Center for Immigrant and Refugee Health

02/25/2026

📢 Community Needs Assessment — Health, Empowerment, and Resilience (HER) Initiative

We’re pleased to share a new Community Needs Assessment as part of our Health, Empowerment, and Resilience (HER) Initiative. We are seeking participants for upcoming focus group discussions with:
• Immigrant and refugee women (ages 18+)
• Caseworkers, clinicians, and service providers who work with immigrant and refugee women

These conversations will help us better understand women’s health needs, barriers to care, system-level challenges, and opportunities to strengthen culturally responsive programs and services.

If you or someone in your network may be interested, please take a look at the attached flyers for full details. You can also reach out directly via the email listed on the flyer.

02/25/2026

We honor Black History Month as a time to recognize the history, resilience, and contributions of Black communities. We also affirm our commitment throughout the year to stand for better health and opportunity for all.

02/18/2026

Across cultures and traditions, this season represents renewal, reflection, and collective care, values that connect people and communities.

Ramadan, observed from February 17 to March 19, is a sacred month of reflection and compassion for Muslims around the world, emphasizing mindfulness and care for one another.

Often symbolized by strength and a bright spirit, the Year of the Horse in the Chinese New Year welcomes new beginnings and encourages resilience and optimism.

Ash Wednesday, on February 18, marks the beginning of Lent for many Christian communities, a time of reflection, intention, and spiritual renewal.

At CIRH, we recognize that cultural and faith traditions are deeply connected to health, identity, and community well-being. We honor the diverse ways our communities find meaning and care during this season, and wish all who observe a peaceful and meaningful time.

02/11/2026

📢 Opportunity to Share Your Experience – Support for Young Adults with Neurodevelopmental Conditions

The COMPASS Project at the UC Davis MIND Institute is developing a toolkit to improve support for young people with neurodevelopmental conditions as they transition from high school into adulthood.

To help shape this resource, the team is inviting individuals in California with experience planning for this transition, whether as a young adult, family member, or supporter, to participate in focus groups or interviews.

Participants will share insights about navigating healthcare, education, employment, relationships, and daily living. Feedback will directly inform the development of a practical resource navigation toolkit designed to better support young adults with disabilities.

🔗 Learn more or sign up:
https://studypages.com/en/s/help-us-build-better-resources-for-young-adults-with-disabilities-290397/

📧 Questions? Email: COMPASS@health.ucdavis.edu

We are sharing this opportunity as a resource for our community. Please consider participating or sharing with others who may be interested.

02/04/2026

📣 Upcoming Community Workshop
Organizing for Change: Strategies to Mobilize Communities During Political Turmoil

Date & Time: Feb 12, 2026 05:00 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)

This workshop equips immigrant- and refugee-led organizations with practical organizing and advocacy strategies to respond effectively during times of political instability and heightened enforcement. Participants will explore how political turmoil impacts their communities and learn how to build grassroots power, mobilize community members, and foster unity rooted in lived experience. Through real-world case scenarios, attendees will examine successful organizing efforts and apply lessons learned to current challenges facing immigrant and refugee communities.

Key Topics:
• Advocacy strategies during political turmoil
• Encouraging safe and meaningful civic engagement
• Building and sustaining grassroots power
• Case scenarios of effective community organizing

Register here:

This workshop equips immigrant- and refugee-led organizations with practical organizing and advocacy strategies to respond effectively during times of political instability and heightened enforcement. Participants will explore how political turmoil impacts their communities and learn how to build gr...

01/07/2026

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

The California Department of Social Services’ Child Trafficking Response Team and Refugee Programs Bureau’s Asylee & Trafficking Unit are hosting a series of virtual events to raise awareness and strengthen prevention efforts across California and beyond.

​✅ Learn how trafficking impacts individuals, families, and communities
​✅ Build skills to recognize warning signs and respond safely
​✅ Explore trauma-informed approaches to support survivors

🔗 Learn more & register:

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is committed to the prevention and eradication of human trafficking, as well as to providing ongoing support to survivors of human trafficking in California. January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and for 2026, the Child Traffickin...

