Refugee and Immigrant Connections Spokane

10/15/2026

Meet Stephanie Manning, one of our RICS board members! Stephanie’s passion for refugee resettlement began while running a resettlement site in their hometown. That experience inspired a desire to continue being part of this work, eventually leading Stephanie to RICS through social media.

For Stephanie, being part of RICS means staying true to the values of love and acceptance for everyone, regardless of who they are or where they come from.

Since joining the board, one of the most meaningful parts of the experience has been supporting and guiding RICS leadership through challenges and helping the organization move forward.

We’re grateful to have Stephanie as part of the RICS board!

10/10/2026

Today is World Mental Health Day. At RICS, we believe mental health and well-being are an important day-to-day part of building a strong community. Everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported.

Through our Wellness Program, we provide culturally informed mental health and wellness support for refugee and immigrant community members. Our other programs, like Kids Connect, Nature Connect, and our elders programs, also create spaces for connection, friendship, and belonging.

Sometimes, wellness starts with connection and knowing you are not alone.

10/01/2026

Thank you so much to Farmgirlfit for welcoming the RICS team to one of their classes! We had such a great time and really appreciated how welcoming and encouraging the space was.
Farmgirlfit is an all-women gym that welcomes people at all fitness levels and creates a supportive environment where everyone can work out at their own pace.
They’re also hosting a hygiene drive for RICS through their classes to support our refugee and immigrant neighbors. We’re so grateful for their support and for helping provide everyday essentials to families in our community.
Thank you, Farmgirlfit, for welcoming us and supporting RICS!

09/23/2026

A look back at what RICS has been up to this summer! ☀️

We can’t believe summer is already over and fall is here! Here’s a little look back at the memories, activities, and connections we made over the past few months.

PRIME
PRIME spent the summer connecting with participants around housing, employment, citizenship, insurance, transportation, and other everyday resources. We also matched participants with volunteers for ESL tutoring and driving practice and helped create connections with community resources.

Wellness
The Wellness team kept everyone connected through activities, wellness programming, and the weekly food market.

Elders
Our Elders had a full summer of ESL classes, workshops, cooking activities, celebrations, picnics, and trips around Spokane. From spending time at local parks to exploring new places together, these outings were a chance to get outside, socialize, practice English, try new things, and enjoy time with friends and community.
 
Kids Connect
Kids Connect had a busy summer! Youth joined summer programming at different sites and took part in sports, arts and crafts, outdoor activities, games, and Nature Connect outings. Youth also had opportunities to share about their cultures and countries, learn from each other, explore Spokane, and spend time with friends.

Growing Connections
Growing Connections spent the summer bringing moms and families together through mom support groups, home visits, and family activities. The team also put together birthing baskets with baby essentials and resources, and spent time with little ones doing fun activities focused on social-emotional learning.

Community & Development
This summer included World Refugee Day, community events, new partnerships, and fundraising activities. We also hosted yoga and Pilates classes that brought people together while supporting RICS, along with a hygiene supply drive with Farm Girl Fit.

Thank you to our participants, volunteers, partners, donors, and everyone who made this summer so much fun! ❤️

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]!