One of the joys of our work at RRCF is playing the role of connector between people who might not necessarily be in relationship with one another. Over the last three months, we’ve had two significant experiences of connection that exemplify what it means to be in community during this challenging time. Both of our stories include connecting with our immigrant neighbors who are navigating much uncertainty and concerns in their communities.
Afghan Health Initiative (AHI) was founded by current and former immigrants and refugees who understand firsthand the challenges of resettlement. As the only nonprofit in Washington state led by and for Afghan immigrants, AHI offers culturally responsive and linguistically appropriate social services and wellness advocacy. Their work ensures Afghan and broader immigrant communities have equitable access to education, economic opportunity, and holistic well-being.
RRCF has supported AHI through our CARE Together Fund for several years. Earlier this year, we reached out to learn how their community was being affected by recent immigration policy changes. We learned that the Department of Homeland Security had revoked Afghanistan’s Temporary Protected Status, effective in July. But beyond the policy shift, what stood out most was the silence that followed. No guidance. No returned emails. No staffed hotlines. Limited legal support. AHI’s Executive Director, Navid Hamidi, shared that many in his community feel there is “no hope left.”
In that conversation, AHI expressed the urgent need for a full-time caseworker to help community members navigate resources and support. Around that same time, RRCF had received an unexpected donation from a donor who wanted to support emerging needs in South King County, with a focus on immigrant communities. That gift, combined with a partnership grant from the Sheng-Yen Lu Foundation, provided the funds needed for AHI to hire this caseworker.
Navid’s words say it all: “I have no words. You were able to mobilize our need so quickly. Thank you for being a steady source of support for our community, especially in challenging times. You have consistently used your voice to uplift and stand with those who need it most. We are truly grateful for your partnership.”
South King County is also home to the Ukrainian Community Center of Washington (UCCW), which provides behavioral health, social services, and immigration services to Ukrainian and other immigrant residents. In early March we reached out to their executive director because there were discussions in the White House about reversing the Temporary Protective Status of Ukrainian immigrants. We learned that they were completely overwhelmed with the need of their community members, and while they had many volunteers to help, they needed a part-time volunteer coordinator on staff to manage the process.
We contacted two of our fundholders here at RRCF who expressed an interest in supporting emerging needs. Within a week we had a commitment from these fundholders to provide the funds needed for this volunteer coordinator. What a great example of our fundholders stepping up to meet the needs of our neighbors!
Since then, we have heard from UCCW that their volunteer coordinator has been hired, and they are working hard to navigate the continual challenges. UCCW Chief Administrative Officer Irina Plipchuk says, “These days, our community is very similar to many other refugee and immigrant communities. Since the recent ruling/order for the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) to un-pause and begin issuing decisions on all cases related to TPS (temporary protective status)/EAD (employment authorization) and others, we haven’t received any approvals/official decisions. Our community members are waiting to hear anything from the USCIS so they can work, continue working, and/or make plans accordingly. There is a lot of uncertainty, fear, and confusion. The news of continued war, increased bombings, and air raids in their native Ukraine is even more troubling for many who are not able to return to their homes. In other words, many Ukrainians are not sure what to do and what to expect. Their mental health and wellbeing is negatively impacted with short and many long-term effects and consequences. We are doing our best to provide services, support and opportunities to socialize with others in the community facing similar issues and barriers. We will prevail.”
This commitment to persevere and to prevail has been demonstrated time and again by the staff and volunteers of UCCW—and by the many other immigrant-led and immigrant-serving nonprofits who partner with RRCF. The economic, cultural, and community fabric of our region depends on immigrants—their safety and well-being are essential to all of us. At RRCF we are proud to support AHI, the Ukrainian Community Center, and many other groups in these uncertain times.
In her book, This Here Flesh, Cole Arther Riley writes: “Solidarity is a group that stands together and would do so for even its weakest member. It is that community which resists the intoxicating lie of individualism – we live for ourselves and by ourselves.”
That’s why the RRCF community matters: to have others with whom you can stand shoulder to shoulder as we envision something greater and walk this road together. Thank you for being in our community and standing together with us and all our neighbors.
If you feel a call to act, you can donate to either of these organizations or to RRCF so that together we can have a greater impact and reach more groups. You may also get in touch with us about other ways to support.
Donate to RRCF’s CARE Together Fund
Donate to Afghan Health Initiative
Donate to Ukrainian Community Center of Washington