Progress Worth Protecting
Strengthening the community we know is possible
Unwavering in protecting our progress
Even as fewer refugees arrived in the Richmond region this past year, ReEstablish Richmond served more people than ever before. We worked with 463 refugee and immigrant clients in FY26, many of whom have been building their lives here for years. Our 16 years of experience has taught us that rebuilding is a journey and ongoing access to reliable resources and a community of support is vital for greater self-sufficiency.
Our English classes are one example of that continuing support, with transportation, childcare, and interpretation built in to make learning accessible; last year, 72% of students advanced at least one proficiency level.
One student reflected, “I learned so much in this class, and I received so much support. I made a great community.”
That sense of community extends beyond our classrooms through relationships between newcomers and longtime Richmonders, especially volunteers. In FY26, 300 volunteers contributed 3,750 hours, helping sustain these opportunities and connections.
The importance of that community investment is especially clear now, as federal funding cuts have disrupted refugee resettlement services in Richmond. Changing immigration policies are creating obstacles for people who have spent years working toward stability, while uncertainty about future funding raises concerns about which resources will remain available. Although we cannot predict what additional policy or funding decisions may bring, our established relationships and experience give us a strong foundation for responding alongside our community as new challenges emerge.
Will you make a year-end gift to ReEstablish Richmond and help us reach our $120,000 fundraising goal by December 31?
We are grateful for the generosity that has sustained this work and hope you'll continue alongside us as newcomers build on their progress. Your investment in ReEstablish Richmond is an investment in the community we share and the opportunities we want to preserve for those who call Richmond home.