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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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Resources for Election Day, Tuesday, November 5th
ONA encourages all eligible citizens to exercise their right to vote and make their voices heard. To help you navigate the voting process, we recommend these comprehensive resources: the Virginia Voter's Rights Guide in English / Spanish and the Virginia State Voting Guide in Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese and, Arabic. We urge you to not only register and vote yourself, but also to inspire others in your community to participate in the electoral process. As new Americans, your perspective is invaluable in creating a more inclusive and representative democracy.
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The Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center (VALRC) offers a set of Election 2024 Educational Resources for adult education instructors. These materials include Virginia-specific resources such as the Virginia Department of Elections' Voter Pocket Guide and the League of Women Voters of Virginia's "How to Be a Virginia Voter" guide, which is available in multiple languages. Additionally, The Civics Instruction page provides an explanation of civics instruction in adult education and further resources for educators. These tools aim to empower educators to integrate election-related content into their classrooms, fostering civic engagement and critical thinking among adult learners.
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Assistance for Southwest VA Residents
The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) has announced assistance for residents in Southwest Virginia through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) following recent disasters affected by Hurricane Helene. This support is available to individuals in affected areas in the City of Galax and Giles, Grayson, Montgomery, Pulaski, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, and Wythe counties. Visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/, download the FEMA app or call helpline at 1-800-621-3362 receive assistance in Spanish and other available languages. Submit damage self- assessments HERE and select emergency 2024-09-Tropical Weather.
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SAVE THE DATE for December 5th
The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and the Office of New Americans are pleased to invite you to the Annual Regional Mental Health Conference on Trauma-Informed Care and Prevention for Refugee and Immigrants, scheduled for December 5th, 2024, in Richmond, VA. This important event brings together health and mental health professionals, resettlement agencies, community leaders, school staff, interpreters, community health workers, community organizations and advocates to address the unique mental health needs of refugee and immigrant populations. The conference will feature expert speakers, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities to enhance our understanding and improve support services. Registration is now open - mark your calendars and register today!
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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 | |
U.S. Extends Temporary Immigration Protections to Lebanese Nationals
The Department of Homeland Security has announced new temporary immigration protections for eligible Lebanese nationals in the United States. These include an 18-month Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED), allowing qualified individuals to remain in the U.S. and apply for work authorization. Approximately 11,000 Lebanese nationals may be eligible for these protections, with an additional 1,740 Lebanese students on F-1 visas potentially qualifying for Special Student Relief. These measures come in response to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary conditions in Lebanon. More info USCIS TPS Information and USCIS DEP Information.
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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) News
Beginning November 1, 2024, all local departments of social services will require a face-to-face or phone interview after you apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Be sure to check out the SNAP Interviews page for helpful tips on how to prepare for the interview. Learn more HERE.
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VIRTUAL TRAININGS
& WEBINARS
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How to Prevent Pesticide Poisoning in Farmworkers: Three-Part Webinar Series
Migrant Clinicians Network
Nov 7 and Dec 5, 1PM
*Webinars in English with simultaneous Spanish interpretation
Your Students Are Multilingual -
So Are Scammers
FTC and DC Public Library
Nov 8, 2PM-3PM
Cultural Humility
ADAMHS
Nov 8, 10AM
Counselling Muslim Clients
Two-Part Series on Supporting Muslim Clients with REACH
Nov 13, 12PM-2:30PM
Bridging the Gap: Strategies and Insights for the Career Advancement of Internationally Educated Newcomers
Switchboard
Nov 13, 2PM
Cultural Awareness Training
Plymouth Hope
Nov 15, 8:30AM
Racist Intent: Understanding the US Immigration System
Health Human Rights Initiative
Nov 18, 12PM
Promoting Immigrant Student Mental Health and Wellbeing
The Immigrant Learning Center
Nov 19, 4PM
Entre colegas...(Effective and culturally informed practices with Latine populations)
Hispanic/Latino Behavioral Health
Nov 20, 1PM
Best Practices in Interpretation Services for Latine Communities in Need of Behavioral Health Services
Hispanic/Latino Behavioral Health
Nov 21, 11:30AM
Improving Inclusion in School-practitioners and leaders
The Rise Partnerships
Nov 28, 11AM
Libraries Helping Refugees and New Immigrants Learn the US Financial System
WebJunction
Recorded Webinar
Rural Health Webinar Series
Network of the National Library of Medicine
November, dates/times vary
*Webinars are free. To register, open an account on the website.
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Hamkae Center's promotes civic engagement among Asian Americans and marginalized communities in Virginia. Their initiatives include multilingual voter education and mobilization through canvassing, phone banking, and texting, providing non-partisan information in English, Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Urdu. As the 2024 elections approach, Hamkae Center advocates for expanded voting access and opposes restrictive laws. We encourage you to visit their website at hamkaecenter.org/voting for more information and to explore volunteer opportunities to help amplify our communities' voices in the democratic process.
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The Goodwin Living Citizenship Program, launched in 2018, aids immigrant team members seeking U.S. citizenship by covering application fees (up to $725) and providing exam tutoring. It also offers grants for two immediate family members of employees. So far, over 200 individuals and families have benefited, fostering community and addressing staffing needs in senior living and healthcare. Community partners are encouraged to explore similar initiatives. For details, visit Goodwin Living's website or download their Citizenship Program Playbook.
