Wildlife and nature

Animal shelters and rescues

Theater and dance

Rivers, parks and trails

Hunger and food

Schools and learning

Housing and homelessness

Community health

Mental health

Mentoring and foster care

Legal help and rights

Jobs and money help

Atlanta

The Triangle

Everywhere

The Collective Workshop

Royal Animal Refuge

Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta

Georgia Advancing Communities Together

Atlanta Writers Club

Cobb Collaborative

Bosleys Place

Jewish Fertility Foundation

Refugee Women's Network aims to equip refugee and immigrant women to regain self-sufficiency, inspiring them to become community leaders through culturally tailored programs.
Refugee Women’s Network (RWN) is a 501c3 organization serving families resettled in the state of Georgia. For more than 20 years, we’ve continued to be the only organization in Georgia that specifically serves refugee women.
RWN’s spectrum of services meets women where they are; whether they’ve been in the US for three months or thirty years. Whether they need help enrolling their children in school or they’re preparing to open their own business, we help women on their journey to become independent and self-sufficient.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from India and Masters in social work from Marywood University in Pennsylvania. Sushma believes in feminist philosophy and practices participatory approach of community development to empower women, men and children. She has been instrumental in growing the programs, staff and revenues at RWN significantly to enhance access to services for refugee and immigrant families, especially women. Sushma loves gardening in her free time and loves exploring the great outdoors with her husband, daughter and son.

The future we're building

Early Voting Celebration

Volunteer Orientation

Women's Circle: Yoga & Crochet

Transportation driver needed

Interpreter or translator wanted

Give

FOOTE NOTES: HIKE INN FEATURES RWN OUTDOOR PEER LEADER VOICE — Refugee Women's Network

RWN in the Press — Refugee Women's Network

NPR’s WABE Story on the RWN Commercial Kitchen — Refugee Women's Network

NPR WABE JOINS THE OUTDOOR WELLNESS PROGRAM’s ETOWAH PADDLE — Refugee Women's Network

Foote Notes August 2026

OBOZ FILM About RWN HIKING Group — Refugee Women's Network

Special announcement from our executive director… — Refugee Women's Network

Sushma Barakoti

Temple Moore

Anquenetta Kenon

Marmar Stewart

Awaz Jabari

Pabitra Poudyel

Sabita Gyawali Devkota

Marhaba Alokozai

Meena Khodayar

Zuhal Sayed

Muzhda Yousufzai

Muna Ali

Asmaa Yousif

Hawa Bello

Chloe Hendrixson

Gathered: Film, Food, and Community 🌄 Last month we came together at @patagoniaatl Buckhead for the premiere of TOWARD THE SUN, a short documentary about the RWN Hiking Group by filmmakers Maryam Mir & Andrew Nadkarni. Our Chefs Club served a family-style meal inspired by Afghan and Syrian traditions, old friends and new shared a table, and the stories of refugee women in Georgia got a passionate audience. Together we raised $750 for our Outdoor Wellness Program through ticket sales and the incredible raffle 🎒 Patagonia has also donated tremendous gear that keeps our group dry, warm, and comfortable in the woods, especially recently when we took a group of 15 women on a backpacking trip! Patagonia even sent their Provisions canned tuna and oysters, which made an amazing post-hike lunch with crackers (and a PB&J to finish!) 🥫 Deep thanks to @patagoniaatl (especially Michelle!) for supporting our work and helping make sure Georgia’s outdoorspeople look like all of Georgia. Thank you also to @mmircat @andrewnadkarni, our Chefs Club, Nilo for the flowers, @drinksarilla, @creaturecomfortsbeer, @p4tomorrow, and everyone who joined us. The outdoors is for everyone. 💚 The film Toward the Sun is traveling to different film festivals! Follow @andrewnadkarni or @mmircat to learn of its coming near you! #RefugeeWomensNetwork #TowardTheSun #OutdoorsForEveryone #ClarkstonGA #OutdoorWellness

What a celebration! 🗳️🎉 On Sunday we gathered at the Clarkston Community Center for our Early Voting Celebration, with food, music, and a whole lot of civic joy, right next door to the Clarkston Library early voting site. Our proudest moment was cheering on first-time voters, including our very own Muna Ali, who became a U.S. citizen this year! 🇺🇸💙 Thanks to our amazing staff and volunteers (Basia!🫶🏼), we drove 3–4 carloads of neighbors to the polls and offered translation and step-by-step support at the library. Huge thanks to our partners Georgia AAPI Hub, Asians Rising Georgia Alliance, and Clarkston Community Center. Together, we’re making sure every voice in our community is heard. ⏰ Early voting ends TOMORROW, Friday 10/30. Can’t make it? Election Day is Tuesday, Nov 3. Check your polling place on the Georgia My Voter Page. @georgiaaapihub @asiansrising @clarkston.community.center @advancingjustice_aajc @aaafund #RefugeeWomensNetwork #ClarkstonGA #FirstTimeVoter #EveryVoiceCounts #Vote

