Our Impact

Breaking down barriers, creating opportunity

Breaking down barriers, creating opportunity

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

In both rural and urban areas, RIVA 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 RIVA AmeriCorps Member in their community.

- RIVA AmeriCorps Snapshots -

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

In both rural and urban areas, RIVA 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 RIVA AmeriCorps member in their community.

COVID-19 Crisis

The global pandemic took everyone by surprise. However RIVA 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 RIVA 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

RIVA AmeriCorps 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

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

Essential Supply Distribution

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

Weekly Mobile Food Pantry

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

Weekly Mobile Food Pantry

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

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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.

RIVA 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, RIVA 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.

RIVA 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, RIVA 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, RIVA AmeriCorps Members coordinated a supply drive for the community.

Food & Supply Drive

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

Refugee Leadership Summit

At a meeting of refugee leaders, RIVA AmeriCorps 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

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

Community Needs Assessment

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

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RIVA AmeriCorps Day at the Capitol 

RIVA 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 RIVA 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.

RIVA AmeriCorps Day at the Capitol 

RIVA 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 RIVA 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.

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RIVA (formerly RISE) AmeriCorps Alumni 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.”

RIVA (formerly RISE) AmeriCorps Alumni 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.”

RIVA (formerly RISE) AmeriCorps Alumni
​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.”

RIVA (formerly RISE) AmeriCorps
​Alumni 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.”

RIVA (formerly RISE) AmeriCorps Alumni 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."

RIVA (formerly RISE) AmeriCorps Alumni 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."