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

MARCH 2025 NEWSLETTER

Welcome to the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) Office of New Americans (ONA) monthly newsletter providing you with ONA updates, immigration news, community resources, training 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.

Office of New Americans Celebrates Immigrant Women: International Women's Day and Women's History Month

On International Women’s Day, we honor the resilience, strength, and contributions of refugee and immigrant women in Virginia’s communities. These women exemplify courage and determination as they rebuild their lives, often overcoming incredible challenges to create better futures for themselves and their families. From navigating displacement to becoming the backbone of their communities, they demonstrate remarkable fortitude and adaptability. This March, as part of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, the Office of New Americans celebrates and recognizes their day, acknowledging their vital role in enriching our shared humanity. To further celebrate women’s achievements and learn how to get involved in your community, we encourage you to explore these resources: International Women's Day website for free IWD resources, toolkits, and events, and Women’s History Month resources to discover this year’s theme, “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations”; and the Fact Sheet: A Snapshot of Immigrant Women in the United States by the American Immigration Council for key insights into the contributions of immigrant women nationwide. Additionally, visit IWD Virginia local events.

SAVE THE DATE! Shenandoah Valley Mental Health Conference April 24th, 2025

The Department of Behavioral Health Division and the Office of New Americans cordially invite you to save the date for the Shenandoah Valley Mental Health Conference on Trauma-Informed Care and Prevention for Refugee and Immigrant Communities, to be held in person on April 24, 2025, at Hotel Madison & Shenandoah Valley Conference Center. This year's conference will address essential topics related to trauma-informed care and prevention strategies, especially relevant in these uncertain times that can significantly impact the mental health and well-being of refugee and immigrant populations. This free event welcomes resettlement agencies, non-profit organizations, community-based program staff, school staff, interpreters, community and faith leaders, service providers, and community leadership. We look forward to welcoming you! REGISTRATION

EMPOWER YOUR CLIENTS: Consumer Protection Week is March 2-8, 2025

National Consumer Protection Week is a perfect opportunity for those working with immigrant and refugee communities in Virginia to focus on consumer rights! NCPW is a national celebration of federal, state, and local agencies and organizations who provide consumer education and resources throughout the year. Whether you're in a school, clinic, non-profit, or faith-based organization, you can access free, multilingual resources (available to order at no cost!) from the FTC to help your clients avoid fraud and scams. Think about incorporating consumer protection tips into your existing programs, or partnering with local agencies to host an event. For example, Fairfax County Consumer Affairs is celebrating NCPW with a week of events. Visit the FTC website for materials and information to make a real difference for the people you serve. Stay tuned and visit the NCPW campaign website for more information. If you would like to host an event, please reach out to the Office of New Americans Immigrant Services, liliana.penalver@dss.virginia.gov for more information.

2025 Annual ENCUENTRO VALHEN Conference

VALHEN's Annual Encuentro Conference is an exciting opportunity for networking and professional development within the Hispanic community. This event, held on a Virginia college campus, brings together diverse participants from higher education, industry, and the community. The conference focuses on topics relevant to Hispanics in the Commonwealth and includes a special lunch reception honoring Adelante Scholarship winners and the inaugural ALIANZA educator awards. For those interested in Latino success and advancement in higher education, this gathering promises to be an enriching experience. To learn more about this impactful event and registration details, visit VALHEN's website.

SAVE THE DATE!

James Madison University 2025 Diversity Conference

Join JMU's Diversity Conference on March 26, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Festival Student and Conference Center in Harrisonburg, Virginia. This annual event brings together faculty, staff, and community partners for collaborative learning focused on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging (DEIAB). The conference includes sessions, a keynote speaker, and recognition of DEIAB leaders. Save the date for insightful discussions and solutions to today's DEIAB challenges. REGISTRATION.

The Dream Project CTE Scholarship is an annual renewable scholarship awarded to immigrant students whose career goals align with post-secondary education focused on the applied skills needed for a specific craft/profession. CTE Scholarship recipients will be chosen based on how they demonstrate interest in their planned profession, work ethic, community involvement, and resilience. This scholarship application is open from March 3, 2025, and will close on March 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. For more information and helpful tips on the application process, or to reach out with questions, please contact us via email at programs@dreamproject-va.org. Flyers are available in both Spanish and English.

