Our Impact


​Every day, RISE AmeriCorps Members across the state of Iowa are serving refugee and immigrant communities and empowering them to thrive.

In both rural and urban areas, RISE AmeriCorps teams collaborate with refugee community leaders and partner organizations to assess needs and work to eliminate harmful barriers.

For many refugees, their only connection to vital resources
is through a RISE AmeriCorps Member in their community.
Every day, RISE AmeriCorps members across the state of Iowa are serving refugee and immigrant communities and empowering them to thrive.

In both rural and urban areas, RISE AmeriCorps teams collaborate with refugee community leaders and partner organizations to assess needs and work to eliminate harmful barriers.

For many refugees, their only connection to vital resources
is through a RISE AmeriCorps member in their community.

Breaking down barriers, creating opportunity

Breaking down barriers, creating opportunity

- RISE AmeriCorps Snapshots -

COVID-19 Crisis

The global pandemic took everyone by surprise. However RISE AmeriCorps members didn't miss a beat, pivoting to crisis response efforts specifically for refugees and immigrants affected by COVID-19. In workforce agencies, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations, members were asked to completely change the focus of their service and showed incredible resilience and dedication. 

COVID-19 Crisis

The global pandemic took everyone by surprise. However RISE AmeriCorps members didn't miss a beat, pivoting to crisis response efforts specifically for refugees and immigrants affected by COVID-19. In workforce agencies, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations, members were asked to completely change the focus of their service and showed incredible resilience and dedication. 

Local Community Collaboration

Members at Hoover Community School prepared a meals and essential item packages. 

Local Community Collaboration

Members at Hoover Community School prepared a meals and essential item packages. 

Essential Supply Distribution

RISE AmeriCorps Members always take extra safety precautions using personal protective equipment.

Essential Supply Distribution

RISE AmeriCorps Members always take extra safety precautions using personal protective equipment.

Weekly Mobile Food Pantry

At EMBARC in Waterloo, a RISE AmeriCorps Member stocks the pantry with nonperishable food.

Weekly Mobile Food Pantry

At EMBARC in Waterloo, a RISE AmeriCorps Member stocks the pantry with nonperishable food.

Cedar Rapids Derecho

When a destructive storm swept across the state of Iowa in August 2020, refugee and immigrant communities were severely and disproportionately impacted. Hundreds were left without adequate food, water, or housing.

RISE AmeriCorps members quickly mobilized disaster relief efforts and were among the first on the ground in Cedar Rapids. Working together with refugee leaders and local partner organizations, RISE served thousands of hot meals for displaced families, organized supply drives, knocked doors to inform community members of eviction notices, provided interpretation services, and much more.

Cedar Rapids Derecho

When a destructive storm swept across the state of Iowa in August 2020, refugee and immigrant communities were severely and disproportionately impacted. Hundreds were left without adequate food, water, or housing.

RISE AmeriCorps members quickly mobilized disaster relief efforts and were among the first on the ground in Cedar Rapids. Working together with refugee leaders and local partner organizations, RISE served thousands of hot meals for displaced families, organized supply drives, knocked doors to inform community members of eviction notices, provided interpretation services, and much more.

Food & Supply Drive

In the span of just hours, RISE AmeriCorps Members coordinated a supply drive for the community.

Food & Supply Drive

In the span of just hours, RISE AmeriCorps Members coordinated a supply drive for the community.

Refugee Leadership Summit

At a meeting of refugee leaders, members emphasized working WITH the community not FOR it.

Refugee Leadership Summit

At a meeting of refugee leaders, members emphasized working WITH the community not FOR it.

Community Needs Assessment

RISE AmeriCorps Members knocked doors after the storm to assess needs and inform residents of rights. 

Community Needs Assessment

RISE AmeriCorps Members knocked doors after the storm to assess needs and inform residents of rights. 

RISE AmeriCorps Day at the Capitol 

RISE AmeriCorps Members gather each year at the Iowa Capitol to make strides in educating state legislators on the issues affecting immigrant and refugee communities.

​In 2022, 31 RISE AmeriCorps Members and supporters, representing eight host sites in five counties across Iowa, shared stories of helping immigrants and refugees overcome barriers. Members were welcomed with introductions and rounds of applause in both chambers of the capitol building, as well as conversations with over 23 legislators.

RISE AmeriCorps Day at the Capitol 

RISE AmeriCorps Members gather each year at the Iowa Capitol to make strides in educating state legislators on the issues affecting immigrant and refugee communities.

​In 2022, 31 RISE AmeriCorps Members and supporters, representing eight host sites in five counties across Iowa, shared stories of helping immigrants and refugees overcome barriers. Members were welcomed with introductions and rounds of applause in both chambers of the capitol building, as well as conversations with over 23 legislators.

​

RISE AmeriCorps Member Jonatan Artola:​
"It's almost impossible to talk to representatives in my home country, [Guatemala]. So this experience made me feel powerful as just a normal, common person here in Iowa. I really do appreciate the opportunity.”
RISE AmeriCorps Member Jonatan Artola:​
"It's almost impossible to talk to representatives in my home country, [Guatemala]. So this experience made me feel powerful as just a normal, common person here in Iowa. I really do appreciate the opportunity.”
RISE AmeriCorps
​Member David Clower:
“I definitely feel we helped to increase the visibility of the issues we raised and hopefully it will stick with some of [the legislators]. I also think that being able to share personal and firsthand experiences is especially powerful.”
RISE AmeriCorps
​Member David Clower:
“I definitely feel we helped to increase the visibility of the issues we raised and hopefully it will stick with some of [the legislators]. I also think that being able to share personal and firsthand experiences is especially powerful.”
Former RISE AmeriCorps Member Mu Paw:
​"With RISE AmeriCorps, you have the opportunity and chance to talk with legislators. We can share the challenges we face as immigrants and refugees. They are very open and they just came to us and introduced themselves. They were ready to listen to our story."
Former RISE AmeriCorps Member Mu Paw:
​"With RISE AmeriCorps, you have the opportunity and chance to talk with legislators. We can share the challenges we face as immigrants and refugees. They are very open and they just came to us and introduced themselves. They were ready to listen to our story."