Core Values
Inclusion, Dignity, Welcoming, Relationships, Client-Centered
Mission
We train ordinary people to help the most vulnerable refugees in South Florida with the vital support services needed to survive and thrive in their new communities.
Newcomers given human connections emerge from crisis and achieve self-sufficiency faster. RAA's volunteers, employees, and donors assist forcibly displaced families with language, education, employment, and community navigation to help refugees start to feel at home here, among us. RAA empowers refugees and unites neighbors, strengthening communities in South Florida.
Vision
Refugees have shown extraordinary strength and resilience to join our community. RAA's vision is for our communities to join together to help refugees understand our language and our ways, feel at home here among us, and access opportunities for betterment.
Our Story
““Miami is a hard place to move to in general, so being able to help these families, and befriend them, and support them is important. It’s very eye opening to work with our systems here in the U.S. - especially in regards to health care and insurance.” ”
2017-2019
Refugee Assistance Alliance formed in 2017 as a grassroots network in response to the Syrian refugee crisis. Local Miami residents recognized that Syrian families living amongst them were struggling to adapt and integrate. RAA partnered with local refugee agencies to offer extended support to the most vulnerable refugees after the 90-day federal resettlement period ended.
2020-2022
During the pandemic, RAA adapted to meet the needs of refugees who lost jobs by pivoting to online economic, English, emotional and educational support. With increased volunteer engagement, we secured our first major two-year grant, allowing us to expand services and hire our first staff members from the refugee community.
2022-2024
RAA’s work gained national and federal funding, expanding to include employment advocacy and workplace professional development training to empower refugees in South Florida
Our Staff
Kristen B., President & Founder
Kamar, Client Coordinator
Heather, Administrative Operations Specialist
Sarah, ESL Coordinator
Salma, Director of Adult Learning & Development
Jo, Director of Strategic Partnerships
Jamie, Executive Director
Romona, Client Services Lead
Kristen G., L.C.S.W
Noelle, Volunteer Specialist
Sher, Digital Systems Administrator
Rajaa, Client Coordinator
Our Board of Directors
Lyn, Board Chair
Emily, Board Secretary
Kieran, Board Treasurer
Kristen C., Board Member
Amelia, Board Member
Samira, Board Member
Mark, Board Member
Akiva, Board Member
Ashley, Board Member