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

POLICY UPDATES

A new Executive Order, "Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders," directs federal agencies to review and adjust federally funded programs to ensure that public benefits are not provided to individuals unlawfully present in the United States, citing the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. This Executive Order does not change family's eligibility for public benefits like Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, or housing programs.
On February 18, 2025, the Department of the Interior informed legal service providers who receive federal funding under HHS' Legal Services for Unaccompanied Children program to immediately stop work on all activities funded by the longstanding program.
The administration has announced a change to the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) extension for Haitians, amending the period from 18 months to 12 months, with protections potentially ending on August 3, 2025.
An executive order has been issued to enhance public safety in Virginia by increasing cooperation between state law enforcement agencies and federal immigration authorities. The initiative focuses on identifying and addressing potential threats posed by dangerous criminal illegal immigrants.

GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

ProLiteracy's Literacy Opportunity Fund offers grants up to $6,000 to US-based nonprofits supporting adult literacy. Use the funds for operating expenses or new projects. Deadlines: April 1, July 1, and October 1. Apply now to boost your program's impact!

The Wish You Well Foundation offers grants (ranging from $200-$10,000) to US-based nonprofits supporting adult and family literacy. They prioritize programs that empower adults with essential literacy skills. Check their website for application details and to see if your program qualifies! They do not fund youth programs, individuals, or construction projects.

Community Resources

IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL TRAININGS / WORKSHOPS/CONFERENCES

Planning for Success: Are Immigration Legal Services the Right Fit for Your Organization?

CLINIC

March 5, 2 PM - Virtual

Introduction to Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care

Greater Richmond SCAN

March 6, 2 PM to 4 PM - Virtual

"The Herlinda Project" Webinar: Tools to Combat Public Charge-Related Misinformation in Immigrant Communities

Protecting Immigrant Families

March 6, 2 PM -Virtual

Online Safety - Protecting Students from Online Exploitation

Prince William County Public Schools & NCMEC

March 6, 6:30 PM - Virtual

Medicaid/FAMIS workshop

Virginia Health Care Foundation

March 11, 10 AM to 3 PM -Virtual

*You will learn covers the “ins and outs” of the eligibility requirements, application procedures, and post-enrollment information.

Workers Granted Asylum and Refugee Status

Department of Justice

March 12, 1 PM - Virtual

*Training on anti-discrimination protections for workers granted asylum, refugee status, humanitarian parole, and Special Immigrant Visas.

Trauma-Informed Supervision

Greater Richmond SCAN

March 12, 12 PM to 2 PM - Virtual

*Supervisors will learn about the importance of addressing secondary traumatic stress in themselves as well as those they supervise.

Legal Aid for Seniors

SVLAS

March 13, 10 AM - Virtual

Moving Stillness: Grounding in Times of Chaos

PIF

March 14 & 28 - Virtual

*This bi-weekly virtual grounding space will center practices of movement and healing while in community.

Real Talk: Violence Prevention Community Circle

St. Luke Legacy Center

March 15, 3 PM - Richmond VA

In-person

Empowering Communities: Human Trafficking Awareness Workshop

Crown Regal Pathways

March 16, 1:30 PM - Newport News VA, In-person

Solitary confinement in ICE detention

Asylum Medicine Training Initiative

March 17, 12 PM - Virtual

Impact of Trauma Exposure on Professionals

Greater Richmond SCAN

March 18, 1 PM - Virtual

*This training will help participants identify symptoms and warning signs of traumatic stress.

2025 Join Mental Health Summit

M. Foscue Brock Institute

March 18, 8:30 AM to 3 PM

Hybrid: Virtual & In-person Norfolk VA

Mind Over Matter (M.O.M.)

