The IRC in Richmond celebrated Welcoming Week with eight community events! Local partners provided an array of opportunities to promote our work and to generate support for our efforts.

One of those partners, the Tuckahoe Family YMCA, offers recreational and community programming in a convenient location for many of the families we support. They helped organize a variety of special events, including Henna Night; Teas from Around the World Day; a Resume Building and Interview Workshop facilitated by the IRC’s Economic Empowerment team; a Teen Technology Night, which showcased the YMCA's new podcast booth; and a Community Resource Fair to connect area residents with health and employment resources. 

Henna Night kicked off the week with flair at the YMCA.  Local henna artist, Haleema, who has expertly created temporary henna tattoos for the last seven years, provided the skills. This ancient beautification tradition exists in cultures around the world: it typically features in joyous holidays, weddings, and other gatherings. Henna Night perfectly celebrated our community coming together for Welcoming Week 2024.  

A second event, in partnership with the New Hanover Presbyterian Church, was a screening of A Case for Love. This documentary looks at the teachings of Michael Curry – the first African-American Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church – and how his emphasis on unconditional love applies to the broader community. The film, shown at the Byrd Theatre, features a variety of well-known thought leaders, including historian John Meacham, U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, Bishop Curry himself, as well as Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. A Case for Love made space for attendees to think critically about how we practice unselfish love, and encouraged us to bridge divisions in our own lives and  connect with our local community in a meaningful way. 

The IRC in Richmond also partnered with Humble Haven Yoga Studio, which led a series of yoga classes for women refugees and newcomers at our Richmond office.  These classes aimed to bolster physical well-being, reduce pain, and  build strength, balance, and flexibility. Participants learned skills that can ease stress and improve concentration and sleep. The Résumé Building and Interview Workshop relied on efforts by the YMCA, IRC staff and volunteers, and a professional résumé builder, who facilitated the event. Participants received a résumé, cover letter, and reference-page templates tailored to their career goals. IRC staff provided one-on-one and small-group support to help clients create or update their résumés and practice answering interview questions. The workshop aimed to boost attendees’ confidence in writing a résumé or cover letter on their own as their career evolves. Participants left with updated copies of their résumés, thanks to the newly renovated YMCA classroom, equipped with laptop and printer access.  

The IRC in Richmond intentionally scheduled this workshop prior to the Community Resource Fair at the YMCA. The fair focused on holistic health and employment navigation, featuring vendors in health care, dental care, and mental health, as well as employers ready to connect with newcomers to the community. Those who had participated in the earlier workshop were prepared to connect with potential employers and could confidently share a professional résumé.  

In addition, Third Church and the Henrico County Adult Learning Center cohosted a second Community Resource Fair to introduce attendees to organizations that can help them meet a variety of needs. The tabling organizations provided assistance with careers, education, English learning, and other related services. The IRC in Richmond provided staff with expertise in immigration services and financial readiness, and shared information about IRC’s services.  

Welcoming Week allows us to highlight our work and to promote inclusivity in our community. If you feel inspired to participate in future events or Welcoming Week 2025, please reach out to our community engagement coordinator, Paige Soma, at [email protected] or 804-401-3790. We look forward to seeing the good you can do!