🛶 The 2nd Annual Margie Cohen Memorial Paddle! This year, Refugee Women’s Network and Georgia Rivers hosted the Summit Foundation and Margie Cohen’s friends and family for a 9-mile paddle down the Chattahoochee River. 💙 It was a beautiful day full of camaraderie and sisterhood. Together, 24 of us navigated shoals and Class II rapids, cheering each other on through every stretch of the river. Huge thanks to our guides, Joe, Janina and Lisa from Georgia Rivers, and Nahid, RWN’s own certified kayak instructor, for keeping us safe and confident on the water. 🙌 We’re so proud of the bravery and teamwork of our Outdoor Wellness Program participants, and we love the photos Joe Cook captured of the day. 📸 (Swipe to see Temple and Serena’s canoe almost capsize! 😅) This paddle commemorates the life and passions of Margie Cohen who was an ambassador for the outdoors to all who knew her. We were touched to hear stories about Margie during our lunch break on the riverside and we look forward to this annual memorial paddle to continue Margie’s legacy and impact. Thank you to @georgia_river_network for an incredible partnership, and a special thank-you to the Summit Foundation for your support and sponsorship. We can’t wait to get back on the water next year! 🌊 #OutdoorWellness #ChattahoocheeRiver #GeorgiaRivers #SisterhoodOutside MargieCohenMemorialPaddle

On Saturday, our Arab Mothers2Mothers group graduated! 🎓🎉 All 10 moms successfully attended at least 8 sessions of health education delivered in Arabic by Community Health Worker Muna Ali! RWN is Very proud of their commitment, dedication, and spirit! Mothers2Mothers is a peer led health education series that centers the dignity and culture of its members in conversations about chronic disease, diabetes, heart health, dermatology, mental health, dental health, primary care and more. A big shoutout to Muna for doing such an incredible job leading this group and bringing these amazing women together! 👏❤️ The celebration so wonderful, Each mom prepared a dish to share with everyone, and the food was so delicious! A special thank you to Rahaf for making beautiful bouquets for Muna and everyone else! 💐🥰

🌍✨ The Global Feast is almost here, and so is our Silent Auction! ✨🌍 Join us on November 5th for an unforgettable evening of food, culture, and community, and bid on some truly amazing experiences while supporting refugee and immigrant women and families in Georgia! 💛 Up for grabs: 🏖️ A week at a Virginia Beach vacation home 🐊 Trip to the Okefenokee Swamp @gaconservancy 🧘‍♀️ Wellness gift certificates from @nectaryogaatl @reformology_ @highlandyoga @artisanbeauteatlanta @fabufacespa @atlwomensbarbellclub 🎭 Entertainment from the @alliancetheatre @dadsgarageatl @paintedduckatl @littleshopofstories 🍴Dining experiences at @delbaratl @terraterroirbistro 🌮 Cooking classes with RWN’s Chefs Club 💐 Flower arranging with Joan Flowers 🎒Bags and accessories @patagoniaatl @_.sunavworld._ …and so much more! Huge thanks to our generous donors for making this possible. 🙏 Don’t miss your chance to be part of the Global Feast. Grab your tickets today! 🎟️ [link in bio] #RWNGlobalFeast26 #SilentAuction #RefugeeWomen #atlantaevents #ShopGiveSupport

We’re proud to be an inaugural member of the National CHW Policy Coalition, launching today with more than 100 organizations across the country. At Refugee Women’s Network, we see every day what community health workers make possible for the people and communities they serve. We’re joining CHWs and allies nationwide to win professional recognition, fair compensation and sustainable funding for this workforce, with CHWs leading the way. Join us to learn more: Launch webinar 10/28 3-4pm ET

Link in bio to secure yourself a seat at the top table. We’re excited to host you!

🇨🇩❤️ What a powerful Congo Day in Decatur! Thank you to Cocomatl for hosting such a beautiful gathering of music, dance, and community. Our Community Health Worker, Memory Kapapa, represented RWN and the Congolese community, sharing our mission, speaking about our Healthy Beginnings program, and raising awareness of the ongoing genocide in the DRC. We were honored to stand alongside Georgia State Representative Gabe Okoye and Greater Community Church of God in Christ in Marietta, which has funded projects in Congo for more than five years. Our voices matter. Our community matters. Congo must not be forgotten. 🇨🇩 @gokoye2 @thecocomatl #CongoDay #RefugeeWomensNetwork #Clarkston #HealthyBeginnings #StandWithCongo

Come vote, celebrate and get to know some of the RWN team on Sunday, Oct 25th! Food and fun will be surrounding the early voting at the Clarkston library! Vote and come get some samosas and good vibes! Thank you @georgiaaapihub @asiansrising for the support! We hope to see all of our civic engagement partners on Sunday afternoon! #dekalbcountyga #votegeorgia🍑

What better way to experience the world than through food? At Global Feast Under the Stars, every dish has a story. From savory samosas and flavorful rice dishes to fresh salads and traditional family recipes, our celebration brings together the rich culinary traditions of refugee and immigrant communities. But Global Feast is about more than delicious food. It’s about celebrating culture, sharing traditions, and creating connections across communities. Join us for an unforgettable evening of global cuisine, live music, cultural performances, and inspiring stories—all while supporting Refugee Women’s Network and the women and families we serve. 📅 November 5, 2026 | 6–9 PM 📍 Legacy Park | Decatur, GA 🎟️ Bring your friends, colleagues, and appetite! Purchase your tickets today and experience the world at one table.

