In the heart of Austin, the Global Impact Initiative's Refugee Sewing Collective (RSC) stands as a testament to the power of skill, determination, and community. This inspiring program has transformed the lives of Afghan refugee women, turning challenges into opportunities and dreams into tangible successes.

Empowerment Through Craftsmanship: The RSC is more than just a sewing collective; it's a beacon of hope and self-reliance. All RSC members require support and training before they are able to gain traditional employment or start a business in the United States. In 2023, our 10 members, including three highly skilled seamstresses, a jewelry artisan, and six talented sewers, have collectively generated $5,000 in sales. This achievement is a reflection of their dedication, supported by over 1,000 volunteer hours and generous donations of equipment and supplies.

2023: A Year of Growth and Visibility: Our journey this year has been marked by significant strides:

Digital Presence: The launch of a dedicated webpage and an Instagram account [@RefugeeSewingCollective] has brought our stories and products to a wider audience.

Brand Development: We've enhanced our professional image with a banner, business cards, and professional product photography, elevating the visibility of our artisans' work.

Community Engagement: Participation in events like Good Shepherd Farmers Market and Diwali at the Domain has not only increased our name recognition but also integrated our members with the broader community.

Looking Ahead to 2024: Our vision for the coming year is ambitious and focused:

Operational Excellence: Hiring a paid admin coordinator, preferably from within our local refugee community, to streamline operations, ensuring a steady pipeline of work and predictable income for our members.

Expansion and Skill Development: Welcoming new members, providing online training videos, and distributing standard patterns for best-selling items to enhance skills and product quality.

Innovative Collaboration: Working closely with our highly skilled members to design unique home goods, clothes, and accessories.

Market Expansion: Increasing sales opportunities through regular pop-up sales and partnerships with local businesses and organizations.

The Impact: The RSC is not just about sewing; it's about rebuilding lives, fostering independence, and nurturing a sense of community. Our members have not only found a source of income but a platform to express their creativity, connect with their heritage, and integrate into a new society. Several past members have even gone on to start their own businesses or secure employment elsewhere, showcasing the transformative power of this initiative.

Our Commitment: As we forge ahead, the Global Impact Initiative is dedicated to ensuring that the RSC continues to be a source of empowerment, skill development, and economic independence for refugee women in Austin. We are weaving a tapestry of hope, one stitch at a time.

In a world where education is the cornerstone of opportunity, the Global Impact Initiative has taken a monumental step forward in FY23, embarking on a transformative journey with our Academic Support and Mentorship for Refugee Youth program. This innovative endeavor has not only provided a lifeline to nearly a hundred young souls but also illuminated paths for their brighter futures.

Empowering Young Minds: Our program has been a beacon of hope and support for hundreds of youth in the last three years. At the end of 2023, we continue to serve 29 dedicated students – 11 boys and 18 girls – who have shown remarkable resilience and aspiration. We have committed ourselves to their academic and personal growth, providing comprehensive academic support that includes:

Learning Assistance: Tailored to bridge linguistic barriers, empowering these young minds to excel in new linguistic environments.

School Assistance: Offering holistic educational support to ensure they not only cope but thrive in their academic pursuits.

Personalized Mentorship: A cornerstone of our initiative, where each child is paired with a mentor to guide, inspire, and nurture their individual talents and interests.

Technology as an Enabler: Recognizing the pivotal role of technology in modern education, we have actively collaborated with families to ensure uninterrupted access to digital learning. Our efforts have led to:

Wi-Fi Access: Securing reliable internet connections for each household in the program.

Device Provision: Ensuring every child has access to a Wi-Fi-enabled device, breaking down digital barriers to learning.

Virtual Accessibility: With a deep understanding of the commuting challenges faced by our participants, we have maintained the program virtually. This approach has not only made our program more accessible but also allowed for a flexible learning environment that adapts to each child’s unique circumstances.

The Impact: As we reflect on FY23, we are filled with pride and hope. Our program has not only facilitated academic achievement but has also been a catalyst for confidence, cultural integration, and community building. Our young participants have shown remarkable progress in their educational journey, and their families have become active partners in this endeavor.

