VDSS Office of New Americans

REFUGEE AND IMMIGRANT SERVICES

 
 
 
 

Highlights

National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

Virtual Conference: 2025 Immigrant Student Success

INVITATION: Language Access in Mental Health Services across VA | Virtual Focus Group

JULY 2025 NEWSLETTER


Welcome to the Virginia Department of Social Services Office of New Americans (ONA) monthly newsletter providing you with ONA updates, immigration news, community resources, webinars, local events, and more.


ONA is comprised of an Immigrant Services unit and Refugee Services unit. The Office is responsible for the implementation of a statewide strategy to provide immigrants in Virginia with comprehensive assistance related to employment, housing, healthcare, education, citizenship, and other services.

 
 

July: National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month


During this month, we highlight the ongoing work of the Office of New Americans as we continue to support the mental health of refugee and immigrant communities with valuable resources. Check out our list of multilingual mental health resources.


SAVE THE DATE

Join us this September in Roanoke for our “Mental Health Conference on Trauma-Informed Care and Prevention for Refugees and Immigrants,” in partnership with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. Stay tuned for more details!

Virtual Conference: 2025 Immigrant Student Success


We are excited to share an opportunity for educators and community members to gain new strategies for empowering immigrant students and creating more welcoming classrooms. The 2025 Immigrant Student Success virtual conference, hosted by The Immigrant Learning Center’s Public Education Institute, brings together national experts to help you center the immigrant voice across the curriculum. This free event will take place on July 8, from 10:30 am to 4:15 pm, and will offer practical insights on fostering belonging, identity, and agency in students, understanding today’s immigration landscape, building empathy through literature, and incorporating immigration topics into middle and high school social studies classes. Designed for PreK-12 and adult educators, administrators, counselors, volunteers, and librarians, the conference is free of charge, but registration is required to participate.

For registration HERE.

2025 1st Annual Youth Entrepreneurship Conference


The 1st Annual Youth Entrepreneurship Conference will take place on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Main Library – Richmond Public Library, 101 East Franklin Street, Richmond, VA. This event is designed for teens and young adults interested in business, featuring workshops, a live pitch competition with cash prizes, networking, and a youth vendor marketplace. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired! Registration HERE.

Join a Circle of Parents information session to learn how to start a group in your community. Sessions are 45 minutes and cover the program model with time for questions—no registration needed. Dates: Monday, July 7 at 2:30 pm; Thursday, July 24 at 10:00 am; Tuesday, August 5 at 11:00 am. Join via Zoom (Meeting ID: 540 847 8483, Passcode: 555783). For more details, visit the Circle of Parents website.

Help Hope Healing Conference 2025


The Help Hope Healing Conference 2025 is dedicated to breaking the stigmas associated with suicide and mental health by providing valuable information, inspiration, and support. This event will take place on September 11, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon. The conference brings together mental health professionals, caregivers, and community members for a day of expert speakers, interactive workshops, and meaningful discussions aimed at promoting mental health awareness and healing. Registration is required. This event is provided in part by a grant from the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and the Region III West Wellness Council. For more details and to register 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

 


  • New Travel Restrictions: Effective June 9, 2025, by executive order, entry for nationals from 12 countries is suspended, and limited restrictions are imposed on 7 additional countries, citing national security and public safety concerns. Official White House Proclamation.
  • TPS for Haiti Ending: The Department of Homeland Security has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti. TPS expires August 3, with termination effective September 2, 2025. Haitian nationals are encouraged to explore lawful status options or arrange return via the CBP Home app.
  • DOJ Announces Prioritization of Denaturalization Cases: The Department of Justice announced plans to prioritize cases to revoke U.S. citizenship from certain naturalized Americans, expanding the use of denaturalization as an immigration enforcement tool.
  • Afghan Relocation Office to Close July 1: The Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE) Office will close July 1, 2025, potentially slowing support for Afghan SIV holders and their families.
  • TPS Ending for Nepal, Afghanistan, and Cameroon; Automatic Extensions Provided. In June 2025, DHS announced the termination of TPS for Nepal, Afghanistan, and Cameroon, with automatic extensions of work permits until the final effective dates.
 