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En-Vision America provides free label translation services through its Script Ability program, offering multilingual prescription labels in 25 languages, including Braille, Large Print, and Talking Labels. This initiative ensures that vital medication information is accessible to non-native English speakers and individuals with visual impairments. Local pharmacies and healthcare providers can enhance patient care for diverse communities by utilizing these resources. For more information, community partners can visit En-Vision America's website or contact their office.
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Mental Health America's 2024 Supporting Young Minds Guides aim to empower parents, caregivers, and teachers to create nonjudgmental environments for youth. These resources include tips for facilitating conversations, validating feelings, and promoting peer support. They also offer tools for young people to support each other and set goals. The guides are available for download in English and Spanish.
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If you are Salvadoran in Virginia, apply for the scholarship selection process offered by Atlas Technological Institute.
Trainings Areas: Air Conditioning and Electricity.
You can apply starting on Nov 1st, 2024. For more information, call 571-245-0571.
See Spanish information and requirements.
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA
Free In-Person Nursing and Skills Classes! Church Hosted Transportation available
Little Falls Presbyterian Church
Nov 3, 10AM
200 Lafayette Boulevard Fredericksburg, VA
STOP THE BLEED (Free) Training Class
Sentara Health
Nov 14, 6PM
Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center Hylton Education Center (Visitor’s Entrance)
2300 Opitz Boulevard Woodbridge, VA
*All classes are free and open to the public
SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA
Roanoke Higher Education Center Open House
Roanoke Higher Education Center
Nov 7, 4PM-6PM
108 North Jefferson Street Roanoke, VA
Registration is REQUIRED
2024 SWVA Internship Summit
UVAwise & VTOP
Nov 11 and Nov 12
One Heartwood Circle, Abingdon, VA
The event is FREE & registration is REQUIRED
*Open to employers, students, educational institutions and organizations.
Community Connect: Volunteer Coordinators Forum
Salvation Army
Nov 15, 11AM-12:30PM
2215 Park Avenue Lynchburg, VA
Free Ocular Screening
The Health Wagon
Nov 14, 9:30AM-2PM
5626 Patriot Dr, Wise, VA 24293
Walks-in Welcome
EASTERN SHORE
7th Annual Healthy Hearts and Healthy Minds: One Beat at a Time
Tau Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc.
Nov 2, 10AM-2PM
Y H Thomas Community Center
1300 Thomas Street Hampton, VA
Blended Adult Mental Health First Aid
Behavioral Health, Wellness & Prevention Services
Nov 15, 11AM-4:30PM
258 N Witchduck Rd, Suite 2C, Virginia Beach.
Community Health Fair
You need to know Ministries
Nov 16, 11AM - 2PM
1300 Centre Avenue Portsmouth, VA
Curso Primeros Auxilios de
Salud Mental de Adultos
CBS Hampton - Newport News
Nov 16, 8:30AM-4:30PM
300 Medical Drive Hampton
Registrarse
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CENTRAL VIRGINIA
Community Health and Wellness Fair
Radio One Richmond & Massey VCU
Nov 2, 11AM-3PM
Victory Theater & Event Center
7903 Midlothian Turnpike Richmond, VA
Richmond Police Department Places of Worship Safety and Awareness Forum
City of Richmond Police Depart.
Nov 2, 9AM-4PM
Richmond Police Training Academy
1202 W Graham Rd Richmond
4th Annual P.O.W.E.R. Business Opportunities Forum
Richmond International Airport
Nov 13, 9AM-2PM
Greater Richmond Convention Center
403 North 3rd Street Richmond
Civic Action Conversation: Confronting the Childcare Crisis in RVA
Community Foundation
Nov 13, 6PM-7:30PM
211 Richmond Way Richmond
Primero Auxilios en Salud Mental (en español)
CapazIT
Nov 16, 9AM-5PM
Woodland Heights Baptist Church
611 West 31st St, Richmond, VA
Housing Conditions Clinic
Legal Aid Justice Center
2nd Tuesday of the Month, 1PM-4PM
1200 West Washington St, Petersburg
Expungement Clinic
Come to the clinic to get eligible charges off your record to ease these obstacles.
Legal Aid Justice Center and other partners
Nov 22, 11AM-4PM
Richmond Public Library
101 E Franklin St, Richmond, VA
*Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.
Latino Hub (Community Services by appointment only)
Latinos in Virginia Empowerment Center
9513 Hull Street Rd, Suite B, N Chesterfield
See November dates for services.
TANF, Medicaid, SNAP, Community Tax Law Project and more. Call for appointment 804 -658-3341.
Bilingual Conversations meetups
OIRE Office of Immigrant and Refugee Engagement
Every Friday, 11:30AM-12:30PM
(Except Holidays)
Southside Community Services Center
4100 Hull Street Rd.
Free and open to the public. This event is appropriate for those with conversational levels of Spanish and English. Questions? Contact brandie.cartier1@rva.gov
Promotoras Transformando Familias y Comunidades Capacitación
Vision y Compromiso & VACHWA
Sábados y Domingos 9-10, 16-17, 23-24 de Noviembre del 2024 de 9AM a 5PM.
Richmond.
Se proveerá desayuno ligero, almuerzo y snacks.
Para más información y registrarse, comuníquese con Luis Lagos al correo luis@visionycompromiso.org
El entrenamiento es totalmente gratuito.
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