What a day at BWN-SAP Atlanta! ✨ Thank you to the Business Women’s Network (BWN) – SAP Atlanta Chapter for inviting Refugee Women’s Network to share our work, and for having RWN Chefs Club cater the event! 🍽️ Our chefs served baklava, pastries, Mediterranean salad, and sorani. It was another chance to bring people together through culture and flavor. The hard work was worth it! ❤️ Special thanks to RWN Board Member Roopa Harvey for making this connection, and to Sushma and Roopa for speaking about RWN’s mission. #RefugeeWomensNetwork #ChefsClub #RefugeeWomen #CommunityPartners #Atlanta

Get your tickets for dinner and a show! Join Refugee Women’s Network and Patagonia Buckhead for an intimate evening of film, food, and community connection celebrating the strength, leadership, and stories of refugee and immigrant women in Georgia. Together, we’ll gather around a shared table for the screening premiere of the short documentary TOWARD THE SUN, a film about the RWN Hiking Group from filmmakers Maryam Mir & Andrew Nadkarni! Guests will enjoy a family style meal inspired by Afghan, Syrian, and Ethiopian food traditions. We will share space for conversation with RWN staff, Outdoor Wellness Peer Leaders, and community members about the strength of refugees in Georgia. Your ticket includes dinner, drinks, the film screening, and two entries into our Patagonia giveaway. Space is limited to 50 guests, so reserve your seat early. Schedule Doors open at 6:30 PM Film begins at 7:00 PM Dinner served at 7:30 PM Giveaways at 8:30 PM Tickets: $45 in advance | $50 at the door Come hungry, come curious, and come ready to be gathered in community. @patagoniaatl @drinksarilla

Tickets are flying for the November 5th Global Feast! Don’t miss your chance to bid on amazing items like the Okefenokee Swamp trip with our amazing partner @gaconservancy ! 🐸 Tickets in bio for a night to remember!

🍓 Thank you to @emoryglobalpeds @emoryrollinssph @georgiahealthinitiative @ethnehealth for the support and multidisciplinary work that is making Healthy Beginnings a success! 🥬 We will be supporting the Oct 31st Pop Up 👻 Market at Global Growers Indian Creek location. Come get your produce, learn a new recipe from Chef’s Club and learn about iron rich foods! Thank you @globalgrowers and @foodwellalliance for partnering with RWN! Support our Community Health Programs! 🚨 Donate or join us at an event! See our bio to hear about Oct 22 Gathering and Nov 5th Gala!

Meet Our Featured Speaker: Han Pham ✨ We’re thrilled to welcome Han Pham as a featured speaker at Global Feast Under the Stars! Han is the Executive Director of Her Term, an organization dedicated to empowering women to run for political office in Georgia, and was selected as a 2024–2025 Obama Leader. A passionate advocate for women’s leadership and community empowerment, Han previously served as Board Chair of Global Village Project, a school supporting refugee girls in Georgia. She is also the founder of the Decatur Lunar New Year Festival and has been recognized by Atlanta Magazine for her community leadership. Join us on November 5 to hear from Han and celebrate the power of women and community! 🎟️ Purchase your tickets today! Link in bio!

Outdoor Peer Leaders Esther and Victoria led the last hike of the season to Tallulah Gorge! 🙌🏾 We are so thrilled that new hikers got to experience this place because of their commitment to organize it after the original was rained out. These hikes are more than women gathering for a walk. They take a lot of effort, many hands coming together to prepare, make lunch, drive, group text (a lot!) and most importantly, create spaces where our community members feel safe and free to have fun and connect. Because of the 9 Peer Leaders that have trained this year, the RWN Outdoor Wellness program will be community-led and this has a ripple effect. Our last big event is the backpacking trip on Halloween 🎃🥾 Please consider supporting the group by supporting the Nov 5th Global Feast Fundraiser or giving online at riwn.org. See you on the trail next year! Huge thanks to partners Summit Foundation, @rei and many individuals who cheer us on!

Become a Global Feast Sponsor! 🌟 We’re incredibly grateful to the sponsors who have already stepped forward to support this year’s Gala. There is still time for businesses, organizations, and individuals to become part of Global Feast. Sponsorship is more than visibility at an event. It’s an investment in the women and families RWN serves throughout the year. Bring your team. Bring your clients. Bring your community—and help us build a stronger table together. EXPLORE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES at link in bio or RIWN.org 💕

👩🏾‍🎓 Last week marked our 8th and final session of Connect to Care Swahili. 🧵 We concluded the program with a final crochet activity, which was a meaningful and enjoyable way to practice mindfulness. 🧠☮️ Throughout the program, our community members gained valuable knowledge and resources, but most importantly, they gained friends. RWN CHW Memory reports the program taught her a great deal: “I am grateful to have been part of this program and to have had the opportunity to engage with and learn from our community.” Thank you @gsuprc for bringing this amazing initiative to Clarkston and to RWN! #mindfulness #socialisolation #refugeeswelcome #crochet #clarkston

We are proud to recognize Artisan Beauté as a Silver Sponsor of Global Feast Under the Stars 2026! Founded by Diane Alexander, Artisan Beaute Med Spa is an Atlanta-based, woman-led medical spa dedicated to personalized wellness, self-care, and helping individuals feel confident and empowered. At Refugee Women’s Network, we believe in the power of women supporting women. We are grateful to have community partners like Artisan Beauté who are investing in opportunities for refugee and immigrant women and families to thrive. Thank you, Artisan Beauté, for your generosity and for helping make Global Feast Under the Stars possible! Join us on November 5 for an evening of global cuisine, culture, and community—all in support of RWN’s mission. 🎟️ Purchase your tickets and celebrate with us!

