Letter from Riverside's Director
Dear Friends,
On the first day in our new office, I sat with my back to one of our windows.
There must have been a cloud shift because suddenly, I could feel the warmth of sun rays coming through. I was struck by that moment because it perfectly captured what we want our new space to feel like for our participants - warm, full of positive energy, and welcoming.
As you know, our immigrant communities continue to face profound challenges, not only uncertainty around work and legal status, but also the loss of basic safety nets. Many are struggling to access food, healthcare, and other essentials that allow families to live with dignity. In these times, Riverside stands as a place of stability, advocacy, and hope.
Our End-of-Year Appeal, "Opening the Doors to Opportunity," reflects that commitment. Every door we open represents safety and access, whether it leads to a classroom, a legal clinic, or simply a conversation that helps someone take the next step forward.
In the coming weeks, we're creating even more ways to meet the urgent and ongoing needs of our community: a clothing drive for families, a Mental Health Fair to support well-being, and our first Winter Crafts Fair, which will uplift our immigrant artisans by providing economic opportunity and celebrating their creativity. These efforts build on our ongoing programs in workforce development, digital literacy, legal support, and policy education, all designed to ensure our community can not only survive, but thrive and lead.
As we look toward the new year, I invite you to keep standing with us to help us keep every door open and every beam of light shining through.