Looking Forward: As we step into the future, the Global Impact Initiative remains steadfast in our commitment to these young leaders. We envision a world where every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and dream without boundaries. Our Academic Support and Mentorship for Refugee Youth program is more than just an initiative; it's a promise to nurture the potential of every young life we touch.

Together, we are not just changing lives; we are shaping the future.

In February 2023, the Global Impact Initiative (Gii) launched a transformative journey for a second cohort of refugees through its CMV Driver Preparation Program. This program, a beacon of hope and opportunity, is a collaboration of expertise and resources with notable partners like Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CapMetro) and EnGen. Our aim? To equip refugees with crucial skills and certifications, transforming them into confident, employable CMV drivers.

The program offers a well-rounded educational experience, beginning with English proficiency testing and instruction, followed by the vital Entry Level Driver Training Theory (ELDT) course. The ultimate reward? A chance to earn a Class B CDL, opening doors to become public transit bus drivers.

In a short span of four months, eleven dedicated students completed comprehensive online English instruction. The progress was remarkable – six students soared an entire proficiency level, showcasing their resilience and determination. Despite initial struggles, nearly all students triumphed in achievement tests, with two making significant strides in their scores. The dedication was evident, with the most engaged learners dedicating over seventy hours on the platform.

The journey didn’t stop there. Seven out of eleven students eagerly progressed to the ELDT course. Two students, embracing the online format, met weekly with instructors and successfully completed all required lessons and quizzes. One of them has already cleared the way for a brighter future by obtaining a Department of Transportation CDL medical certification and is on the verge of acquiring a Texas Commercial Driver License Permit (CLP). This go-getter is now in talks with trucking companies for further training towards a Class A CDL. The remaining five are diligently working through the course, guided by their sponsor.

This program isn’t just about training; it’s about transforming lives, opening new avenues for employment, and integrating valuable skills into the community. As we reflect on these inspiring stories, we invite you to become a part of this impactful journey. Your support can help us continue to change lives, one driver at a time.

In 2023, the LAURA Program by the Global Impact Initiative continued to be a beacon of hope and support for Ukrainian refugees in America. This year, we were proud to welcome 72 adult Ukrainian students for our third semester (September-November 2023), spanning 10 weeks of intensive language instruction. These students, arriving under the "Uniting for Ukraine" initiative, benefited from our tailored program that accommodated seven groups across various levels of English proficiency.

The fourth semester (December 2023-March 2024) saw an increase in enrollment, with 86 adult Ukrainians embarking on their language learning journey. Our program's growing appeal is a testament to its effectiveness and the acute need for such initiatives. To date, the LAURA program has received a total of 212 applications, with 41 individuals graduating since its inception in Spring 2023. Notably, the demand for our program exceeds our current capacity, highlighting the critical need for expanded language support services among Ukrainian refugees in Texas.

Our graduates' success stories are a source of great pride. An overwhelming 95% of our graduates have found employment, with many transitioning out of the program due to work commitments. Their ability to secure jobs is a clear indicator of the program's efficacy in equipping them with vital language skills and aiding their integration into American society.

Behind the scenes, our dedicated team of seven, including two administrative heads and five teachers, work tirelessly to deliver a high-quality learning experience. Blair Bourassa and Elizabeth Arhunova lead the administrative efforts, ensuring the program runs smoothly and effectively. Our team of dedicated teachers, including Rachel Branch, Vicki Peoples, Ian Barranger, and David Smith, bring diverse expertise to cater to the varying proficiency levels of our students.

A notable development in 2023 is the introduction of the "Conversation Club," an innovative solution addressing the need for practical language application. This club provides a platform for current students, graduates, and other interested individuals to practice and enhance their conversational English skills. It's a dynamic, flexible space that accommodates up to 20 students, tailored to the schedules of working adults.

The LAURA program stands as a shining example of effective, compassionate support for refugees, embodying our commitment to empowering individuals through education and integration. As we look ahead, we are driven to expand and refine our offerings, ensuring that every Ukrainian refugee has the opportunity to thrive in their new home.