Alight in action

in USA

1,000+

individuals partnered with Alight to sponsor and guide refugees into U.S. communities

750

newcomers welcomed to the U.S. through private sponsorship programs

1,500+

Afghan newcomers served through community programming in Minnesota

Founding year
2021
Customers served
Refugees and other displaced newcomers rebuilding their lives in the United States.
Interim Enterprise Directors
Jane Stockman
and Stacey Barnes
Challenge

Displaced newcomers often face significant challenges navigating employment, education, and other complex systems in the United States. Without essential knowledge and supportive social networks—the connections that open doors and help overcome obstacles—new Americans may struggle to lay the foundation for long-term success.

Response

Alight operates a robust portfolio of programs co-created with newcomers. These include personalized coaching to help individuals secure and thrive in their first U.S. jobs, case management to navigate immediate needs, workshops on local systems and cultural norms, and career advancement through upskilling and training. We also foster meaningful connections between newcomers and the broader community. As one volunteer mentor shared after supporting a young Hmong newcomer: “The time I spent with that young man was one of the most meaningful in my life. It unlocked a sense of purpose and joy... I probably got more out of it than he did.”

Get involved

Are you a Minnesota resident? Join us in making a positive impact! Sign up now to learn about volunteer opportunities such as job readiness coaching, mentoring, English language practice, assisting at events, translating, and more.

Strong partnerships to support displaced newcomers in Minnesota

Alight is proud to work with the Minnesota Department of Human Services and local partners offering holistic service for newcomers through Employment & Career Support, Family Resource Connections, and Community Workshops that build system fluency and cultural understanding.

Building connection and fostering wellbeing among Afghan newcomers

The Afghan Women’s Sewing Social is a protective healing space, co-created with Afghan Women themselves, where newcomers can learn to sew, build connections and access supportive counseling. Thanks to this innovative program, 72% of participants experience less loneliness, and 49% report a decrease in depression.    

“Culture Crawls” - Bridging Communities, Expanding Horizons

Alight’s Culture Crawls offer guided walks to places like the Karmel (Somali) Mall and immigrant-owned businesses across the Twin Cities. More than an escorted tour, our program is an invitation to connect, to build bridges across unfamiliarity and to recognize the rich contributions that newcomers make. As one of our participants said: “I've lived in the Twin Cities for 20 years and had never stepped into this mall. I can't believe what I've been missing.”

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