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VDSS Office of New Americans
REFUGEE AND IMMIGRANT SERVICES
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Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Virginia
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich history, achievements, and contributions of Asian Pacific Americans to Virginia's past, present, and future. With over 700,000 Virginians identifying as Asian American or Pacific Islander, this vibrant community has profoundly shaped the Commonwealth's cultural, economic, and social fabric. As the largest immigrant population in Virginia, with more than 42% of immigrants coming from Asia, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have enriched the state through entrepreneurship, advancements in STEM fields, cultural preservation, and civic engagement. This month celebrates their vital role in shaping Virginia's social, cultural, and economic landscape while acknowledging the challenges they face, such as language barriers and access to affordable housing, and honoring their resilience and achievements. For more information of celebration events HERE.
Library of Congress: Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
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DMAS Virtual Forum on Language and Disability Access
We are pleased to share an invitation from the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) to their upcoming virtual forum, “Say It Simply: Ensuring Language and Disability Access Through Plain Language,” taking place on May 14, 2025, from 1 to 3 PM EST via Microsoft Teams. As the first event in DMAS’s 2025 forum series, this session aims to bring together agencies and community organizations to consult and engage on how to better understand and address the needs of individuals with limited English proficiency and people with disabilities. The forum will feature a panel discussion on the importance of plain language in improving access, and is open to the public with early registration encouraged due to limited space. Registration HERE.
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7th Annual Housing Summit: The Economics of Housing
We’re excited to share the 7th Annual Housing Summit: The Economics of Housing- Escaping the Housing Trap, hosted by the Housing Coalition of the Northern Shenandoah Valley on May 23 at Laurel Ridge Community College in Middletown, VA. Join economists, housing experts, and local officials for discussions on the housing market’s challenges, its impact on the economy, and community-driven solutions. The event wraps up with an engaging work session to share ideas. For more information and registration HERE.
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2025 Virginia Volunteerism Summit
Mark your calendars for the 2025 Virginia Volunteerism Summit, a virtual event happening on May 14-15! This year’s theme, “Empowering Service, Elevating Impact: The SERVE Framework in Action”, will guide inspiring keynotes, interactive workshops, and networking sessions designed to help individuals and organizations amplify their impact through service. Hosted by Serve Virginia, the Virginia Service Foundation, and the Virginia Department of Social Services, this event is perfect for anyone passionate about creating positive change in their communities. For more information and registration HERE.
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VA TICNS celebration "The 6th Annual Resilience Week Virginia"
The 6th Annual Resilience Week Virginia, celebrated by VA TICNS, is happening May 1-7! Explore the Resources tab on the Resilience Week website to access a flyer on the 6 principles of trauma-informed care, social media graphics for each principle, an updated reading list, and more. One highlight of the week is the GRTICN Community Resilience Committee is organizing the Community Resilience Block Party on Saturday, May 3, from 12-4 PM at Powhatan Community Center. Flyers for the event are available in English and Spanish. For more information about events and resources during the resilience week HERE.