One Month. One Global Table. We are officially one month away from Global Feast Under the Stars! On November 5, friends, partners, supporters, and community members will gather for an evening celebrating the cultures, stories, resilience, and contributions of refugee and immigrant women. There will be global food, cultural performances, powerful stories, community—and an opportunity to see what your support of Refugee Women’s Network makes possible. #RWNGlobalFeast26

💕🧿 Chef’s Club was honored to cater Patagonia Atlanta’s 11.2 Million Vote Project event, a campaign to get out the vote! 🙏🏼 In just four days, more than 112,000 people mobilized nearly 500,000 others to make a plan to vote. 👏🗳️ From spinach fatayer and sambousek to creamy hummus, fresh Arabic bread, and cranberry-orange pastry, every tray was made with love, and everyone looooved it. 😍🍽️ Thank you, Patagonia, for welcoming us into a room full of people working to get their communities to the polls. 🗳️ Want more Chef’s Club? More Patagonia? More civic engagement? 🙋🏾‍♀️ Join us Thursday, October 22 at 6:30 at Patagonia Buckhead for Gathering: Film, Food & Community! Good food, good people, and real conversations about showing up for our community. 💛 🔗 RSVP link in bio. #ChefsClub #Patagonia #GoVoteATL #CivicEngagement #RefugeeWomensNetwork

A huge thank you to Patagonia for donating these awesome new packs to our Global Feast Silent Auction! 🎒✨ @patagoniaatl has been an incredible partner to our Outdoor Wellness Program, and we’re excited to keep celebrating together: 🎬 Thursday, Oct 22 | Gathering: Film, Food & Community at Patagonia Buckhead Join us for the premiere of TOWARD THE SUN, a short documentary about the RWN Hiking Group, plus a family-style meal inspired by Afghan, Syrian, and Ethiopian traditions. Tickets include two entries into our Patagonia giveaway! Only 50 seats, so grab yours soon 👉 link in bio 🌟 Wednesday, Nov 5 | Global Feast Under the Stars Our annual gala celebrating refugee and immigrant women in Georgia, featuring this Patagonia gear and more in our silent auction. 🎟️ Link in bio. #patagonia #refugeeswelcomehere #rwnglobalfeast26

For RWN Board Member Ivelina Lee, the mission of Refugee Women’s Network is deeply personal. “RWN’s mission is close to my heart. Being an immigrant woman myself, I find inspiration and strength in the stories of perseverance, bravery, and empowerment of the women RWN serves.” Ivelina believes what makes RWN special is the way women are supported in building on their own strengths, creating opportunities, and moving forward with confidence. And one of the best ways to experience that spirit of community? Global Feast Under the Stars. Through food, stories, art, and connection, Global Feast brings together the people and cultures that make our community extraordinary—all while supporting RWN’s work with refugee and immigrant women and families. Join Ivelina and the RWN community on November 5. Purchase your tickets and come experience Global Feast Under the Stars.

👩🏾‍🎓This week, Refugee Women’s Network celebrated the graduation of our Child Development Associate (CDA) cohort, delivered in partnership with Frazer Center and taught by Dr. Susan. The class ran from June through September, following three months of logistical planning and coordination. Three women completed the program, gaining a credential that opens doors to careers in early childhood education. Thank you to Shahed, RWN Economic Empowerment Coordinator, for her dedication that made this possible, and to @FrazerCenter for their collaboration. Congratulations to our graduates! 🎓

🌿 Caring for the places that care for us 🌿 This July, the Refugee Women’s Network Outdoor Wellness Program joined @crkeeper and @georgiaipl (Georgia Interfaith Power & Light) for a river cleanup in the Chattahoochee watershed. Our hikers joined over 20 community members to spend a Saturday morning giving back to the green spaces that give us so much. 💚 Every year, our Outdoor Wellness Program takes on a service project as part of our commitment to stewardship, and we’re grateful to our partners for making this one possible. We look forward to continuing to care for the places we love in everything we do. A big thank you to our peer leaders, Priyanka and Halimo, for leading this event, and a warm welcome to Rana, our new Development Manager, who joined us for this special day! 🌊 #Serviceproject #OutdoorWellness #ChattahoocheeRiver #RiverCleanup #Stewardship

What a spread! RWN Chef’s Club catered the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) Conference with authentic Syrian and Iraqi dishes, including hummus, veggie dolma, fatayer, fresh pastries, and more. Good food brings people together, and this table did exactly that. 🌿🫓 @umc_umcor #UMCOR #ChefsClub #RefugeeWomensNetwork #Clarkston #CommunityTable