Duelo Latino & INOVA

March 20 to April 17, 7 PM

Every Thursday - Virtual

*FREE 5-week Mindfulness-Based Support Group for Cancer PATIENTS, SURVIVORS & their CAREGIVERS in Spanish

Community Sign Language Class

Bethel Baptist Church Hampton

March 22, 8 AM to 5 PM Hampton VA, In-person

Southwest Virginia Peer Summit

VRHA & SAARA VA & One Care SWVA

March 26, 8:30 AM to 4 PM

Marion VA, In-person

*Open to Peer Recovery Specialists

Healthcare professionals, community partners, individuals interested in mental health and substance use support.

Community Conversation: Your Leadership Journey

YMCA

March 27, 6 PM Richmond, In-person

Trauma-Informed Practices: An Introduction

VCU

March 28, 1 PM - Virtual

Empowered Community 2025

2nd Annual Northern Virginia Public Health Conference

GMU

April 4, 9 AM to 3 PM

Woodbridge- In Person

Undocumented and Refugee Student Success Summit

GMU

April 12, 10 AM to 4 PM - Fairfax

In Person

Petersburg Domestic Violence and Intimate Partner Violence Taskforce Meetings

April 22, 10 AM - 11 AM

Hybrid: Virtual and In-Person

*Every 4th Tuesday of the month

6th National Immigration Summit

Children at Risk

May 15, 1 PM

Virtual

During these uncertain times, our communities are experiencing heightened levels of fear, significantly impacting their mental health. To support refugees and immigrants navigating these challenges, we want to highlight NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) as a valuable resource. NAMI Virginia offers various programs and support services, including "Compartiendo Esperanza", which addresses the stigma and lack of information surrounding mental health in Hispanic/Latinx communities. NAMI Virginia and its affiliates offer programs that help connect individuals with the mental health support and treatment they need. We encourage organizations serving refugee and immigrant populations to explore partnership opportunities with NAMI to enhance access to mental health resources during this critical time. Check with local NAMI affiliates for program offerings in your area. NAMI also provides a dedicated helpline in Spanish (800-950-6264), available Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. ET, as well as a Crisis Text Line in Spanish (text HOLA to 741741). Explore NAMI's HelpLine website for additional Spanish-language resources.

The Stewards of Children program is a pioneering initiative aimed at combating child sexual abuse through comprehensive education and awareness. This nationally recognized program offers professional facilitator training to equip adults with evidence-informed strategies for preventing, recognizing, and responding to child sexual abuse. In March, free virtual classes will be available, providing a unique opportunity for participants to not only learn these crucial skills but also become certified facilitators themselves. Anyone can attend the class with no obligation to become a facilitator. Please contact Rachel Miller at Rmiller@familiesforwardva.org to register.

To help immigrant families navigate tax season, the Office of New Americans provides a guide available in English and Spanish with key resources. This includes multilingual fliers explaining tax credits (available in 24 languages), information on free tax preparation via VITA sites, and resources for filing taxes online for free in under an hour through platforms like GetYourRefund.org.

The Lions Club VA offers free vision and hearing screening services for adults and children across Virginia through their Mobile Sight and Hearing Units. These screenings, conducted at community events, and health fairs, help identify vision or hearing issues early and connect individuals with necessary follow-up care. The Office of New Americans (ONA), Immigrant Services is excited to share this resource with partners and is available to provide further information. If your organization is interested in hosting an event to bring these vital services to your clients and community, please contact Liliana Penalver for assistance at liliana.penalver@dss.virginia.gov

The Hispanic/Latino Behavioral Health Center of Excellence offers a comprehensive collection of resources tailored to support the behavioral health needs of Hispanic and Latino communities. On their resources page you can find an array of resources, including toolkits, reports, curriculums, assessments, and more which have been developed for professionals and organizations in the behavioral health field that serve Hispanic and Latino communities. These materials have been specifically developed to address the unique cultural and linguistic needs of Hispanic and Latino populations, covering various aspects of behavioral health from prevention to recovery. The resources aim to promote culturally informed and linguistically responsive approaches across the behavioral health continuum of care, supporting the Center's mission to advance behavioral health equity for Hispanic and Latino Americans.

