|
|
|
VDSS Office of New Americans
REFUGEE AND IMMIGRANT SERVICES
|
|
|
The Office of New Americans extends heartfelt thanks to all community partners and supporters for their dedication and resilience throughout the year.
We recognize the meaningful work and ongoing commitment shown during these challenging times of change; your efforts continue to make a lasting difference across our state, and we are deeply grateful for everything you do. This December, as many in our community gather for Christmas, the Office of New Americans invites everyone to explore the diverse cultural roots behind beloved holiday customs.
Did you know that traditions like the Christmas tree, festive foods, and exchanging holiday cards have origins in different immigrant communities, bringing new colors to the season’s tapestry?
Whether you celebrate Christmas, another holiday, or simply cherish time with loved ones, we encourage you to discover the unique stories and resilience of families who bring their own celebrations to Virginia. For those curious to learn more, the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) offers resources highlighting the immigrant origins of Christmas and other holiday observances.
Wishing everyone hope, joy, and unity, whatever and however you celebrate, throughout this special time of year. Thank you for your dedication and care for our communities.
| |
DMAS Virtual Forum on Language and Disability Access
The Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) invites you to its virtual forum on Language and Disability Access on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 1–3 PM (EST) via Microsoft Teams. This second session in the 2025 Forum Series will feature a panel on “How Organizations Ensure Translation and Interpretation Quality” and aims to engage agencies and community partners in improving services for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) and people with disabilities. Registration.
| |
Welcoming America Natural Helpers: Webinar Series
Welcoming America invites you to join the six-part Natural Helpers Webinar Series: Strengthening Communities from Within. This series explores how communities can harness and support informal networks to promote belonging, resilience, and well-being. Participants will discover how Natural Helpers programs identify and train trusted community members especially within immigrant and refugee communities to bridge gaps in access, connect people to vital resources, and foster civic leadership. Sessions take place virtually each month from October 2025 to March 12, 2026. For session details and registration, visit this link.
| |
Virginia DHCD Annual Action Plan Public Input Sessions
In order to determine Virginia’s housing and community development needs and make the best use of resources, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is starting its Annual Action Planning process for July 2026 to June 2027. This plan outlines priorities and funding, including CDBG, HOME, ESG, HOPWA, and more. DHCD is seeking public input on goals, funding, and program use, and will hold five in-person input sessions during December across Virginia, each focused on its local region. To register for the events and see the session locations, click here. If you have any questions and request for accommodations, you can be directed to feedback.ppc@DHCD.virginia.gov
| |
Henrico county Interfaith Summit
Henrico County is hosting the Henrico Interfaith Summit on December 4, 2025, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. This half-day event brings together local faith leaders to share resources, build partnerships, and strengthen our community. If you’re a faith leader in Henrico, this summit is a great chance to connect and collaborate. To RSVP or learn more, contact Victoria Davis, Community Engagement Coordinator, at (804) 501-4933 or dav127@henrico.gov
| |
Office of Safer Communities 2025 Statewide Community of Practice Conference
The Office of Safer Communities will host its 2025 Statewide Community of Practice Conference on Monday, December 8, and Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at the Founders Inn & Spa in Virginia Beach. Registration is free and open to law enforcement, local government, and non-profit partners, with lunch provided both days.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn about innovative safety strategies, and strengthen collaboration across the Commonwealth. Free Registration.
| |
Addressing Food System Resilience in Virginia Together
Join the Virginia Tech Center for Food Systems and Community Transformation and Virginia Cooperative Extension for a Food System Resilience Listening Session and lunch in Abingdon on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, from 12–1:30 pm. The event will be held at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center and is open to all, lunch provided. We encourage faith-base and community organizations to attend. Free Registration but required. For more details see available flyer. For questions, contact Lia Kelinsky-Jones at kelinskyjones@vt.edu or Shadrack at sny@vt.edu
| |
Human Trafficking Symposium by the Virginia Alliance of Family Services Practitioners (PD-15)
THE Virginia ALLIANCE of Family Services Practitioners, PD-15 invites you to learn more about human trafficking, taught by field professionals. Join us for an informative event where you can deepen your understanding and discover practical strategies to support victims and communities. The symposium will be held Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM at Fairfield Public Library, 1401 N Laburnum Avenue, Henrico, VA 23223. Free Registration here.