🎓 Congratulations to Marhaba and the Afghan Mothers2Mothers group on graduating yesterday! 🎉 We are so proud of everyone for their consistency, dedication, and commitment to attending the sessions regularly. This Peer Support Mothers 2 Mothers group supports new Americans to learn about health topics and navigating the healthcare system over an 8 class series. A special shoutout to Marhaba for her hard work, leadership, and dedication in guiding this wonderful group. Way to go Marhaba!! 🥰❤️ #peersupport #womensupportingwomen #culturallyresponsivecare

Sunsets, summits, and the girls who earned every step of it. 🌄 We just wrapped our first year of Youth Outside — 15 refugee and immigrant girls enrolled, 8 girls learned to ride a bike, 11 kayaked 7 miles on the Yellow River, even the ones who don’t yet know how to swim. And together we hiked three parks — Sweetwater Creek, Red Top Mountain, and Arabia Mountain — closing out the pilot with a sunset hike at Arabia, cheered on every step by our new Outdoor Peer Leaders. This program was never just about outdoor skills. It was about girls like Joudi, who played in the river with total joy despite never having learned to swim, and friendships like hers and Mohja’s — built across languages, holding steady through every new challenge. That’s what leadership and community look like. Thank you to our Peer Leaders for showing up for these girls all year. Thank you to all who support us and them. Thanks to Summit Foundation and GSU we will be expanding Youth Outside next year! 🚵‍♀️🚣‍♀️🥾 @rei @obozfootwear @fb4katlanta @letspropelatl @globalspokes30345 @legacydecatur @next100coalition @outdoorsallianceforkids @georgia_river_network @arabiamountain_nha #YouthOutside #OutdoorWellness #RefugeeYouth #GirlsWhoHike #Outdoorequity

Come Hungry. Leave Connected. At Global Feast Under the Stars, food is more than what’s on the plate—it’s a way to share culture, tell stories, and bring people together. We’re excited to welcome chefs from across our community who will share the flavors and traditions that make Global Feast such a special experience. Hear directly from one of our participating chefs about why she’s excited to be part of this year’s celebration. Join us for an evening of global flavors, culture, community, entertainment, and impact—all while supporting Refugee Women’s Network and the women and families we serve. November 5 | 6–9 PM Legacy Park, Decatur 🎟️ Tickets are selling—reserve your seat today and come taste the world with us - link in bio! #GlobalFeastUnderTheStars #RWNGlobalFeast #GlobalCuisine #AtlantaFood #CommunityThroughFood

Thank you to the generous donations from these sponsors to get us closer to our Global Feast fundraising goal! @deltacommunity @tedmoore0303 @nataliegregoryandco @keenanfoundation @reisender Because of their generosity, RWN will be able to serve more families next year. There is still an opportunity to sponsor! See link in bio for more information. Don’t miss the party of the year! 💫

🌟 ESL Parent Engagement Classes are back! We’re excited to begin another 12-week ESL Parent Engagement Program, designed to support parents as they strengthen their English communication skills, build confidence, and become more engaged in their children’s education and community. 📚 Classes are held Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9:00–11:00 AM. Through our wonderful partnership with Georgia State University, the instructor is provided for the program, while Refugee Women’s Network supports participating families with childcare and snacks, making the classes more accessible for parents with young children. We’re looking forward to 12 weeks of learning, connection, and growth! 💛 @georgiastateuniversity #ParentEngagement #RefugeeWomensNetwork #FamilyEngagement #CommunityEducation

A day filled with history, art, and beautiful moments! 🏛️✨ Our seniors recently enjoyed a wonderful trip to the Carlos Museum, exploring fascinating exhibits, learning together, and simply enjoying a day out in the community. 💛 Experiences like these are about more than visiting a museum—they create opportunities for connection, curiosity, and new memories. @carlosmuseum #RefugeesWelcome #SeniorProgram #CarlosMuseum #artincommunity #seniors

A huge thank you to Dr. Eunice Chay and Dr. Lee from Ethne Health for joining RWN’s Wellness Group this week! 🦷✨ They led a wonderful, informative session on oral health — covering everything from daily hygiene habits to caring for babies’ primary teeth and keeping kids’ smiles healthy. Our clients walked away with new knowledge and oral hygiene supplies generously provided by the @ethnehealth team. Thank you for taking the time to educate and support the women in our community — we loved having you and can’t wait to partner again! 💙 #CommunityHealth #RefugeeWomensNetwork #EthneHealth #OralHealth

5 Reasons You Don’t Want to Miss Global Feast 💫 What if one evening could introduce you to incredible food, new cultures, inspiring people—and help create opportunities for refugee and immigrant families? That’s Global Feast Under the Stars# 🍽️ Taste the world — Experience global flavors prepared by more than 50 chefs representing the richness of our community. 🌍 Celebrate culture — Come together for an evening filled with food, music, cultural experiences, and stories. 🤝 Make meaningful connections — Meet RWN supporters, community leaders, partners, and friends who believe in building a stronger, more welcoming Georgia. 🎁 Bid for a cause — Take part in our auction while supporting programs that make a difference throughout the year. 💛 Turn one evening into lasting impact — Your ticket helps RWN continue creating opportunities for refugee and immigrant women, youth, seniors, and families through mentorship, wellness, economic empowerment, and community support. 📅 November 5 | 6–9 PM 📍 Legacy Park, Decatur Come hungry. Come curious. Come ready to connect. Purchase your tickets today! LINK IN BIO #GlobalFeastUnderTheStars #AtlantaEvents #DecaturGA #GlobalCuisine refugeewomensnetwork

