Solidarity is built into every aspect of the work done at Refugee Women Rising (RWR) but it is not without challenge. RWR’s programs flex to accommodate women born in 25 different countries speaking 30 different languages. “Our work is welcoming, relational and as unique as our collaborators,” as stated in Refugee Women Rising’s Impact Report for 2024.
Women are referred to as collaborators, not clients, since many have become part of the mission as volunteers or staff. Immigrant women are directly involved in the programming that is provided to new women refugees. Directly counteracting the isolation and loneliness refugees experience, the specific three types of programming offered at RWR provide that vital connection, proven to benefit and improve women’s physical health as well as mental health.
The first tier is the Driver Education Program, which combines hands-on experience with safety classes in multiple languages. Women are obtaining independence and freedom through driving– all available because of NE state-certified women instructors originally from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and South Sudan. The additional contribution of vehicles from two local families has given 114 women the confidence for travel, errands and eliminated reliance on public transportation.
Second tier programming supports women’s wellness with the generosity of voluntary medical staff including a midwife, and two physicians, one of which was born abroad. The third tier of support is offered through culinary experiential learning, providing essential social/emotional support through relationship.
Relationship is exactly why Nancy Miller, an Ignatian Volunteer for Refugee Women Rising spends her time at RWR. She loves the idea of giving back–”in whatever way you can.” Nancy is an expert in Operations and Organizational Leadership. After spending 40 years in the travel industry, her commitment includes strategic direction, Human Resource development and expertise in technology and communications. Nancy’s work has expanded RWR use of social media, specifically WhatsApp, which has allowed RWR to regularly connect with 300+ refugee and migrant women. This is in addition to Facebook and Instagram where their reach was to over 27,000, making our world a bit smaller.
“IVC offers a unique way for me to become involved, impacting my community and beyond.” Nancy adds, “I am open to work that is different from what I have done before because I want to grow through learning. The exposure to diverse experiences at RWR has helped me to develop more understanding and compassion for others.” According to Nancy, “I do relational work, serve these women with compassion. I feel I am working with them, not serving them. Each unique interaction recognizes the inherent dignity & equality of women. The diverse experiences at RWR have helped me to develop more understanding and compassion for others.”
In a recent gathering of the Omaha service corps members reflection on living in solidarity with others, Fr. Kevin O’Brien reminded readers of Ignatius’ two statements about love: that love must show itself more by deeds than by words, and that love is a relationship of mutuality–that is the reality of another human being in need, and upon seeing the need, we have a duty to act. The partnership at Refugee Women Rising with IVC member Nancy Miller seems to be doing just this!