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Stay connected and learn how we respond to emergencies, amplify displaced voices, and provide sanctuary for those facing adversity.
individuals partnered with Alight to sponsor and guide refugees into U.S. communities
newcomers welcomed to the U.S. through private sponsorship programs
Afghan newcomers served through community programming in Minnesota
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.
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.”
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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Our work with our new Afghan neighbors began by setting up houses and has evolved into community programming and additional services to help families make connections and settle into their lives in Minnesota.
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In honor of World Refugee Week, we asked our Minnesota community in the Twin Cities to share their favorite immigrant and refugee-owned businesses and/or artists, writers, chefs and more. Here's what they shared!
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On World Mental Health Day, Alight considers the importance of support for displaced people to heal and rebuild their lives after enduring violence and hardship.
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A letter from Nasra Ismail, Alight’s US Enterprise Executive Director, about our Clinton Global Initiative Commitment to Action to make communities across America more inclusive.
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A family of five is ready for a fresh start in Boston and grateful for newcomer support upon arrival.
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Hasinat’s journey from Kabul to Minnesota is a story of resilience. Fleeing the Taliban, her family faced hardships. In the U.S., With Alight’s support, she found community and strength in Minnesota. Her story highlights hope and determination, reflecting the positive impact of Alight's programs in fostering vibrant communities for Afghan newcomers.
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Yuliia's journey from Bakhmach, Ukraine, to Boston exemplifies resilience and strength. Despite the war's devastation, she found hope and security through Alight’s Jobs Pathway Program.
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Right now, there are millions of displaced people fleeing violence and persecution around the world who are seeking a pathway to the United States. Becoming a Welcome Corps sponsor is a life-changing opportunity to stand alongside someone as they rebuild.
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Artem Fedorenko, a 10-year-old Ukrainian boy who lost his arm in a bombing during the Russian invasion. He relocated to Minnesota for a prosthetic and has since adjusted well.
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As unprecedented numbers of migrants are crossing into the U.S. and seeking asylum, and two refugees who know the difficulties ahead firsthand have stepped up to help.
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As unprecedented numbers of migrants are crossing into the U.S. and seeking asylum, Minnesota legal aid and resettlement agencies are seeing the impact—and it’s leaving many families in limbo.
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One Twin Cities man who came to America 20 years ago is paying it forward to new refugees making their home in the North Star state.
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Minneapolis-based Alight is mobilizing to help civilians caught in the conflict, accepting donations for Gaza.
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As someone who always wanted to be part of something bigger than herself, Zori was drawn to working in the nonprofit sector.
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The U.S. has launched the Welcome Corps, offering ordinary citizens the opportunity to provide financial and moral support to refugees during the initial stages of their moves.
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With more than 700 Afghan refugees arriving in Minnesota, resettlement agencies are mobilizing to set up permanent housing for families — and appealing to volunteers for help.
READ MORE ↗Stay connected and learn how we respond to emergencies, amplify displaced voices, and provide sanctuary for those facing adversity.