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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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International Migrant Day Celebrated on December 18th
As we approach International Migrants Day, we reflect on the resilience and contributions of migrants in our communities. This day, established by the United Nations, serves as a reminder of the human rights of migrants and the need for humane, sensible migration policies. In Virginia, we recognize the vital role migrants play in our economy and cultural fabric. We encourage our stakeholders to participate in local events, share migrant stories, and advocate for inclusive policies that support migrant integration and well-being.
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Annual Richmond Mental Health Conference on Trauma Informed-Care and Prevention for Refugee and Immigrants
Hosted by DBHDS and ONA on December 5, 2024
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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DMAS Language and Disability Access Forum
The Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) is hosting its second forum on Language and Disability Access in the 2024 series on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024, from 1 PM to 3 PM. This online event aims to engage agencies and community organizations in addressing the needs of individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) and people with disabilities. The forum will feature a panel discussion on "Building Language and Disability Access Plans" providing valuable insights on implementing effective access strategies. To Register HERE
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FEMA Disaster Recovery Center
FEMA has established Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Virginia to assist those affected by recent disasters. These centers provide valuable in-person support, offering one-on-one assistance with applying for federal disaster aid, understanding FEMA letters, and accessing various recovery resources. Whether you need help with your application, have questions about your case, or want to learn about disaster preparedness, the DRCs are here to help. Disaster survivors can visit any DRC to receive assistance. To find the DRC closest to you, including addresses and hours, visit FEMA.gov/drc or text DRC and a ZIP code to 43362.
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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 | |
CMS Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment Period
CMS announced the start of the Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment Period on Healthcare.gov. Open enrollment runs from November 1, 2024, to January 15, 2025. Consumers who enroll by midnight December 15 can get full-year coverage that starts January 1, 2025. Consumers who enroll after December 15 but before the deadline on January 15 will have coverage that begins February 1, 2025.
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VIRTUAL TRAININGS
& WEBINARS
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Instructor-Led Certificate Course: Enhancing Services for LGBTQ+ Newcomers
Switchboard
Dec 3rd, 2PM
International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024
Equality and Inclusion Unit, University of Leeds
Dec 3rd, 9AM
Your Rights as a Tenant
Edmonton Community Legal Centre
Dec 4th, 8PM
How to Prevent Pesticide Poisoning in Farmworkers: Three-Part Webinar Series
Migrant Clinicians Network
Dec 5th, 1PM
*Webinars in English with simultaneous Spanish interpretation
Know Your Rights: Immigration Law & Navigating the Future
Katsivalis & Anderson Law
Dec 5th, 1PM
Trauma Informed-Care Interpreter Training
Latinos in Virginia Empowerment Center
Dec 5th and 12th, 5PM
*Only for practicing and qualified Interpreters. Proof of at least 40 hours of basic interpretation training or experience required upon registration.
International Humas Rights Day: Immigration law and policy in review from 2024
Health Human Rights Initiative
Dec 10th, 2 PM
ISHR Human Rights Day 2024 Webinar on “Equality”
ISHR
Dec 10th, 9AM
Anti-discrimination protections for workers granted asylum, refugee status, humanitarian parole, and SIV
U.S. Department of Justice
Dec 11th, 2 PM
Introduction to Trauma & Trauma Informed Care
Greater Richmond SCAN
Dec 11th, 1PM
IER Training for Employers & HR Professionals
U.S. Department of Justice
Dec 12th, 10AM
*Participants will learn about the law IER enforces, including how to avoid employment discrimination based on national origin and citizenship status.
Human Trafficking and Online Safety: The Basics
CATE
Dec 13th, 12:30PM
The CARE of Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders in Primary and Integrated Care Services for Hispanic Communities
Hispanic and Latino Behavioral Health Center of Excellence
Dec 17th, 12PM
Unaccompanied Refugee Minors Affected by Substance Use
Switchboard
Dec 18th, 2PM
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Did you know that Greater Richmond SCAN offers expert consulting services to help organizations create trauma-informed and healing-centered environments? Their specialized approach is designed to transform how organizations care for their staff, clients, and community members. Whether you're a school, healthcare provider, non-profit, or business, Greater Richmond SCAN can help you integrate trauma-responsive practices tailored to your specific needs. If you're looking to enhance your organization's approach to trauma and healing, Greater Richmond SCAN's expertise could be a valuable resource.
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The ILRC’s Immigration Preparedness Toolkit is a resource-packed informational document designed to help immigrants with no legal status or in mixed status families begin to understand the immigration legal landscape and plan for their own journey through an ever-changing, complex system in the United States. This free toolkit offers in-depth, yet easily accessible information that outlines the basics about a variety of topics.
Spanish and English versions available.
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The Virginia Community Health Worker Association (VACHWA) is looking for candidates to join the Ambassador Program. This program offers leadership and workforce development opportunities for Community Health Workers, aiming to elevate the diverse skill sets within the CHW profession. The Ambassadors serve as a bridge between healthcare providers and community members, often working in underserved areas to ensure that everyone has access to essential health services. If you're ready to make a difference, apply today!