Summer Food Support for Virginia Families: SUN Bucks and SUN Meals Programs


Virginia SUN Bucks gives a one-time $120 summer grocery benefit for each eligible school-age child. Most families get this automatically, but if you need to apply, forms in many languages will be available in mid-July at virginiasunbucks.com. SUN Meals also offers free meals and snacks for all kids and teens 18 and under at schools, parks, and community centers—no application or ID needed. In some rural areas, you can pick up several days’ worth of meals or have them delivered. To find a meal site, text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 304-304 or visit the USDA Summer Meals for Kids Site Finder. For more information, watch the VDSS 2025 Virginia SUN Bucks Video. or see the SUN Bucks flyer.

Join a Virtual Focus Group: Language Access in Mental Health Services Across Virginia


Virginia Tech and the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services are conducting a statewide study to improve language access in mental health services for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). We are pleased to share this invitation for community-based organizations serving immigrants or LEP communities, language access service providers, and mental health policy or advocacy organizations to join a virtual focus group. Your input will help identify service gaps, access barriers, and potential solutions, shaping future policies, training, and resources. Available flyer here. For more information or questions, please contact olabisi@vt.edu. Sign up for one of our online focus groups Https://lnkd.in/eitVYS3N

Participants Needed for Latino Mental Health Study



La Casa de la Salud and VCU are conducting a mental health study to better understand emotional well-being in the Latino community, focusing on adults born in the U.S. to Latino parents. They are seeking participants who are 18 or older, U.S.-born (not naturalized), and have at least one Latino parent. The in-person survey takes about an hour, and eligible participants will receive a $50 gift card, for more information click here. Available Spanish flyer.

 

Community Resources

 

IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL TRAININGS / WORKSHOPS / SUMMIT AND CONFERENCES

Impact of Trauma Exposure on Professionals

Greater Richmond Scan

July 2, 3 PM - Virtual


Welcoming Economies 2025

Welcoming America

July 8, 3 PM - Virtual

*Provides a platform for community leaders to come together, share knowledge, and strengthen their ongoing efforts.


Cultivating Authentic Community Engagement

Greater Richmond Scan

July 9, 10 AM - Virtual


Thriving in the Trenches: Overcoming Burnout for Immigration Legal Providers

Switchboard

July 9, 1 PM


QPR Suicide Prevention Training

Hanover County Behavioral Health Wellness Team

July 15, 9 AM - In-person, Hanover


PCC4 Refugees Conversations to Support Refugees 

PCC4Refugees

July 15, 7:30 PM - Virtual


Legal Options for Afghans and Ukrainians

Clinic

July 16, 2 PM - Virtual


safeTALK - Suicide Prevention Training

Eastern Shore CSB

July 17, 1 PM- In-person, Belle Allen


Strengthening Latine Families with Harm Reduction

El Futuro

July 18, 12 PM - Virtual


Closing the GAP

Coping with Cancer Summit

Stress, Mental Health & community Resilience

VCU & ODU

July 19 - 9:30 AM - In Person - Norfolk


Suicide Prevention Training for Farmers and Farm Families

AgriSafe Leaning Lab

July 21, 12 PM

*Training teaches laypeople and professionals to recognize and respond to mental health crises using the approach of Question, Persuade and Refer.


Supporting Newcomer Health Workshop: Enhancing your skills with interpreters

University of Minnesota

July 22, 6:30 PM- Virtual


Trauma-Informed Technique Tuesday: Trauma-Informed Workplaces

Greater Richmond Scan

July 22, 1:30 PM - Virtual


Conversations with Advocates: Plática on Mental Health Support and Stigma in Latine Communities

Esperanza United

July 23, 1 PM - Virtual


Supporting Newcomer Health Workshop: Enhancing your skills with interpreters

University of Minnesota

July 23, 6:30 PM- Virtual


Youth Mental Health First Aid Workshop

Virginia Home for Boys and Girls

July 25, 8:30 AM - In-person, Henrico


STOP THE BLEED (Free) Emergency Training Class

Sentara Health

July 29, 6 PM - In person- Woodbridge

*Free and open to the public


6th National Immigration Summit

Children at Risk

Sep 25, (new date) 1 PM - Virtual

*For those who previously register in May 15, this event changes the date to Sep 25.


Inclusive, Trauma-Informed Practices with Immigrants: A Training Series for Community Practitioners and Organizations

The Center on Immigration and Child Welfare Initiative & NM State

Course - Virtual

*Course for leaders, frontline practitioners, and other professionals in organizations that serve immigrant families across a variety of community settings. Available in English and Spanish.


