Refugee and Immigrant Connections Spokane

09/04/2026

Today, we’re celebrating two incredible women who have made such a meaningful impact on RICS and the communities we serve: Emily and Renee! 💙

Emily spent 4 years with RICS through our Wellness Program, building genuine connections with our community and creating spaces where people felt supported, welcomed, and cared for. Her compassion, energy, and commitment have touched so many of the people we serve, and we are so grateful for everything she has brought to RICS.

Renee spent 2 years as our Development Director, helping tell the RICS story, strengthen our partnerships, connect us with supporters, and raise the resources that make our work possible. So much of the work that happens behind the scenes to keep our programs moving forward has been shaped by Renee’s dedication, creativity, and care.

As they each begin new chapters and step into new fields, we couldn’t be more excited to see where life takes them next. At the same time, we know they will be deeply missed around RICS.

Thank you, Emily and Renee, for your dedication, your heart, and your love for our refugee and immigrant friends. Your impact will continue to be felt in our community long after your time at RICS. We’re so lucky to have had you as part of our team!

Wishing you both all the best in your next adventures! 💙

Thank you both! 💐

08/28/2026

Summer has flown by! Our Refugee Elders Program has been fostering meaningful connections between Elders and the Spokane community for over 10 years. Through community outings and activities, our Elders have opportunities to stay connected, explore Spokane, and enjoy time together. We’re grateful to be part of these meaningful moments and love seeing the joy these experiences bring to our Elders.💙

08/24/2026

Check out the RICS team on KYRS Thin Air today!

COMING UP TODAY AT 2PM ON THIN AIR COMMUNITY RADIO

Rafa welcomes Luis Castillo from Refugee and Immigrant Connections Spokane, supporting and empowering refugee and immigrant communities by providing services, fostering community bonds, and advocating for refugee and immigrant rights​ in the Inland Northwest.

El Puente provides social and cultural information services and generally all types of information provided by various organizations and individuals who offer services, assistance, resources, and more to the Hispanic Latino population. And of course some great Latin music for entertainment!

El Puente/The Bridge is broadcast Mondays AT 2:00PM on Thin Air Community Radio, 88.1 and 92.3FM.

08/19/2026

Last week, the Kids Connect crew got to visit our friends at Mobius! We always have so much fun spending time with the Mobius team, and our kids had the best time as always. We love having opportunities like this where the kids can just be kids, have fun, explore, and enjoy new experiences. Thank you, Mobius Discovery Center, for always welcoming and having us!

07/31/2026

Do you have experience in fundraising, community building, or strategic planning? Are you interested in contributing to the mission of Refugee and Immigrant Connections Spokane? We are now accepting applications to join our board of directors.

Apply using this link: https://form.jotform.com/232987360807163

07/29/2026

Thank you to Kristen at Joyful Pose Yoga for offering this fundraiser class last week! Community members and staff joined Kristen for a peaceful and empowering yoga class.

We appreciate the support and effort of community partners like Kristen to support and spread the word about our mission at RICS!

Would you also like to share your time and talents with us? Have a class or activity in mind? Send us a DM or email us at [email protected]!

07/27/2026

Recently, RICS staff and volunteers came together for some yummy food and games. The RICS team is so grateful for all our dedicated volunteers who help in these ways:

Work with Kids
Work with Elders
Support World Refugee Day and other events
Teach participants English
Teach participants to drive
Teach workshops on healthy habits
Share about U.S. systems and culture
Create materials for social media or website
Create tee shirts
Drive participants to appointments or programs
Support advocacy efforts

RICS would not be the supportive and welcoming community without these folks’ involvement. Thank you, RICS Volunteers!

Want to join the team? Fill out a volunteer interest form on our website:

https://www.ricspokane.org/get-involved.html

07/24/2026

“It’s already time to go home??!”

Our Kids Connect Summer Program is in full swing! Throughout the week, our team offers fun activities and free hot meals with the support of Spokane Public Schools. Youth are having fun making pipe cleaner flowers and other crafts, making homemade ice cream, and visiting local parks. These sessions are a great way for youth to connect with others and share their culture in a supportive environment.

Your support allows RICS to continue to offer these meaningful activities and opportunities to our young refugee and immigrant neighbors.

Want to get involved? Consider giving a monthly gift or volunteering your time to support programs like these.

Follow these links to get involved!

Donate: https://www.ricspokane.org/donate.html

Volunteer: https://www.ricspokane.org/get-involved.html

07/17/2026

Unfortunately we are postponing this workshop due to poor air quality. Stayed tuned for a new day and time this summer!

07/13/2026

Now hiring! Russian/Ukrainian Speaking Refugee Community Navigator

Part-time | $19-20 per hour

The Refugee Community Navigator recruits refugee elders to participate in the Refugee Elder Program activities; registers and serves as a bridge between the participants of their community and RICS staff and volunteers; facilitates participation in the scheduled activities; provides support for planned activities; provides transportation to and from program activities.

This position offers a flexible monthly schedule of up to 35 hours/month.

Apply here:
https://www.indeed.com/job/refugee-community-navigator-russianukrainian-speaking-bce89b91e11c80d3