Our Programs
Education
Education is at the heart of RRPs services. We pride ourselves on the incredible work of our tutors and mentors who work alongside families to determine the education needs of each family member. Volunteers are matched as a team to the family to work together to help families reach their goals. Whether it is an adult who wants to learn to speak English or children who need help to catch up in school, volunteers follow a curriculum to get them there. During the height of the pandemic, RRP paid tutors to help children who had to suddenly switch to online learning. We also have put on summer learning programs and provide cultural education to help families adjust to their lives in Roanoke.
Asylum Assistance
Many recent arrivals from Afghanistan must go through a lengthy and complicated process of applying for asylum. In addition to paperwork, this requires people to document their stories in order to prove their need for resettlement. RRP helps fund this process, and volunteers work with families, lawyers, and interpreters throughout. They join with people to create a safe environment for sharing details of their lives.
Citizenship Program
Many refugees work toward U.S. citizenship, and it requires a great deal of money, studying, and travel. RRP partners with Blue Ridge Literacy, a local nonprofit, to work with individuals through the entire process to increase accessibility. Volunteers mentor and tutor people who wish to eventually take the test. RRP also provides a financial incentive by helping pay for the application as well as travel to WV for biometric screenings and Norfolk to take the test.
Sometimes, families outgrow their living space or need to move for a variety of reasons. RRP volunteers coordinate with families to find new housing and move belongings from one place to the next. RRP also coordinates household necessities by either purchasing or getting donations of household goods for families.
Household Relief
Mentors and tutors in RRP identify those who are in need of medical or mental health services. We believe strongly in access to both of these. Volunteers often provide transportation and assistance coordinating these services.