12/23/2025

12/18/2025

Join us for an afternoon of warmth, joy, and community! Families can enjoy lunch, hot drinks, treats, kids’ activities, and more — all in a welcoming space for our Afghan community ✨

🗓 Sunday, December 21
⏰ 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
📍 9752 13th St, Garden Grove, CA 92844

Free lunch, games, henna & glitter tattoos, bounce house, chocolate fountain, and activities for kids as well as a winter blanket (first come, first serve)

📌 Open to Afghan newcomers who arrived on or after August 1, 2021 (documentation required).
🔗 Please RSVP using the QR code. We look forward to seeing you and your family!

Partners: .la

12/18/2025

The CalFresh Team is hosting an All Stakeholder Webinar on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. (PT). This session will provide State partners with updates and information on the CalFresh program and related services, presented by the CalFresh Branch and the Nutrition Programs Branch of the California Department of Social Services.

🔗 Registration is required: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hieHl7d9RHGaqOtjwC64mg #/registration

♿ Accessibility: American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, closed captions, and Spanish interpretation will be available.

During this webinar, the CalFresh Branch and the Nutrition Programs Branch from the California Department of Social Services will provide stakeholders with information and updates on the CalFresh program and related services.

12/15/2025

Castro Valley Adult & Career Education (CVACE) Medical Academy is excited to offer several excellent healthcare training opportunities for the upcoming winter session. Below is a quick overview of the programs:

1. Medical Assisting (MA)
In-person | Jan 8 – Oct 29 | Tue & Thu | 5–9 PM
Learn hands-on clinical and administrative skills, including taking vital signs, drawing blood, performing EKGs, assisting with exams, and preparing for state certification.
To learn more and apply: https://cvace.link/MedicalAssistantOrientation

2. Community Health Worker (CHW)
Online | Feb 23 – Jun 17 | Mon & Wed | 10 AM–1 PM
Train for roles like Care Coordinator, Health Navigator, and Transition Specialist. Discover public health, benefits programs, care coordination, and patient support services.
To learn more and apply: https://cvace.link/CHW-Orientation

3. Introduction to Healthcare Careers (IHC) — Free Class
Online | Jan 14 – Apr 22 | Wed & Fri | 9 AM–12 PM
Explore the healthcare system, medical terms, body systems, communication skills, and career pathways.
To learn more and apply: https://cvace.link/healthcare-prep

4. English for Healthcare Careers (EHC) — Free Class
Hybrid | Jan 26 – Apr 29 | Mon & Wed | 12:15–2:15 PM
For learners who want to improve their English before entering a healthcare training program.
To learn more and apply: https://cvace.link/healthcare-prep

If you or someone you know is interested, please visit the links above or call 510-886-1000 for more information.

Castro Valley Adult and Career Education has two classes that are helpful to people who want to go into a healthcare career training program but need to improve their English first. The Introduction to Healthcare Careers class will be held from January 14 to April 22, with sessions on Wednesdays and...

12/05/2025

IRC Oakland is offering counseling sessions for Afghans in Contra Costa County (ORR-eligible). Up to 12 sessions available, with in-person, Zoom, or phone options.

Contact oak.wellness@rescue.org or (510) 871-7402 to get connected.

11/26/2025

📢 Upcoming Webinar: Navigating Parole, TPS & Public Benefits for Ukrainians in California

Ukrainian newcomers continue to face layered challenges related to parole, work authorization, access to benefits, and education. This webinar will equip service providers, advocates, and community partners with a clear understanding of the evolving policy landscape, including UHP parole, re-parole, and Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

📅 Wednesday, December 10, 2025
🕛 12:00–1:00 PM PST
🌐 English language session

Participants will learn about:
✅Eligibility for Medi-Cal, Covered California, CalFresh, cash assistance, housing programs, and FAFSA
✅Re-parole and Employment Authorization Document (EAD) guidance
✅Educational opportunities for parolees and TPS holders in CA
✅Practical guidance on driver’s license renewal, taxes, work permit delays & family preparedness

🎤 Featured Speaker:
Vera Serova — Pro bono legal advocate for Ukrainian refugees; featured in The Wall Street Journal & The New Voice of Ukraine; UCLA School of Law, JD’19.

👉 Register today: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PIDxwGy8QIapwf668nXdCA #/registration