Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island

08/01/2026

📚 ESL Classes Are Back This Fall! 🍂

Learn English. Build confidence. Connect with community.

Join our welcoming ESL classes to improve your English, build confidence, and connect with others in a supportive learning environment.

🗓️ Registration begins August 11
📝 Placement testing begins August 22

📍220 Elmwood Ave., Providence, RI
📞 (401) 784-8602

Share with someone who is ready to take the next step!

📚 ¡Las clases de inglés (ESL) regresan este otoño! 🍂

Aprenda inglés. Gane confianza. Conéctese con su comunidad.

Mejore su inglés en un ambiente acogedor y de apoyo, con clases diseñadas para ayudarle a tener éxito en la vida diaria.

🗓️ Las inscripciones comienzan el 11 de agosto
📝 Los exámenes de nivel comienzan el 22 de agosto

📍220 Elmwood Ave., Providence, RI
📞 (401) 784-8602

¡Comparta esta información con alguien que quiera aprender inglés este otoño!

07/30/2026

Happy National Intern Day! Our Employment Services team is seeking interns for two exciting opportunities. As a Dorcas International intern, you'll gain hands-on experience while helping immigrants and refugees build pathways to employment and self-sufficiency. You'll have the opportunity to:

- Support employment readiness workshops and mini job fairs
- Connect with employers and community partners
- Assist with client data, reporting, and program coordination
- Build professional skills while working in a multicultural nonprofit environment

Both internships include on-site training, mentorship, and the opportunity to earn academic credit while making a meaningful impact in our community.

Interested? Contact Emily at [email protected] to learn more!

07/28/2026

Our Clothing Collaborative was full of helping hands last week!

Volunteers from the Lifelong Learning Collaborative accomplished SO much during their time with us. Together, they sorted through hundreds of pounds of clothing donations, helping process new inventory and restock our showroom. Their hard work ensures our clients have plenty of quality clothing options as they prepare for job interviews, new careers, and other important milestones. We're so grateful for their continued support and look forward to welcoming another Lifelong Learning Collaborative volunteer team later this month!

Our current need for the Clothing Collaborative is men's clothing (no suit shirt or jackets!). If you're interested in scheduling a donation drop-off, please email [email protected] or call/text our Clothing Collaborative at 401-602-1273 to make an appointment. Every donation helps provide our hundreds of clients with the clothing they need to build self-sufficiency and independence.

07/26/2026

We're growing our team! If you're passionate about making a difference in the lives of immigrants, refugees, and underserved communities, we'd love to hear from you.

We're currently hiring for:
• Business Development Director
• Case Management Program Coordinator
• Digital Literacy Instructor
• Education Supervisor (PM)
• Student Support Advisor

Join a mission-driven team that's building stronger, more welcoming communities every day. Apply today: https://diiri.bamboohr.com/careers

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post with your network!

07/24/2026

Today, Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island was honored to host Governor Dan McKee for the ceremonial signing of four landmark pieces of legislation that strengthen due process, protect civil liberties, and reaffirm Rhode Island's commitment to welcoming and protecting immigrant communities.

The Governor signed into law:
1. The Rhode Island Constitutional Defense Act, allowing individuals to seek relief when federal officials violate constitutional rights while acting under color of federal law.
2. The 364-Day Misdemeanor Bill, redefining a "year" as 364 days to close a federal loophole that could trigger deportation over certain minor offenses.
3. The Protect Our Courts Act, prohibiting civil immigration arrests at Rhode Island courthouses without a valid judicial warrant, ensuring people can safely access the justice system.
4. Legislation establishing a 200-foot buffer around polling places, preventing immigration enforcement officials from being near voting locations during early voting and on Election Day to protect every eligible voter's right to cast a ballot free from intimidation.

Today was more than a ceremonial bill signing. It was a celebration of what is possible when government, advocates, and community organizations work together to protect the rights and dignity of our neighbors. These laws will have a meaningful impact on the daily lives of the individuals and families we serve, helping ensure they can access justice, participate in civic life, and continue building their futures in Rhode Island. As our CEO, Milagro Sique, shared, this work reflects Dorcas International's mission to cultivate an inclusive community where immigrants and those seeking refuge can thrive.

We are deeply grateful to Governor McKee, the General Assembly, the Immigrant Coalition of Rhode Island, our fellow advocacy organizations, and everyone whose dedication made this historic day possible.

Read the full announcement: https://governor.ri.gov/press-releases/governor-mckee-ceremonially-signs-bills-protecting-immigrant-rights-promoting-safer

07/24/2026

07/24/2026

We were honored to welcome the IGNITE campers from Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center into Dorcas International for a thoughtful conversation about immigration, belonging, and building more welcoming communities with staff from across the agency.

Our staff panel shared insights into Dorcas International's work, the experiences of immigrants and refugees in Rhode Island, and the ways each of us can be supportive neighbors and advocates. Thank you to these engaged young leaders for asking meaningful questions and taking the time to learn with us. We hope you'll continue to use your voices to create communities where everyone belongs.

07/22/2026

Volunteering isn't just about giving back. It's about listening, learning, and building connections that cross cultures and languages.

Linda has spent several years volunteering with Dorcas International, supporting immigrant families and English language learners while gaining new friendships and perspectives along the way. Read her story and see why she believes volunteering has given her just as much as she's been able to give.

07/21/2026

USCIS has issued updated information regarding Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Yemen, Syria, Burma (Myanmar), South Sudan, Somalia, and Ethiopia, including updated Employment Authorization Document (EAD) expiration dates.

These cases remain in active litigation. Because of ongoing court proceedings, the listed dates may change. Individuals with TPS should continue monitoring official USCIS updates and seek qualified legal guidance before making decisions regarding their immigration status or employment authorization.

If you have questions about your immigration status, Dorcas International's Citizenship & Immigration Services team may be able to help. View our free consultation schedule at:

https://www.diiri.org/what-we-do/citizenship-immigration/

This post is intended for educational purposes and should not be considered legal advice.