Good News 2025
Despite the challenges of this year's political climate, we're happy to share the good news of 2025 as we continue to build the independence of refugee families. Against all odds, our families celebrated successes big and small and we're proud to have helped them in their journey. Here are just a few examples:
Amira* and her family were among the 22 people RAP helped apply for legal permanent residency (getting a “green card”) in 2025. The residency application process involves 19 different steps, including an exam with a certified civil surgeon, which is not covered by insurance and costs an average of $400 per person. RAP was able to get 22 people (9 families) across the finish line! The RAP education program is currently helping four more families study for their citizenship exams, the final leg of their journey.
RAP extended our youth engagement program to include 28 children and teens. This year, we went to the Newark Museum, a soccer clinic, an art activity, and most recently to the Liberty Science Center. This program develops friendships, expands learning, and encourages personal growth through community experiences the kids would not have access to, if it were not for RAP’s commitment to the success of our community’s next generation.
When Aisha first arrived from Rwanda, she started working in the kitchen of a rehabilitation facility, then she upgraded to working with patients directly. RAP helped her complete her GED, so she could become a certified home health aide. This year, we helped pay for some of her college classes, and she graduated this June from nursing school, realizing her life-long dream of becoming a nurse.
Sia found RAP through ChatGPT when she sought help with learning how to drive. RAP provided driving lessons and helped her earn her license. Their family saved money and bought a new car. She now has a job designing curricula at a university. Sia continues to advocate for other refugees through RAP. In July, Sia was a featured guest at RAP’s community conversation event in Westfield where she spoke passionately about being welcomed and the importance of building community together. The event was one of three outreach and education events RAP hosted in 2025
We also sent Sia’s brother Ahmad* to the Outward Bound summer leadership camp, after which he commented: “I had an amazing experience that I learned a lot from it. I wanted to personally thank you because I couldn’t have done this without your support. Hard times can either bring people closer together or push them apart. In tough moments, patience is key.” Ahmad is a very talented young man whom RAP is now helping study for his SAT college entrance exam.
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Rosa*came to the U.S. with a severely disabled son. When we met her at the beginning of last year, she spoke no English, she did not have any transportation, and she had no friends or social support system --- she literally was scared to leave her own apartment. Last year, RAP provided ESL, helped connect her with disability services, and helped her open her first bank account. This year, because of RAP’s advocacy and casework, her son now has a full medical team to provide appropriate care. Rosa now has steady income, she manages her own calendar complete with all their medical appointments, and she is completely independent with managing her own finances. RAP’s persistence and dedication to her success have been pivotal to this progress.
