for key insights into their nationwide contributions.
| | |
Save the Date: Annual Richmond Mental Health Conference
The Office of New Americans (ONA) and the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) warmly invite you to register for the Annual Richmond Mental Health Conference in person on April 24, 2026. This inspiring gathering will be a space for hope, healing, and connection, bringing together providers, community leaders, and advocates to uplift the mental health and well-being of refugees and immigrant communities. We encourage you to secure your spot and join us; full conference details, including sessions and featured speakers, will be available after registration.
| |
2026 Joint Mental Health Summit
Elevate & Empower: Bridging the Gap in Women’s Mental Health
Join us on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 (8:30 a.m.– 3:45 p.m.) in Norfolk, VA, or virtually via Zoom for a conference on women’s mental and behavioral health. Learn about gender-specific challenges, systemic barriers, and proven strategies to support women’s wellness and access to care. Registration. For more information check available flyer.
| |
The Impact of Homelessness on Our Youth
Join the Positive Parenting Coalition of Chesterfield and Colonial Heights for a powerful half-day learning session focused on the realities facing children and youth experiencing homelessness. This is a free, in-person session on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Beulah Recreation Center in Meadowbrook, VA. It will bring together local and state experts to discuss how housing instability affects children’s education, mental health, and well-being, and to share strategies and resources for schools and community partners supporting impacted youth. Registration here.
| |
Commonwealth Crossroads: A Celebration of Virginia's Immigrant Traditions
Join the Virginia Museum of History & Culture and the Center for Cultural Vibrancy for Commonwealth Crossroads: A Celebration of Virginia’s Immigrant Traditions, a special evening highlighting the richness of artistic traditions brought to Virginia by recent immigrants and refugees on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Experience music, dance, food, visual arts, and ceremonies by master artists with roots in places like Mongolia, Ethiopia, Vietnam, Bolivia, Guatemala, and Cambodia, traditions that have been nurtured over centuries and are now thriving across the Commonwealth. This showcase complements VMHC’s new exhibition, We the People: The World in Our Commonwealth, which explores the history and stories of immigration in Virginia from the nation’s founding to today. For more information here. Event contact, Ellie Musgrave, musgraveec@vcu.edu
| |
2026 Northern Virginia Public Health Conference
Join Mason and Partners (MAP) Clinics and Empowerment Communities for the annual Northern Virginia Public Health Conference on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the Potomac Science Center, 650 Mason Ferry Avenue, Woodbridge, VA. This year’s theme, “From Barriers to Bridges: Integrated Workforce, Community, and Clinical Care for Underserved Populations,” focuses on strengthening connections to improve community health. See available flyer here and registration link here.
| | 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 | | |
1. Immigration Policy changes:
-
Current Immigration policy changes here (USAHello)
-
Recent Policy News, please see here (Welcome.US)
2. TPS and humanitarian protections:
-
TPS updates, please see here (ASAP)
3. Public benefits and refugee services:
-
Immigrant public benefits and refugee services here (USAHello)
4. Public charge and health care policy:
5.Protecting immigrant taxpayer information:
| | | Opportunities & Highlights | | |
Virginia LULAC statewide Virtual Meeting
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) of Virginia will host its Statewide Virtual Meeting on Thursday, March 12th at 7:00 PM. The meeting will include updates on advocacy efforts, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and community programs, along with time for open discussion and member input. This gathering brings together councils, community partners, and supporters to continue strengthening and empowering Latino communities across Virginia. Register here.
| |
Virginia Progressive Leadership Program (VAPLP)
The Virginia Progressive Leadership Program is a four-month opportunity for people engaged in social change work to grow their leadership skills and connect with organizers across the state. The program runs May to August 2026, and applications are due Friday, March 13. Participation is free, with stipends and accessibility support available.
Learn more and apply here.
| |
Community Resiliency Skills Two‑Part Online Training Series
The Trauma Resource Institute is offering a special two‑part online training designed to share practical wellness skills and strengthen community resiliency during these challenging times. Normally valued at 150 dollars per person for six hours of instruction, this series is being made accessible at a significantly reduced suggested contribution of 25 dollars. The training is delivered over two sessions, Part 1 on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, and Part 2 on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, and individuals who are unable to afford the suggested options are encouraged to reach out directly to the organizers to explore additional support.
For more information and registration here.
| |
Impacto Latino Program
Virginia Hispanic Chamber is offering the Impacto Latino Program, a comprehensive online initiative designed to help entrepreneurs start, strengthen, and grow their businesses. The program provides a series of targeted virtual sessions on strategic planning, financial management, marketing, sales, and operational efficiency, giving participants practical tools they can apply right away. It also creates opportunities for networking and learning from experts who understand the needs and strengths of Latino and diverse business owners. Next session starting this month March 16th, 2026. To learn more about the Impacto Latino Program or to register, please visit here.
| |
Rapid Response Grant Opportunity
The Meyer Foundation’s Rapid Response grant cycle is now open! Rapid Response grants fund urgent and emerging needs of Meyer core grantee partners, supporting time-sensitive work in our communities. This year, grantee partners are eligible for up to two rapid response grants of up to $50,000 each to advance racial and economic justice. Find more information and apply here.
| |
Resource Highlight: The Community Tax Law Project
It’s tax season, and we would like to highlight this valuable resource this month: The Community Tax Law Project (CTLP). For more than 30 years, CTLP has been serving Virginia by providing free legal representation to low-income individuals who need assistance with tax issues involving the IRS or the Virginia Department of Taxation. Beyond resolving disputes, CTLP works to educate taxpayers about their rights and responsibilities, empowering them to navigate the tax system with confidence. The organization also advocates for policies and practices that protect and support vulnerable populations, including domestic violence survivors, farmworkers, and newcomers to the United States. For more information, please see the Spanish and English flyers.