| | |
Stay Tuned for Updates
Refugee & Migrant Education Symposium
The Working Symposium on Refugee and Migrant Education is coming up February 26–28, 2026, in Blacksburg, Virginia. Hosted by the Center for Refugee, Migrant, and Displacement Studies at Virginia Tech, this gathering will bring together practitioners, community leaders, researchers, and individuals with lived experience to explore new approaches for supporting refugee and migrant learners. Stay tuned, more updates, the final schedule, and registration.
| | 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 | | Opportunities & Highlights | | |
HOPE Grant Funding for Southwest VA Nonprofits
The Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia is accepting applications for its HOPE Grant program, offering local nonprofits one-time project funding of up to $50,000 for organizations serving Washington, Grayson, Russell, or Smyth counties. Priority areas include health, children and families, workforce development, education, and economic development. Applications open December 1, 2025, and will close on December 31, 2025. For more information here.
| |
Many Hands Grants for Northern VA Organizations
Many Hands has announced the opening of its 2026 grant cycle, offering funding opportunities for nonprofits serving and empowering women, children, and families in socioeconomic need in Northern Virginia. Eligible organizations located in Arlington and Fairfax counties, as well as the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, and Falls Church, are encouraged to apply. Many Hands awards four annual grants, one $100,000 Impact Grant and three Partner Grants, each valued at $75,000 in 2025 in the focus areas of economic empowerment, education, health, and housing. The 2026 application period will open on January 5 at 9:00 a.m. and close on January 16. A virtual Applicant Webinar will be held on Tuesday, December 16, at 10:00 a.m. to provide guidance on eligibility and the application process. For more information and application instructions, visit the Many Hands website.
| |
Join the MAP-EC Afghan Advisory Council
The MAP-EC Afghan Advisory Council guides culturally responsive health and wellness services in Northern Virginia. The mission is to strengthen trust, collaboration, and cultural understanding between the Afghan community and service providers by promoting equitable access to medical, behavioral health, and social care, informing the MAP Clinic refugee best practices care toolkit, advising on sustainability strategies for long-term community health, and supporting refugee workforce development, including Afghan CHW and student interns. Interested in partnering? Contact Dr. Patrice Winter at pwinter@gmu.edu
For more information available flyer here.
| |
Resource Highlight: It Takes a Village
Maternal Mental Health Care
Virginia Health Care Foundation’s new It Takes a Village program offers compassionate mental health counseling for pregnant and postpartum mothers statewide. In partnership with local providers, ITAV provides telehealth and in-person sessions in English and Spanish, with insurance accepted and sliding-scale fees for those without coverage. The program ensures help is accessible for any mother experiencing emotional challenges during or after pregnancy, regardless of location or income. More information here.
| | | Trainings and Community Resources | | VIRTUAL TRAININGS, WORKSHOPS & WEBINARS | |
RVCA Priority-Setting Workshop
Resilient Virginia
Dec 2, 10 AM to 12 PM - Virtual
*This workshop will bring together people from central and southwest Virginia, including underserved rural communities, to discuss local goals and priorities.
Planning for Success: Are Immigration Legal Services the Right Fit for Your Organization?
CLINIC
Dec 2, 2 PM - Virtual
Know your Rights: Understanding Recent changes in US Immigration Policy
Women for Afghan Women
Dec 2, 2 PM - Virtual
The Evolving Landscape of Language Access
Welcoming America
Dec 3, 2 PM - Virtual
Immigration Briefings
ILRC
Dec 3 and 17, 1 PM - Virtual
*Provide overviews of new announcements and policies.
No Safe Place: How Domestic Violence Harms Children
JusticeClearingHouse
Dec 4, 1 PM - Virtual
Understanding, Owning and Advocating for Local Language Access
Welcoming America
Dec 4, 2 PM - Virtual
Shaping Summer Access Now: Meals and EBT for Latino Families
UnidosUS
Dec 4, 2 PM - Virtual
Multilingualism and Diversity: Impact on Education, Health and Society seminar series 2025-26
UCL
Dec 8, 12 PM - Virtual
Supporting Immigrant Parents & Families in 2025
Circle of Parents
Dec 8, 1 PM - Virtual
*Spanish and English flyers
Community of Practice Learning Networking group Richmond
UniteUS
Dec 9, 12 PM - Virtual
The Natural Helpers Webinar Series: Part III
Sustainable Engagement- Caring for Natural Helpers in our Community
Welcoming America
Dec 9, 2 PM - Virtual
*Join community organizers, nonprofit professionals, local leaders, anyone working to build stronger, more welcoming communities.
