Refugee Support

Welcoming and Integrating Families into Our Community
The Center for Refugee Support provides educational and career programs for the many refugee families that have resettled in Albuquerque after the 90-day government resettlement program. Our programs aim to create a path for families and individuals to participate in their new community through education, personal empowerment, leadership opportunities, community engagement, career preparation, and the pursuit of citizenship.

Find updates on our Facebook page

Help us continue to serve by Donating! 
If you have any questions contact our Program Coordinators 

Our Programs

Community Circle
Community Circles: Gathering together in common language groups, Circles provide families the space to share their experiences, knowledge, and resources with each other. Working collectively to support each other in attaining individual goals, families assume leadership roles and determine steps needed to move forward.
Learn More
Computer Classes
Computer Classes: Teach the basics of computer anatomy & website navigation for families. Then, it progresses to using operating programs (Word, Excel, etc.) as well as email.
Speaker Series
Speaker Series: Community professionals are invited to speak with families to provide resources of interest and topic-specific information with interpretation provided. Interests expressed by families drive the speaker & topic selection. One to two events in the series are offered monthly.
World of Wellness
World of Wellness: A building block of all program components, providing families with resources and information to support the health of their families in America is included within each program. Additional “Wellness Week” challenges engage families in trying new fitness experiences and evaluating eating habits.
Family Story Time
This class is for kids ages 4-11 years. include: listening to the story, reading a short story, and making arts/crafts together.
Mentor Match
A program for high school students grade 9th-12th providing peer support for students as they navigate school, life, friend and work toward their goals.
Breaking Bread
Weekly conversational ESL events with cross-cultural experiences are open for families to join together from their kitchens or living rooms to review and learn English. Some shared activities include cooking, sewing, and geography activities enjoyed with native English speaking volunteers.

Meet Our Team!

Hawra Alassadi
Co-Program Coordinator
More About Hawra
She currently holds an associate degree in Surgical Technology and is continuing her education in the health field. Hawra has been with Catholic Charities since October 2019. She enjoys learning new ways to help our families become more successful.  
Russol Abdelfatah 
Co-Program Coordinator
More about Russol
​Russol holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from her country, Iraq. Russol has been with Catholic Charities in her current position since October 2019. She enjoys working with families to help them to improve their lives.
Everlyne Lagat
Bilingual Community Liaison for the Swahili group
Parwin Wafa 
Bilingual Community Liaison for the Dari group
More about Everlyne
​Everlyne is from Kenya and has lived in Albuquerque for many years where she worked as a professional Athlete. She studied International Business at the University of Toledo where she was a member of Rockets cross country and Track and Field. Everlyne Loves working with people to improve their lives and reach their goals, spending time with her daughters, friend and  volunteer work. At Catholic Charities, Everlyne is excited to continue learning and growing working with a very dedicated team. 
More about Parwin
Parwin is a newcomer specialist at Albuquerque Public Schools. She has been interpreting and translating for Catholic Charities programs since 2017. She has a bachelor's degree in Business Administration in management field. She loves switching languages, translating English into Dari and Dari into English. She translates English documents into Dari to keep her mother tongue reading and writing alive. She enjoys working with her community and making them feel strong.
Resources for Albuquerque Refugees
To learn how to become a part of our program contact 
Russol Abdelfatah ​abdelfatahr@ccasfnm.org OR Hawra Alassadi alassadih@ccasfnm.org
Team Refugee is funded by a grant from the Sandia Foundation’s
​Hugh and Helen Woodward Fund of the Albuquerque Community Foundation

​THANK YOU to the granting organizations that make our programs possible
The mission of Catholic Charities is to put faith in action to improve the lives of those in need. We provide services to promote self-sufficiency, strengthen families, fight poverty, and build community. As the local 501(c)(3) affiliate of Catholic Charities USA, we remain dedicated to finding solutions to some of the most pressing social challenges individuals, children and families face regardless of race, religion, color, country of origin, disabilities, gender, age, or sexual orientation.