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Welcome to the Center for Refugee Support in Albuquerque! We're thrilled to have you here. Our mission is to provide a warm and welcoming environment for refugee families who have resettled after the 90-day government program. We're all about creating opportunities for you to actively participate in your new community! At our center, we offer a wide range of educational programs to help you gain new skills, knowledge, and language proficiency. We want to empower you to succeed in your new environment and build a brighter future for yourselves and your families. But it doesn't stop there! We're also here to support your personal growth and self-confidence. Through workshops and mentorship, we'll help you develop resilience and self-reliance, because we believe in your potential to overcome challenges and embrace new opportunities. We're all about fostering leadership skills too! We want you to be influential voices in your new society, advocating for your rights and shaping decision-making processes. Your input matters, and we're here to help you make a difference. Community engagement is a big part of what we do. We'll connect you with the wider community, facilitating cultural exchange and building strong relationships. Together, we can bridge gaps and create a truly inclusive community. And let's not forget about your career! We're here to assist you in preparing for fulfilling employment opportunities. Through partnerships with local businesses, we'll help you find stable and rewarding careers that support your family's future. Oh, and citizenship? We've got your back there too! Our dedicated team will provide guidance, resources, and legal support to navigate the process smoothly. We're committed to empowering you to fully participate in the civic life of your new country. So, come join us at the Center for Refugee Support, where we'll work together to create a vibrant and inclusive community. We can't wait to embark on this exciting journey with you towards a brighter future! Help us continue to serve by Donating
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Find updates on our Facebook page
If you have any questions contact our Program Coordinators
Our Programs
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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. |
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Meet Our Team!
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RUSSOL ABDELFATAH
Associate Director Russol, a native of Baghdad, Iraq, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her role. Holding a Master's degree in Computer Science from Iraq, she has dedicated her career to supporting refugee families as a case manager at Catholic Charities. Currently, Russol serves as an associate director, working closely with numerous refugee families in their settlement journey in Albuquerque, NM. Passionate about her work, Russol finds immense joy in collaborating with families to enhance their lives and facilitate their integration into the community. Her dedication and compassionate approach make her a valuable asset in providing the necessary support and guidance for refugees seeking to rebuild their lives. With Russol's expertise and commitment, she plays a vital role in helping families navigate the challenges of their new environment and access resources that contribute to their overall well-being. Her contributions make a significant impact on the lives of the families she serves. PARWIN WAFA
Bilingual Community Liaison Introducing Parwin, a dynamic individual born in Kabul, Afghanistan. Fluent in English, Dari, Farsi, Urdu, and Pashto, she serves as a dedicated newcomer specialist at Albuquerque Public Schools. Since 2017, Parwin has been an invaluable interpreter and translator for Catholic Charities programs. Equipped with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, specializing in management, Parwin brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. She finds immense joy in the art of language, effortlessly switching between English and Dari, bridging cultural gaps and fostering understanding. Parwin's commitment to preserving her mother tongue remains strong, as she diligently translates English documents into Dari, keeping the richness of her heritage alive. Passionate about community engagement, Parwin thrives on working closely with individuals, making them feel empowered and resilient. Her dedication to serving her community shines through in every interaction. She is a firm believer in the strength that comes from collaboration and supporting one another. Parwin's work is driven by her desire to uplift others and help them achieve their full potential. She finds fulfillment in being a catalyst for positive change, making a lasting impact on the lives of those she serves. With her diverse language skills and compassionate nature, Parwin is an indispensable member of the team. Her dedication to the community and unwavering commitment to preserving cultural heritage make her an invaluable asset to both Albuquerque Public Schools and Catholic Charities. Through her work, Parwin not only bridges language barriers but also creates a sense of unity and empowerment. She is dedicated to building a stronger, more inclusive community where everyone can thrive and feel a sense of belonging. |
EVERLYNE LAGAT
Bilingual Community Liaison Meet Everlyne, a remarkable individual originally from Kenya, who has made Albuquerque her home for many years. Previously, she had a successful career as a professional athlete. During her time at the University of Toledo, she pursued her passion for International Business while actively participating in the Rockets cross country and Track and Field teams. Everlyne's enthusiasm lies in working with people to enhance their lives and help them achieve their goals. She cherishes moments spent with her daughters, friends, and engaging in volunteer work. Everlyne's dedication and passion for making a difference are evident in her commitment to Catholic Charities, where she is thrilled to continue learning and growing alongside a team that shares her unwavering dedication. With her diverse experiences and background, Everlyne brings a unique perspective to her work. She thrives on the opportunity to positively impact the lives of others and is driven by the desire to see individuals flourish. Everlyne's journey is one of continuous personal and professional growth. She embraces new challenges with open arms, always seeking to expand her knowledge and skills. Her infectious enthusiasm and dedication make her an invaluable asset to the team at Catholic Charities. Through her work, Everlyne aims to create a positive and lasting impact in the lives of those she serves. She believes in the transformative power of collaboration and is committed to helping individuals realize their full potential. LUBNA SAID
Bilingual Community Liaison Meet Lubna, a compassionate and motivated individual hailing from Kandahar, Afghanistan. Fluent in Pashto, Urdu, English, and Dari, she has a true passion for assisting people, particularly refugees who face language barriers. |
Resources for Albuquerque Refugees
Team Refugee is proud to be supported by a generous grant from the Sandia Foundation's Hugh and Helen Woodward Fund, administered through the Albuquerque Community Foundation. This funding enables us to continue our mission of providing vital resources and support to refugees in our community. We are immensely grateful for the trust and investment placed in us by the Sandia Foundation and the Albuquerque Community Foundation, allowing us to make a positive impact and empower refugee individuals and families on their journey toward a brighter future.
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