RISE (Refugee and Immigrant Support and Education) Task Force

The Refugee and Immigrant Support Task Force (UU-RISE) provides direct support, financial and nonfinancial, to two sponsored families. The Fahkerduin's are from Afghanistan and immigrated to the United States during the U.S. military withdrawal in 2021. With help from Exodus Refugee Immigration, (Exodus Refugee Immigration | Building a New Life in Indiana), Bloomington Refugee Support Network  (RSN Home) and UU-RISE, the family is thriving. The Zaiter's are a Syrian family who arrived in the U.S. in December 2023 after a number of years in resettlement areas in Egypt and Lebanon. They are continuing their journey to establish their new home here in Bloomington. UU-RISE members support other families through volunteer hours and fund raising for Bloomington RSN. UU-RISE also provides opportunities for community members to learn about immigrant experiences and join in local and federal advocacy efforts to support immigrants and refugees.