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VA Chamber Foundation Blueprint Virginia 2035
Citizens across the Commonwealth are encouraged to join the Blueprint Virginia Regional Tour, an important chance to help shape Virginia’s economic future. These events feature insights from Cathie J. Vick, the new President and CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, and provide a platform for open discussion and policy recommendations. In addition, the Virginia Chamber Foundation has launched a statewide survey to gather input from leaders and community members, ensuring all voices are heard in shaping Virginia’s future. It’s especially important for immigrant business owners and organizations serving refugee and immigrant communities to attend and participate in the survey. Their voices and experiences are vital to ensuring that Virginia’s economic vision is inclusive and represents everyone. See below for the full schedule and registration details for each tour stop HERE
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Behavioral Health Interpreting Pathways Workshop: Free Special Opportunity for Richmond Region High School Students
Are you a bilingual high school student passionate about language and culture? Virginia Tech and DBHDS have put together two unique and fun workshop opportunities to explore exciting careers in behavioral health interpretation. Dates are Saturday, May 3rd and 17th. For more information here or contact Cecily Rodriguez at cecilyrodriguez@vt.edu
| | 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 | | |
We Want to Hear Your Story: VCU Latino Virginia Oral History Project
If your organization serves Latino/a clients or you have Latino members in your community, please help spread the word about this opportunity from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). The VCU Latino Virginia Oral History Project invites Latinos living in Virginia to share their personal stories and experiences through a one- to two-hour interview, either in person or online. Participants will receive a $50 thank-you gift for their time. This project, led by VCU professors Gabriela León-Pérez and Daniel Morales, aims to document the diverse experiences, challenges, and contributions of the Latino community in Virginia, building a public database to help foster understanding and challenge stereotypes. For more information or to schedule an interview, contact latinova@vcu.edu or call/text (804) 404-2703. Sharing this invitation can help ensure Latino voices are included in this important VCU initiative. Spanish flyer.
| | | IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL TRAININGS / WORKSHOPS/CONFERENCES | |
CARRE Training Series: Learning from Communities who have Experienced Forced Displacement
Switchboard
May 1st, 12 PM - Virtual
Resilience in Forced Migrant Services: Strengthening Workforce, Resourcing, and Service Quality in Support Programs for Resettled Individuals
Boston Children's Hospital
May 5, 1 PM, Virtual
Stop the Scam! Identifying and Avoiding Common Scams
University of Maryland
May 6 and 13, 4:30 PM- Virtual
Small Business Recovery Workshop
Henrico County EMWS
May 6, 2PM to 4 PM - In person
The Human Side of Immigration
Church of the Holy Family
May 7, 6:30 PM - In person
Virginia Beach
Free Trauma Recovery Group
Vision Hope & Healing
May 7, 7 PM - Virtual
#NotANumber - Human Trafficking Awareness Presentation
WCCAC
May 8, 7:30 PM- Virtual
The Summit: 4th Annual Sexual Health and Reproductive Education Summit
Roanoke City and Alleghany Health District
May 9, 8:30 AM to 1 PM - Roanoke - In Person
Community Trauma Basics Level 1
Roact org
May 9, 11 AM - Virtual
Palliative and End of Life Care of Immigrants and Refugees
Center of Excellence in Newcomer Health
May 12, 2 PM - Virtual
Supporting Newcomer Health Workshop: Enhancing your skills with interpreters
University of Minnesota
May 12, 6:30 PM- Virtual
Sanando y Creciendo Juntas
LVEC
May 13 to June 10, 7:30 PM - Virtual
*5 sessions, group conducted in spanish.
Introduction to Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care
Greater Richmond Scan
May 14, 2 PM - Virtual
6th National Immigration Summit
Children at Risk
May 15, 1 PM - Virtual
Health consequences of immigration detention: Neuropsychiatric sequelae
AMTI
May 19, 12 PM - Virtual
Identifying Scams and Frauds
American Heritage Credit Union
May 20, 12 PM - Virtual
Building Bridges: Connecting Communities to Support Children and Families
VCU school of education & Partners
May 20 to 22, Virtual
Impact of Trauma Exposure on Professionals
Greater Richmond Scan
May 20, 3 PM - Virtual
What are the Employment Based Green Card Options?
Scott Legal P.C.
May 20, 10 AM - Virtual
Community Conversations Vocal Virginia Southwest Virginia
Vocal Viriginia & DBHDS
May 22, 6 PM - Virtual
*Community conversations for those living with mental Health challenges in the SWVA.
