|
|
|
VDSS Office of New Americans
REFUGEE AND IMMIGRANT 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.
| | | 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.
| | |
|
Click on each region for a listing of cultural festivals, mobile clinics, information sessions, job fairs, and other local events: | |
| | | | | |