Office of Immigrant and Refugee Engagement (OIRE) is launching an innovative Youth Wellness Program tailored specifically for Latino students aged 14-18+ who are transitioning into high school. This free initiative offers crucial counseling and mental health support services aimed at enhancing the well-being and quality of life for Latino youth. The program provides culturally relevant resources for students and their families, assists in overcoming challenges at school, home, and in the community, and focuses on preventing substance abuse and violent behaviors. The Youth Wellness Program equips young people with the tools necessary to navigate everyday challenges and reach their full potential. If you know a young person who could benefit from this valuable resource, OIRE encourages you to refer them to the program. Please contact Thelma at thelma.torres@rva.gov or call 804-845-8251. Flyers about the program are available in both English and Spanish.

Are you ready to transform your organization's approach to disability inclusion? DARS Windmills is a dynamic training curriculum designed to shift perceptions and break down barriers surrounding disability in the workplace. Through engaging exercises, participants will explore their own emotions, challenge stereotypes, and address attitudinal obstacles that can hinder effective management. By focusing on attitudes and human factors, "Windmills" helps reduce fears, biases, and myths that often impede the hiring process. This training equips managers with the tools to create a more inclusive and equitable environment where everyone can thrive. Want to learn how "Windmills" can revolutionize your organization? explore Windmills Curriculum and join their upcoming webinar series.

If you have a relevant resource that you would like us to consider including in our newsletter, please do not hesitate to contact us with details. Please reach out to Liliana Penalver at liliana.penalver@dss.virginia.gov

Upcoming Events

Woman dancing in cultural festival wearing bright orange dress

Adult assisting children at community garden

NORTHERN VIRGINIA

National Consumer Week March 3 to 7

Different locations, dates and times.

Visit booths throughout the week to learn

about consumer rights, fraud prevention,

and smart decision-making!

*Check Weekly event schedule on their website flyers available in: English, Spanish, Korean

Consumers affairs 2025

Fairfax County Government Center Lobby

March 6, 9 AM to 3 PM

12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax

*Resources, networking and learn about your consumer rights, tenant responsibilities, and how to protect yourself from scams.

UVA Health Prince William Medical Center Grant Preview & Networking Event

UVA Health Prince William Medical Center

8700 Sudley Road, Manassas VA

March 6, 9 AM to 11 AM

*Come out to learn about UVA health’s grant opportunities and community initiatives, and network with local nonprofit leaders

VA COVID-19 Community Fair / Feria Communitaria Covid-19 Virginia

Centro de Apoyo Familiar

Historic District

9608 Fairview Avenue, Manassas, VA

March 15, 12 PM to 2 PM

Ramadan Interfaith Dinner 2025

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Northern VA Chapter

Mubarak Mosque Chantilly

4555 Ahmadiyya Drive, Chantilly VA

March 15, 6 PM to 8:30 PM

2025 FCPS Family Summit - Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging

FCPS

South Lakes High School

11400 South Lakes Drive, Reston, VA

March 15, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM

COASTAL VA (EASTERN SHORE & HAMPTON ROAD & VA BEACH

Desarrollo y Emprendimiento de Empresas

CHP& The HIVE - Business Resource Center

140 Independence Boulevard Virginia Beach

March 3 and April 7, 11 AM

*Se habla español

Job Fair (Feria de empleo)

House of Mercy

10 Harrison Ave, Williamsburg, VA

March 7, 11 AM to 2 PM

*Se habla español

Sixth Mount Zion Vaccine & Enrollment Clinic

Enroll VA

3100 Butternut Drive, Hampton, VA

March 7 and 21, 10 AM - 1 PM

Legal Aid at the Hampton Public Library

Legal Aid society of eastern VA & Partners

4207 Victoria Boulevard Hampton, VA

March 12, 3 PM to 5 PM

*This is free and open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis

Career Connect Fest

Portsmouth Economic Development

Tidewater Community College

120 Campus Drive #2nd floor Portsmouth

March 18, 10 AM

Medical and Mental Health Wellness Fair

Hampton Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

1638 Briarfield Road, Hampton VA

West Hampton Community Center

March 22, 10 AM to 4 PM

*Free medical screening and more!

Village Family 4th Sunday Community Family Reunion

Village Family

First Calvary Baptist Church

813 Henry Street, Norfolk, VA

March 23, 3 PM to 5 PM

Clinica Comunitaria Esperanza

Easter Virginia Medical School

830 Southampton Ave, Norfolk, VA

*Free clinic run by EVMS students and physicians. Provides medical care to low-income and uninsured families in the Hispanic community. Call to make an appointment 757 -403-2474. Se habla español.

