Switchboard has released a new onboarding guide, “Refugee and Newcomer Services 101: A Sample Onboarding Guide for New Service Providers.” This resource is designed for newcomers supporting refugees and immigrants and offers a foundational overview of who refugees are, the pathways through which they arrive in the United States, and the systems that support their resettlement. It is relevant for new staff working in a variety of roles within refugee and immigrant-serving organizations, including those delivering or managing programs at the local or state level. The guide is intended to be customized with organization-specific training, including any in-house requirements and focus areas unique to the programs and populations that your agency serves.

Recent changes in federal policy have deeply affected immigrant families and communities. A new guide "A Love Letter and Support Guide for Families Navigating Harmful Immigration Raids and Policies" was created by the Children Thrive Action Network, National Parents Union, and Little Justice Leaders. The guide highlights family experiences, mental health resources, and practical advice for parents and children. It invites reflection, safety planning, and supportive conversations, and is available in both English and Spanish.

The National Immigration Forum released an updated fact sheet on Temporary Protected Status, which walks through eligibility, benefits, and expiration dates for TPS. It also documents the latest court developments and termination notices for various TPS designations including for Venezuela, Haiti, and Syria. Access it here. 

The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights, in partnership with Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), has developed a new toolkit to help prevent and address child labor exploitation among unaccompanied children. The C.A.R.E. (Connect, Assess, Respond, and Educate) Toolkit offers a practical, trauma-informed framework for investigators, case managers, and other professionals to recognize risk factors, respond to exploitation, and connect youth to safety and vital resources. This comprehensive resource empowers professionals with step-by-step guidance, best practices, and tools for supporting and protecting young people from labor abuse. To access the Toolkit here.

The 2026-27 FAFSA is now open! Students planning to attend college can apply for federal, state, and school financial aid. The federal deadline is June 30, 2027, but Virginia students should apply early, most state and institutional priority deadlines fall between February 1 and March 31, 2026. Completing your FAFSA early ensures access to programs like the Virginia Commonwealth Award, Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant, and Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP), which support eligible residents based on need and enrollment. For more information, visit FAFSA Application.

It Takes a Village (ITAV) program launched by Virginia Health Care Foundation in 2025 offers compassionate mental health counseling for pregnant and postpartum mothers throughout Virginia. In partnership with local behavioral health providers, ITAV provides both telehealth and in-person sessions to support mothers experiencing anxiety, sadness, or other emotional challenges during or after pregnancy. Services are available in English and Spanish, and participating organizations accept health insurance while offering a sliding fee scale for those without coverage. The program ensures that care is accessible regardless of location or income, allowing mothers to receive the help they need wherever they are. For more information here.

The National Housing Law Project (NHLP) has released an easy-to-use guide for immigrant families in HUD housing programs, focused on your rights when asked for immigration status information. This resource answers questions about what you do and do not have to share with housing providers, covers important protections for mixed-status families, and is available in both Spanish and English. Find out more or get the guide here.

The Hispanic Access Foundation will host a free webinar "Forming Your Nonprofit: 501(c)(3)s & Fiscal Sponsorships Explained" on November 14, 2025, at 2 p.m. ET. This session will cover the basics of applying for 501(c)(3) status, choosing fiscal sponsorship, understanding legal structures, compliance, and common challenges. The webinar is ideal for anyone considering starting a non-profit or currently running one and seeking guidance on next steps. Registration is free.