We’re excited to highlight Chloe, one of our wonderful interns at Refugee Women’s Network! During her time with RWN, Chloe worked with both our Youth and Employment programs, supporting our team and engaging with the communities we serve. She brought dedication, kindness, and a genuine willingness to help wherever she was needed. We’re grateful for the time, energy, and enthusiasm Chloe brought to RWN and for the impact she made during her internship. 💛 Chloe is the Infrastructure Committee Chair for Student Government this year, and has also been part of Global Leadership at Georgia Tech. Thank you, Chloe, for being part of the RWN community! @georgiatech #RefugeeWomensNetwork #InternSpotlight #YouthProgram #EmploymentProgram #CommunityImpact

Numbers Tell a Story. So Do the People Behind Them. ✨ In 2025, Refugee Women’s Network reached over 2,500 people directly — provided 1,400+ services, welcomed 1,500+ people through community health events, helped 120+ women find rest and renewal through our Outdoor Wellness Program, and celebrated 40 job placements — 40 families with new stability and hope. 💛 None of this happens by accident. It happens because our community shows up — for each other, and for events like Global Feast Under the Stars. Every ticket you purchase helps write next year’s numbers. More families supported. More women connected to community and healing. More neighbors finding steady work. More trust built, one relationship at a time. Join us on November 5 for an evening of global cuisine, inspiring stories, and meaningful impact. 🎟️ Purchase your tickets today and be part of the story we tell next year. Link in bio 👆 #RefugeeWomensNetwork #RWNGlobalFeast26 #CommunityWellness #RefugeeAndImmigrantFamilies #GlobalFeastUnderTheStars

🌍 Celebrating Wangare Njuguna and Healthy Beginnings! Huge congratulations to Wangare on completing her Applied Practice with us for MPH (Master of Public Health) from Emory University! This summer, she put her research skills to work with RWN’s Healthy Beginnings project — leading 6 focus groups across 3 languages and 2 settings, engaging both our Mothers2Mothers community and Ethnē Health clinic patients. Her work is helping us understand what community-led health education really looks like — and why it matters. She just presented her findings at the Southeastern Pediatric Research Conference! 📣 And there’s more to celebrate: We’re thrilled to announce a second grant from Georgia Health Initiative to continue this work! This growing support reflects a wider network of partners recognizing the power of community-led health education to drive real systems change. Thank you to Wangare, and to our incredible partners: Emory Rollins School of Public Health, Emory Global Pediatrics, Ethnē Health, and all our collaborators who make this work possible. 💛 @emoryrollinssph @emorymedschool @ethnehealth @georgiahealthinitiative @emoryglobalpeds @aaramballc

Applications are now open for Start:ME A free training program for small business owners in four metro Atlanta communities: Clarkston, East Lake, Atlanta’s Southside, and Westside Atlanta. Start:ME connects local entrepreneurs to business know-how, supportive networks, and grant capital to build and grow successful businesses. The 2027 program will be primarily in-person with 2 virtual sessions. Learn more and apply by Oct 1st at startmeatl.org/apply. @emorygoizueta @startmeatl

Thank You to Our Platinum Sponsor ✨ Refugee Women’s Network is honored to recognize the Raziudin & Latifa Moosajee Charitable Fund as a Platinum Sponsor of Global Feast Under the Stars. Their generous support helps RWN continue creating opportunities for refugee and immigrant women and families to build stronger, healthier, and more connected futures. Partnerships like this make our work possible—and remind us what can happen when a community comes together with purpose. Thank you, Raziudin & Latifa Moosajee Charitable Fund, for believing in our mission and investing in the communities we serve. 💛 🌍 We look forward to celebrating together at Global Feast Under the Stars on November 5! 🔗 in bio to sponsor or purchase a ticket!

✨Join Refugee Women’s Network for Global Feast 2026 — our Annual Fundraising Gala! 📅 Thursday, November 5, 2026 🕕 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM 📍 Legacy Park, 500 S. Columbia Dr, Decatur, GA 👗 Semi-formal attire — traditional & festive wear welcome! Come celebrate community, culture, and connection while supporting refugee and immigrant women and families in Georgia. Enjoy global cuisine, stories, and dancing for a great cause! 🎟️ Get your tickets now — Last year we sold out days before the event and some of you missed out- link in bio! #GlobalFeast2026 #RefugeeWomensNetwork #ClarkstonGA #SupportCrisisProtection