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The Cultural Validation and Translation Review Toolkit (2024), developed by CARRE and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) with support from key partners, is a vital resource for organizations seeking to create culturally responsive and linguistically accurate materials. It offers practical guidance, including templates and case studies, to implement effective cultural validation processes. By prioritizing these practices, organizations can enhance communication and trust within diverse communities, ultimately improving outcomes for refugees and immigrants.
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The Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with LISC Virginia, has launched the Hispanic Small Business Loan Program/ Programa de préstamos para pequeños negocios Hispanos to support Central Virginia's Hispanic business community. This program offers 0% interest loans ranging from $15,000 to $75,000 to help businesses grow, hire staff, and purchase equipment. As loans are repaid, funds will be recycled back into the community, promoting sustainability. Additionally, recipients will receive free coaching from the Virginia Hispanic Chamber to enhance their long-term success. For more information on eligibility and applications, visit the Virginia Hispanic Chamber's website.
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We would like to share an important resource for immigrant-serving organizations: The Red Cards from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC). These cards are designed to help individuals assert their rights and defend themselves, regardless of immigration status. They provide essential information about constitutional rights protected under U.S. law. By increasing awareness of these rights, the Red Cards serve as a vital educational tool for communities, enabling individuals to better understand their protections and assert themselves in various situations. The ILRC can arrange to order and ship cards to you for free. Cards are available in 17 languages.
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA
15th Virginia Immigrant Advocates Summit
VACOLAO
Annandale United Methodist Church
6935 Columbia Pike Annandale
Dec 6th, 8AM - 5PM
Transforming Communities Conference & 18th Anniversary Celebration
CAF
Lubber Run Community Center
300 North Park Drive Arlington, VA
Dec 12th, 4PM - 7PM
Free Enrollment Help
Enroll VA
Central Library, Historic District, 8601 Mathis Ave, Manassas, VA 20110
Dec 18th, 4PM - 7PM
SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA
Radford VEC Health Enrollment Assistance
Enroll VA
51 A W. Main St Radford
Dec 6th, 10:30AM - 2PM
Facilities Investigation Training (FIT) DBHDS
Southern Virginia Mental Health Institute
382 Taylor Drive Danville, VA
Dec 10th, 9AM - 4 PM
REVIVE Train-the-Trainer (Trainer of Lay Rescuers)
Roanoke City VDH & DBHDS
1502 Williamson Road Northeast #2nd Floor
Dec 12th, 10AM - 12PM
2024 Old Time Appalachian Christmas Festival
Galax Tourism
North Main Street Galax
Dec 14th, 12PM - 6PM
EASTERN SHORE & HAMPTON ROADS
Sixth Mount Zion Vaccine and Enrollment Clinic
Enroll VA
Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple, 3100 Butternut Drive, Hampton, VA
Dec 6th, 10AM - 1PM
Legal Resources for the Latin Community
Willians DeLoatche,P.C & Gardner Mendoza,PC
4700 George Washington Hwy, Portsmouth, VA Dec 14th, 10:30AM to 12:30PM
Register by Dec 6th call Abdhie 757-900-9294
Human Services at the Hampton Public Library
Hamptons Public Library
4207 Victoria Boulevard Hampton, VA
Dec 18th, 2:30PM
Meet with a representative to learn about federal and state benefits. Free & open to the public - Eligibility requirements apply.
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SHENANDOAH VALLEY
Mental Health First Aider training
Harrisonburg Rockingham CSB
1241 N Main St, Harrisonburg
Dec 11th, 8:30AM - 4:30PM
CENTRAL VIRGINIA
Housing Conditions Clinic
Legal Aid Justice Center
1200 West Washington St, Petersburg
2nd Tuesday of the Month, 1PM-4PM
Free Legal Services Will Clinics
The VCU Health Hub
1330 N. 25th Street, Suite A , Richmond
Dec. 5th, 1PM - 4PM
Registration Required. For more info & to register, contact the VCU Health Hub at (804) 628-6401
Holiday Fair
Richmond Waldorf School
1301 Robin Hood Road Richmond
Dec 7th, 2PM
Latino Hub (Community Services by appointment only)
Latinos in Virginia Empowerment Center
9513 Hull Street Rd, Suite B, N Chesterfield
TANF, Medicaid, SNAP, Community Tax Law Project and more. Call for appointment and more info 804 -658-3341.
Bilingual Conversations meetups
OIRE Office of Immigrant and Refugee Engagement
Southside Community Services Center
4100 Hull Street Rd.
Every Friday, 11:30AM - 12:30PM (Except Holidays)
This event is appropriate for those with conversational levels of Spanish and English. Questions? Contact brandie.cartier1@rva.gov
Clinicas Legales de Casos de Familia
Latinos in Virginia Empowerment Center
9513 Hull Street Rd, North Chesterfield
Dec 10th, 2PM to 5PM
Regístrese gratis. Llame al 804-658-3341.
Open enrollment assistance Event
Enroll VA & CVLAS
Petersburg Public Library
201 W Washington St, Peterburg
Dec 14th, 10AM - 3PM
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Training
Behavioral Health Wellness Team
Montpelier Recreation Center and Library
15302 Clazemont Rd. Hanover
Dec 17th, 7PM
Clínica Gratuita de Vacunación para Flu y Covid-19
Sacred Heart
1400 Perry St, Richmond
Dec 18th, 4PM to 7PM
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