Promoting Emotional Wellness Through Adjustment Support Groups

ACF’s Office of Refugee Resettlement

on Demand - Virtual

Switchboard has launched a two-part blog series on workplace rights for newcomers. Part 1 debunks common myths about employment and legal protections, while Part 2 offers practical tips to help newcomers succeed in the workplace.

Additionally, check out "Advocating for Wage Increases with Employers to Address the High Cost of Living," which provides practical strategies for supporting clients with wage discussions and navigating cost-of-living challenges. Check out these valuable resources to learn more and share with your networks!

HumanKind supports over 6,000 Virginians each year with services like early childhood education, foster care, mental health counseling, and residential care for adults with disabilities. They also offer financial coaching, transportation help, and parenting education through programs such as Early Head Start and Healthy Families. If you or someone you know needs support, HumanKind is here to help. Check HumanKind’s locations across Virginia Here.

Be aware of notario fraud—individuals who falsely claim to offer legal immigration help but are not qualified to do so. This is especially important now, as changing immigration policies can create confusion and make scams more common. Always seek assistance from licensed attorneys or accredited representatives. Find multilingual resources and helpful information to share with your clients at Stop Notario Fraud and FTC Notario Fraud Information. Additionally, the FTC has created culturally appropriate fotonovelas that you can share with your clients, easy to read and understand. You can access the English and Spanish versions, or you can request these educational materials at no cost here.

This fact sheet explains the employment rights of people with asylum or refugee status and helps employers avoid unlawful discrimination. It’s important to use this fact sheet as a reference when starting a new job, completing hiring paperwork, or if you have questions about workplace rights and protections. Staying informed is especially important now, as recent updates to immigration policy and enforcement in 2025 have increased scrutiny on work authorization and hiring practices for both employers and employees. Knowing your rights can help prevent mistakes and ensure fair treatment in the workplace. Read more here.

Newcomer Education for Wellness (NEW) offers free, multilingual health education videos for refugees, immigrants, and newcomers in the U.S. Videos are texted directly to your phone in your preferred language, covering topics like health care access, dental care, stress management, and healthy eating. No personal information is required. Available in Arabic, Burmese, Dari, English, French, Haitian Creole, Karen, Pashto, Somali, Spanish, and Swahili. Register now to receive NEW videos.

We are excited to share that enCircle org has launched its new enGage program, which will offer free mental health services for immigrant minors ages 5–17 who do not have Medicaid or insurance. For more information, please see the English and Spanish flyers.

The Health Wagon and Feeding Southwest Virginia are offering free 5-day summer meal boxes for kids 18 and under from May 26 to August 18. Register early at feedingswva.org, choose a pick-up site, and get weekly meals to help keep children healthy while school is out. Spots are limited. Available flyer.

The Goochland Community Action Program (GCAP) provides vital support to income-eligible residents of Goochland County, helping to reduce poverty and promote self-sufficiency. GCAP offers financial assistance for job training, education, housing, summer camp, child care, food, and utilities. Eligible households can receive up to $600 per year for help with electric, utility, rent, or mortgage bills, as well as $100 monthly food gift cards and support for children’s programs. Flyers with more information about GCAP’s services and how to apply are available in both English and Spanish. To learn more, visit GCAP’s website. Available applications in English and Spanish.

The Fairfax County Department of Family Services’ Body Safety Program needs volunteers to teach kids about preventing abuse during school hours. Training is provided—no experience needed. Apply to volunteer or contact DFSBodySafety@FairfaxCounty.gov or call 703-324-7459. Next orientations: August 8 (English) and August 13 (Spanish). Spanish-speaking volunteers especially needed! Available Spanish and English program brochures for more information.

 

Community Events

Citizenship tutoring
Woman dancing in cultural festival wearing bright orange dress
Adult assisting children at community garden
 

Click on each region for a listing of cultural festivals, mobile clinics, information sessions, job fairs, and other local events:

 
 
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FURTHER LINKS & INFORMATION


2-1-1 Virginia

American Immigration Council's data on Immigrants in Virginia

2022 VCU Study: Barriers to Integration of Virginia's Immigrants

ONA Statewide Resource Handbooks and VA Immigration Websites and Resources

Find a Free Clinic in your region

Virginia Association of Free & Charitable Clinics: Find a clinic near you