💜 Volunteers needed: help translate community health resources to improve health outcomes in Clarkston. Refugee children in Clarkston are experiencing iron deficiency anemia at rates 5x the national average — 24.5% of toddlers seen at Ethne Health Clinic, compared to 4.7% nationally. Through our Healthy Beginnings program, Afghan, Burmese, and Congolese mothers worked directly with RWN, Emory, and Ethne Health to co-create nutrition videos and a cookbook built around the foods their families already cook and love. Now we need help making these resources accessible in the languages families actually speak at home. We’re currently looking for volunteers to translate into Swahili — and we have need for Dari and Burmese as well later in the project. This is a great opportunity for students or anyone passionate about community-led public health — real translation work that goes straight into the hands of mothers and Community Health Workers. Know Swahili, Dari, or Burmese? Or know someone who does? Scan the flyer, email Shea.Goodson@riwn.org or follow the link in our bio to sign up. ☝🏽 #HealthyBeginnings #Clarkston #CommunityHealth #PublicHealth #Volunteer

⭐️ Meet Hawa Bello, RWN’s Community Health Program Coordinator. Hawa works alongside refugee and immigrant families, helping connect communities with healthcare, information, resources, and support. As a Community Health Worker, Hawa brings something especially important to this work: trust, cultural understanding, and connection to the communities RWN serves. This is what program impact looks like—meeting families where they are and helping them build the knowledge and confidence to advocate for their health and well-being. Your support makes this work possible. Global Feast Under the Stars | November 5 | Legacy Park. Come and be a part of our community. 🎟️ Purchase your tickets today! [Link in bio]

We’re so proud to see Esther Hau Dim featured in Hike Inn’s Foote Notes! 🌿🥾 Esther is both a Community Health Worker and an Outdoor Peer Leader with Refugee Women’s Network, and her beautiful reflection captures so much of what our Outdoor Wellness Program is about: connection, belonging, healing, and finding community in nature. Reflecting on June 10 mile overnight hike to the Hike Inn with a group of women from nine different countries and ranging in age from 15 to 81, Esther writes about how the outdoors can connect us not only to one another, but also to our roots and memories. She shares how seeing rhododendrons along the trail brought her back to the mountains of Chin State, Myanmar, where she grew up. We’re grateful to Esther for sharing her story and using her voice to show why access and belonging in the outdoors matter. And we’re so thankful for our partners at @atingeorgia and @ilovehikeinn for helping create opportunities for refugee and immigrant women to experience Georgia’s incredible outdoor spaces. As Esther so beautifully reminds us, “kindness, vision, and community can make even the longest journey feel possible.” 💚 #RefugeeWomen #OutdoorWellness #CommunityHealthWorkers #OutdoorLeadership #GeorgiaOutdoors

We provided Serve Safe training to our clients, and we’re proud to celebrate 9 clients who successfully earned their certification!👏🎓 This certification helps open doors to better job opportunities in the restaurant and food industry, career advancement, and the opportunity to start their own food-based businesses. We’re proud to support our clients as they build skills, confidence, and pathways to economic opportunity! 💪✨ #refugeesupport #womenempowerment #servsafe #refugeewomensnetwork #rwngala2026

This month’s issue of the Georgia Mountaineer — the bulletin of the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club — features Serena’s reflections from RWN’s annual overnight hike to the Len Foote Hike Inn. Three years into her journey with RWN’s Outdoor Wellness program, Serena Tun has hiked, biked, and paddled across North Georgia. This summer she stepped into a new role, co-leading her first overnight trip as a Peer Leader alongside fellow leader Esther — guiding 20 women from nine countries to the Hike Inn and back. Cute pic of @refa.25h as well! 🌲 🫂 Serena is also part of the ICS Teacher Pipeline program, building her future in the classroom while building community on the trail. From her first hike to leading her own — and now in print — we’re so proud of you, Serena! 💚 📸 Featured in the August 2026 issue of the Georgia Mountaineer, courtesy of GATC, who has supported RWN’s outdoor program since 2022. @atingeorgia @ilovehikeinn @serena.htet #RefugeeWomensNetwork #PeerLeadership #OutdoorWellness #ClarkstonGA #WomenOnTheTrail

Five years ago this month, Kabul fell — and for so many in our community, life changed in an instant. 🕊️ Today, we honor the resilience of Afghan women and families who have rebuilt their lives with courage, even while carrying grief and separation from loved ones. To everyone in our community marking this anniversary: your story matters, your feelings are valid, and Refugee Women’s Network is here for you — now and always. To our staff and volunteers: thank you for showing up with heart, every day. If you or someone you love needs support, reach out. We’re in this together. 💛 #RefugeeWomensNetwork #AfghanCommunity #Resilience #RefugeeSupport #georgiarefugees

Every Community Needs Someone They Can Trust. 🫂 When families arrive in a new country, navigating an unfamiliar healthcare system can feel overwhelming. Language barriers, cultural differences, and limited access to trusted information often stand between people and the care they need. That’s why Refugee Women’s Network invests in Community Health Workers — trusted women from the very communities they serve. They don’t just connect families to resources; they build relationships, restore confidence, and help women and families feel seen, supported, and empowered. 💛 We have an exceptional CHW team: Esther, Gaby, Hawa, Marhaba, Memory, and Muna! 💪🏽⚡️ This is one of the many programs supported by Global Feast Under the Stars. When you purchase a ticket, you’re helping ensure that refugee and immigrant families have access to trusted advocates who walk alongside them on their journey toward healthier, stronger lives. Join us on November 5 for an evening of global cuisine, inspiring stories, and meaningful impact. 🎟️ Purchase your tickets today and help us continue building healthier, more connected communities. Link in bio 👆 #RefugeeWomensNetwork #CommunityHealthWorkers #RWNGlobalFeast26 #RefugeeAndImmigrantFamilies #CommunityWellness

