Dear First name / Great Neighbor, 

 

We've made it to February and hope the ice and snow has passed just in time for Valentine's Day and the beginning of Ramadan on February 17th. 

 

Our hearts are full as we move into 2026 with your support. In the last few weeks, we've received a vehicle donation, matched two new Great Neighbor Guides with newcomer families, helped a couple find a way to pay for a car repair, and connected with several newcomer families during in-home welcome visits. 

 

Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey recently said, “The best way to convince the country that welcoming and lifting up immigrants is good for its communities is by proving it in our own cities.” 

 

We couldn't agree more. 

 

For a decade, this small but mighty grassroots organization has been one of the faces of welcome for newcomers in Charlottesville. Now more than ever, we need more welcoming faces! Please make plans to join one of our volunteer training sessions this spring, and match your skills and time capacity with one of our many areas of opportunity. Everything from the 1:1 Great Neighbor Guide mentor program to English tutoring, grant writing, transportation, and grocery deliveries—there are so many ways to show your good heart, in this month of love and kindness, to our neighbors. 

 

Let's prove that in this city, we welcome and lift up the immigrants among us.

 

With love and hope,

Kari Anderson Miller, CEO and Founder

 

Our 2025 women's support group co-hort recently celebrated the completion of their year together. Fifteen newcomers, led by Outreach Coordinator Khatool Masoudi, participated in the program.

 

Each month, group members received mental health and resilience training from The Women's Initiative, plus relaxation practices, art lessons, and English tutoring. They were introduced to special programs like first aid and CPR training, floral arranging, time management, and the importance of school/parent partnership. 

 

At the end of the year, women received a certificate of completion and celebrated with community partners and volunteers at a special luncheon. Many thanks to the volunteers who provided transportation and childcare during the meetings, and the community partners who supported fifteen newcomer women with the resources (and connections) needed to thrive!

 

VPM reporter Hannah Davis Reid wrote a wonderful piece about the program after attending the graduation ceremony!

 

The Emergency Food Network offers timely hunger relief in Charlottesville and Albemarle County for those who struggle to feed themselves and their families. Once a month, residents can call to receive a multi-day supply of food. Additionally, The Emergency Food Network offers 15, $50 Kroger gift cards to International Neighbors each month. These cards are distributed to STEPS women's support group members and in welcome baskets for newcomers. We are so grateful for their partnership!