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 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 member in their community.

Breaking down barriers, creating opportunity

- RISE 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. 

Local Community Collaboration

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

Essential Supply Distribution

RISE members always take extra safety precautions using personal protective equipment.

Weekly Mobile Food Pantry

At EMBARC in Waterloo, a RISE 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.

Food & Supply Drive

In the span of just hours, RISE 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.

Community Needs Assessment

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