Overcoming Adversity and Building Resilience
Greater Richmond Scan
Dec 10, 1 PM to 3 PM - Virtual
*CEU's Available
Creating Balance in Case Management
Switchboard
Dec 10, 1:30 PM - Virtual
*Open to all refugee service providers, whether working at state agencies, resettlement agencies or affiliates, or other organizations.
Empowering Newcomers - Addressing Housing Challenges through Innovative Solutions
Welcoming America
Dec 10, 2 PM - Virtual
Coming to America: The Jewish Immigration Experience (1880-1924)
The Immigrant Learning Center
Dec 10, 4:30 PM - Virtual
Legal Q&A session for social service providers working with unaccompanied children
USCRI
Dec 11, 2 PM - Virtual
Becoming Black in America: Navigating Race, Belonging, and Political Awakening Across the Diaspora
Welcoming America
Dec 11, 2 PM - Virtual
Religion & Faith in Mental Health Practice with Latino Communities
El Futuro
Dec 12, 12 PM - Virtual
| | |
Curious about how welcoming your community really is? If you want to better understand how immigrants experience local life, or see how much your staff and neighbors know about integration, check out the Immigrant Integration Surveys developed by Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC). Their toolkit includes three ready-to-use surveys, one for agency staff, one for clients, and one for community members, plus a webinar and step-by-step guidance on collecting and using data. These resources are perfect for organizations and anyone aiming to strengthen inclusion and gather real feedback on what makes a community feel welcoming.
| |
The National Immigration Law Center (NILC) has released a new issue brief, Protecting Immigrant Access to Public K-12 Schools: State Legislation. This guide outlines important steps states and school districts across the country have taken to protect access to public K-12 education for immigrant students. The brief also includes model state bill language, making it a practical resource for anyone interested in supporting educational opportunities for immigrant children. Access here.
| |
USAHello has created an updated Multilingual Immigration Guide with clear, easy-to-understand information for immigrants and refugees. The guide is available in several languages and covers the latest immigration policy updates. Learn about programs ending and how to apply for available benefits. Know Your Rights, legal status options, and access to help and resources.
| |
Virginia families can apply for free monthly diapers and additional support services including help with Head Start, nutrition, financial coaching, job readiness, housing counseling, mental health referrals, and baby essentials, through the Virginia Community Action Partnership (VACAP) diaper distribution program. For details or to enroll, contact your local partner agency or VACAP directly. For more information, here.
| |
Alma is a free, multilingual assistant created by the International Rescue Committee to help newcomers navigate life in the United States. Available 24/7, Alma provides reliable information on housing, employment, benefits, documents, and local services, in multiple languages (Dari/Farsi, English, Spanish, and Swahili). It’s designed as a supportive companion, not a replacement for professional advice, and is accessible via WhatsApp and other platforms to reach a wide community of refugees and immigrants. For more information here.
| |
Public Benefits Overview for Refugees and Other Humanitarian Immigrants is an easy-to-use tool that helps refugees and other immigrants find out which public benefits they may qualify for in the U.S. The tool explains who is eligible and what services are available, like cash help, health care, job training, and English classes. It is a quick way for newcomers and service providers to get clear answers about available support. To download this Tool and Template here.
| |
Virginia Main Street is sharing a new online resource from Main Street America: the Small Business Support Hub. This easy-to-use platform gives entrepreneurs and small business owners access to free tools, courses, expert advice, and a network of business peers. Whether you’re new or growing your business, the Hub offers everything you need to learn, connect, and succeed.
| |
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) operates across Virginia, offering free and low-cost help to small business owners and those starting a business. Their services include one-on-one advice and online workshops on business planning, marketing, money management, and funding.
SBDC also provides a free guide called “Navigating an Economic Downturn” to help businesses through tough times, this guide was created in October and is filled with practical advice for business owners.
This month, SBDC is hosting a virtual webinar called “Starting Your Small Business,” at no cost. Participants get access to on-demand video lessons and a live Q&A session over Zoom, so you can learn what you need to open and run your business successfully. If your organization needs help connecting with SBDC, we will be happy to make that bridge.
| |
The National Immigration Law Center and the Center for Law and Social Policy jointly released a new know your rights document for immigrant parents that documents the rights they have if they are apprehended and detained. The document is available in Spanish. Access here.
| | |
|
Click on each region for a listing of cultural festivals, mobile clinics, information sessions, job fairs, networking meetings and other local events: | |
| | | The resources and organizations shared in this newsletter are provided solely for informational and educational purposes. References or links to external entities within this Newsletter do not imply the endorsement of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Social Services or the Office of New Americans. | | | | |