Supporting Newcomer Health Workshop: Enhancing your skills with interpreters
University of Minnesota
May 22, 6:30 PM- Virtual
Tenth Annual Southwest Virginia Economic Forum
UVA Wise
May 22, 8 AM to 3 PM - Wise VA In-person
Introduction to Newcomer Health: Hospital Setting
ECHO Colorado
May 27, 11 AM - Virtual
Dealing with uncertainty and stress in challenging times
SPAN - NOVA
May 29, 6 PM- Virtual
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The Virginia Department of Social Services’ Office of Trauma and Resilience Policy has introduced an essential new resource: the Trauma-Informed and Hope-Centered Language Checklist. This tool helps organizations review the language in their policies, training materials, and communications to ensure it is inclusive, person-centered, and strengths-based.
Using trauma-informed and hope-centered language fosters trust, supports healing, and cultivates resiliency by creating safe and empowering environments for individuals who have experienced trauma. This checklist is a valuable resource for promoting meaningful and supportive communication.
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Mayo es el mes de salud Mental! We’re excited to share that Mental Health America has released its 2025 Mental Health Month Planning and Action Guides in Spanish. These free guides are a valuable resource for Spanish-speaking individuals, families, and organizations to plan effective Mental Health Month activities, promote well-being, and make a positive impact in their communities. The guides include outreach ideas, sample communications, articles, advocacy resources, social media assets, posters, handouts, and calls to action—all translated into Spanish for greater accessibility. Download your copy today and help spread mental health awareness in our community. View guides HERE
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For organizations and programs serving the Hampton community, Resources757 is a valuable tool to help connect clients with the support they need. This free, user-friendly online directory features current information on housing, food, health care, education, family support, and many other local services across the Hampton Roads area. Developed in partnership with local organizations, Resources757 makes it easier for service providers to guide clients to trusted resources and also allows agencies to share information about their own programs. The site is available in multiple languages and is updated regularly, making it a dependable resource for both families and professionals. Share Resources757 with your staff and clients to ensure everyone in our community can find the help and support they need.
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CancerLINC is a nonprofit organization serving the Greater Richmond area, dedicated to connecting cancer patients and their families with free legal, financial, and community resources to help address the non-medical challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis. Their services include assistance with legal documents for end-of-life planning, support with Social Security Disability and public benefits issues, debt management, financial planning, and connections to community resources for daily living expenses, mental health support, and more. CancerLINC’s services are always free for eligible patients, and there is no citizenship requirement to receive help. Spanish-speaking staff are available, and flyers are offered in both Spanish and English. This is a valuable resource for anyone in the Richmond area facing cancer and seeking support beyond medical care.
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If you’re looking to spark conversations about immigration, belonging, and community, the Welcoming Library: Traveling Collection from I’m Your Neighbor Books is a wonderful free resource to consider. This pop-up library features a curated set of 30 acclaimed picture books that celebrate the stories of immigrant and New Generation families, complete with thoughtful discussion questions to encourage meaningful dialogue. Available for a month-long loan to classrooms, libraries, and community groups, the collection arrives with an easy-to-assemble display and all shipping costs are covered. It’s a unique way to invite readers of all ages to “Read to Welcome. Read to Belong.” To learn more or to request the Welcoming Library for your organization, visit the I’m Your Neighbor Books website.
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Henrico County Public Schools (HCPS) and Capaz+IT are collaborating to host a series of Mental Health Awareness Sessions in Dari and Spanish, focusing on mental health and wellness for the community. Sessions will take place from May 7 to June 7, offering participants the opportunity to learn about the impact of mental health on their community, develop advocacy skills, receive a certificate of participation, and connect with others in a supportive environment. All sessions are free of charge, include lunch, and run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. See the schedule calendar for specific session dates and locations. Register HERE.
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The Virginia State Bar has created helpful guides in both English and Spanish to connect low- and modest-income Virginians with free and affordable legal services across the state. These guides explain how to access legal aid, pro bono services, lawyer referral programs, and self-help resources for a variety of civil legal issues, including housing, family law, health care, and more. Sharing these guides with your clients and community can help ensure everyone has the information they need to find trusted legal support in Virginia.
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Click on each region for a listing of cultural festivals, mobile clinics, information sessions, job fairs, and other local events: | |
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