Friends and Family Day

B&F Community Events

881 Old Dam Neck Road, Virginia Beach VA

March 29, 11 AM

Community Health Fair

Black On Black Market

SoulFull Vegan Events

1200 East Little Creek Roads, Norfolk, VA

March 30, 10 AM to 5 PM

SHENANDOAH VALLEY

Albemarle County Public Schools Hiring event

Virginia Careers Works

Career and Workforce Innovation Campus

944 Glenwood station Lane, Charlotteville

March 5, 10 AM to 1 PM

HRPRC Reentry Resource Fair

1111 N. Main Street Navigation Center, Harrisonburg, VA

March 20, 11 AM to 2 PM

2025 Life After High School Transition Conference & Resource Fair

Piedmont Regional Educational program

Piedmont Virginia Community College Bolick Student Center- 501 College Dr, Charlottesville

March 22, 8:30 AM to 1:15 PM

*Please join us as a presenter, exhibitor, or both!

RAM Clinic Lexington

RAM

Rockbridge County High School

143 Greenhouse Rd, Lexington, VA

April 12 & 13 - Clinic doors typically open at 6 AM

*Free dental, vision, and medical services are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to time constraints, be prepared to choose between DENTAL and VISION services. Medical services are offered to every patient attending the clinic. No ID required.

CENTRAL VIRGINIA

Community Resource Fair

Waymakers foundation

Beulah Recreation Center

6901 Hopkins Road, Ampthill, VA

March 4, 12 PM to 2 PM

*Food assistance, health services, educational resources, job opportunities, legal Help, Tax assistance, domestic violence services, banking information.

Community Resource Fair

SAARA of Virginia

Diversity Thrift

1407 Sherwood Avenue Richmond, VA

March 6, 10 AM to 2 PM

Community Resource Mapping Event

Trauma Informed Community Network

9211 Patterson Ave- Tuckahoe YMCA, Richmond

March 7, 9 AM to 2 PM

RSVP Form

Sentara Mobile Clinic

Sentara & Optima Health & Virginia Premier

The Hope Center

827 Commerce Street, Peterburg, VA

Every Thursday, 10 AM to 1 PM

*Medicaid and Uninsured community member are welcome!

Molina Healthcare's Diabetes Clinic

Peterburg Resource Center

510 Sycamore St

March 11, 11 AM to 3 PM, Peterburg, VA

*This is an ongoing clinic held on the second Tuesday of every month.

Conversations That Connect: A Panel Discussion Series

Culture Encounters

Belmont Recreation Center

1600 Hilliard Road Richmond, VA

March 14, 6 PM

*Join Culture Encounters for a heartfelt conversation with people from diverse backgrounds, sharing personal stories and cultural traditions around aging

Latino Hub (Community Services by appointment only)

Latinos in Virginia Empowerment Center

9513 Hull Street Rd, Suite B, N Chesterfield VA

TANF, Medicaid, SNAP, Community Tax Law Project and more. Call for appointment 804 -658-3341.

2025 Women's Health and Resource Fair

New Kent County & My sister's hope

7911 Courthouse way, New Kent, VA

March 15, 9 AM to 2 PM

Impuestos 2025 / Tax Season

Sacred Heart & United Way & PCLI

1400 Perry St, Richmond, VA

From January 27 to April 9

*BY APPOINTMENT ONLY! FREE tax preparation for the years 2022, 2023 and 2024, ITIN/Tax ID applications-new and renewals-Tax legal matters consultations. These services are in Spanish. Services also available in Portuguese and sign language.

CITAS PARA TRAMITAR PODERES LEGALES

Sacred Heart

1400 Perry St, Richmond, VA

*Call for dates and appointments 804-230-4399

Registration is required

Resource Fair

Youth Career Advantage Program

121 Cedar Fork Road, Richmond, VA

March 19, 10 AM to 2 PM

A Community Session: Housing

RCLI

2101 Maywill Street Richmond VA