| | | Trainings and Community Resources | | VIRTUAL TRAININGS, WORKSHOPS & WEBINARS | |
Practical Strategies for Supporting Immigrant Students with Disabilities
The Immigrant Learning Center
March 10, 4 PM - Virtual
A Review of the Changes to the Refugee System in 2025
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance & the National Immigration Forum
March 10, 6 PM - Virtual
State and Local Language Access Efforts Amid Federal Policy Shifts
Migration Policy Institute
March 11, 1:30 PM - Virtual
Empower Communities: Education & K-12 School Settings
The National Immigration Law Center NILC
March 11, 2 PM - Virtual
*This session will cover how enhanced immigration enforcement is undermining the security and safety of immigrant students and families in schools.
Legal Q&A session for social service providers working with unaccompanied children
USCRI
March 12, 2 PM - Virtual
ICE and the Educational Landscape: Trauma's Impact and Stress-Related Coping Strategies
Karen Gross
March 12, 7 PM - Virtual
*Flyer
Cultural Competence as Clinical Responsibility: Supervision for Ethical Mental Health Practice
RMTAC
March 13, 1 PM - Virtual
Bystander Intervention to Support the Immigrant Community
Right to Be (sponsored by Westminster Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville, VA)
March 15, 4 PM - Virtual
Impact of Trauma Exposure on Professionals
Greater Richmond Scan
March 19, 2 PM - Virtual
Keep Families Together! Oppose HUD’s Mixed Status Families Rule
National Housing Law Project
March 19, 1 PM - Virtual
Local Government Preparedness & Response Efforts to Increased Immigration Enforcement
Cities & Counties for Citizenship
March 24, 3 PM - Virtual
Empower Communities – Enforcement & Detention
The National Immigration Law Center NILC
March 25, 2 PM - Virtual
Entre Colegas - Dialogues between Behavioral Health Providers of Latinos
Hispanic and Latino Behavioral Health Center of Excellence
March 26, 1 PM - Virtual
On Becoming Immigrant Women in the U.S: A Strength-Based Approach to Leveraging Opportunities and Neutralizing Threats
Rockefeller Institute of Government
March 26, 2 PM - Virtual
Navigating Difficult Conversations with Clients
Switchboard
April 1, 1 PM - Virtual
| | |
American Immigration Council’s has created a practical guide "Belonging Handbook" designed to help communities foster inclusion and connection. Whether you’re just beginning your journey to build belonging or looking for fresh, innovative ideas to deepen your efforts, this handbook offers valuable lessons, tips, and practical guidance drawn from experts and peers across the country. It’s an excellent resource for anyone committed to creating spaces where everyone feels welcomed, supported, and part of the community.
| |
Welcome US has created a powerful new resource, “Understanding the Naturalization Process,” that explains that becoming a U.S. citizen is not just a single form or a simple test, but a years-long journey that requires legal status, consistency, scrutiny, and perseverance. This overview walks through what that process actually looks like, and what individuals must navigate before they ever raise their right hand and take the Oath of Allegiance, making it an excellent tool to share with community members who are considering applying for citizenship.
| |
CARE (Community Awareness, Readiness, and Education) is a Share My Lesson community space designed to support educators, union leaders, families, and community partners in times of uncertainty, including around immigration enforcement and other crises. This space offers practical tools, examples, and professional learning resources to help schools strengthen communication, deepen relationships with families, and build systems that prioritize safety, belonging, and preparedness. By joining CARE, educators can access curated materials and ideas to better support students and communities navigating fear, change, and instability.
| |
Re-Imagining Migration’s guide Beyond Protection: An Administrator’s Guide to Building Belonging in a Time of Fear is a practical resource for K–12 school and district leaders who want to move beyond crisis response and build schools where immigrant-origin students and all students truly belong. Drawing on current research and the lived realities of communities experiencing heightened immigration enforcement, the guide offers concrete frameworks, reflection questions, and action steps to strengthen safety, relationships, and schoolwide systems of belonging. This is a valuable tool to share with administrators, student services teams, and school partners working to support students and families in a time of uncertainty and fear.
| |
ProPublica launched a new tool to track the historic rise in immigration-related habeas corpus cases filed by people challenging their detention, including cases in Virginia. This interactive resource uses data from the first 13 months of the current administration and allows users to explore where cases are being filed and how trends are changing over time. To view Virginia data, you can access it here
| |
Switchboard’s resource “Supporting Newcomers Through the Tax Process” is a brief guide designed to help service providers understand the basics of U.S. tax law and tax obligations for refugee and immigrant clients. It explains how confusing and stressful yearly tax filing can be, and offers foundational information to better support newcomers as they navigate filing requirements in their new communities
| |
The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) has released a new Refugee Revetting and Adjustment of Status Interview Preparation Toolkit to help legal practitioners support clients preparing for interviews. IRAP also offers short videos in English, Swahili, and Arabic, plus flyers in English, Spanish, and Somali. All materials will soon be available on the IRAP Legal Information webpage.
| | |
|
Click on each region for a listing of cultural festivals, mobile clinics, information sessions, job fairs, networking meetings and other local events: | |
| | | The resources and organizations shared in this newsletter are provided solely for informational and educational purposes. References or links to external entities within this Newsletter do not imply the endorsement of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Social Services or the Office of New Americans. | | | | |