🧶✨ This week, CHW Memory led her second Care & Connect (“Kujali & Kuungana” in Swahili) session with our Congolese community! The room was full of warmth, laughter, and new skills taking shape. The group is crocheting scarves together with crochet instructor Robbie working closely with each woman to help them feel confident with their hooks and yarn. But first — stretches! Program Coordinator Shea has researched ways to support women managing carpal tunnel symptoms from factory work — helping them warm up and stretch their hands before crocheting. But it’s Memory’s leadership that ties it all together. Her warmth and care have made this space one where women feel truly welcomed, supported, and connected to one another. Congrats to Memory and Shea on a successful start to this new cohort! 🙌🏼 We can’t wait to see what these women create — together. 💛 @gsuprc @clarkston.community.center #CareToConnect #SocialConnection #CommunityHealth #CombatSocialIsolation #RefugeeWellness

Enjoy a mindfulness practice with Safia our amazing yoga teacher @yogabysafia with support from @nectaryogaatl followed by hands on crochet instruction! Tools and yarn provided! Find out how to join us by contacting Program Coordinator Hawa at Hawa.bell@riwn.org 🧶

💗 We had another successful Wellness Group this month! Carrie from @28_ish came back and provided another health education on menopause. The session was just as engaging, interactive, and informative as the last one. We had 17 women in attendance, and our clients learned about the different stages of menopause, common symptoms and hormonal changes, ways to manage symptoms, and the importance of taking care of their physical and emotional health during this transition. A huge thank you to Carrie for providing another wonderful session for our community, and to Hawa, Muna, Marhaba, Memory, Yulia, and Esther for making today’s Wellness Group a success! #communityhealth #healthliteracy #belonging #refugeeswelcomehere #clarkstonga

We’re grateful to Rafaela Hadba, RWN Board Member, for sharing why she believes in the work of Refugee Women’s Network and why she is proud to support Global Feast Under the Stars. Every ticket, every sponsor, and every person who joins us helps create opportunities for refugee and immigrant women and families to thrive. Join Rafela and the RWN community on November 5. 🎟️ Purchase your tickets today [Link in bio]

✨ Standing With Immigrants Conference ✨ Grateful to be part of a meaningful morning centered on immigrant rights, advocacy, compassion, and community partnership. 🤝🏽 The Standing With Immigrants Conference brought together faith leaders, community organizations, advocates, and allies committed to creating stronger, more welcoming communities for our immigrant neighbors. From conversations about immigration law and advocacy to interfaith partnerships, compassion, and practical ways to support immigrant families, the conference was a powerful reminder that standing with immigrants means turning compassion into action. ❤️ So much wisdom, connection, and shared commitment in one room—and so many people working together to make a difference. Thank you to everyone who shared their knowledge, resources, and lived experience, and to all those who continue to stand with immigrant communities across Metro Atlanta. 🌎💙 When we stand together, our communities become stronger. @newsanctuarynsc @interfaithatl @newsactuarymovementofatlanta #StandingWithImmigrants #ImmigrantRights #ImmigrantJustice #CommunityAdvocacy StrongerTogether

🛶 “As a woman, I’m able to do whatever I want. I am reminded of my childhood; I can remember and be excited like a girl again.” - Muzhda Oriakhil “These are your rivers.” -Joe Cook, Ga Rivers Last month, more than 20 women from our Outdoor Wellness Program paddled 6 miles down the Etowah River — many kayaking for the first time. Before getting in the water, the women shared what gave them courage. Their answer: each other. “We tend to stereotype what refugee women can do,” says Temple Moore, RWN’s Director of Community Wellness and Outdoor Leadership. “We see them cooking and caring for kids, but there is no limit to what these women can do.” The numbers back it up — in surveys of hundreds of outdoor program participants, agreement with the statement “I am strong” rose from 42% to 92% after taking part. 💪 Huge thanks to WABE’s Emily Wu Pearson and Karen Lopez for spending the day on the water with us and telling this story so beautifully. 🙏 🎧 Listen to the full story — link in our bio/Linktree. @wabeatl @wabenews @georgia_river_network #refugeewomen #OutdoorWellness #natureismedicine #RefugeesWelcome #communityhealth

🌟 Supporting Immigrant-Owned Businesses & Economic Empowerment 🌟 We’re proud to have been part of the Georgia Immigrant-Owned Business Needs Assessment Program cohort for the past two years! 🤝🏽💼 We had the opportunity to share the survey findings with city officials, business owners, and nonprofit organizations, along with solutions and recommendations to better support immigrant-owned businesses across Georgia. 📊🏽🏢 Immigrant entrepreneurs bring incredible talent, innovation, and resilience to our communities—and their success strengthens all of us. 💪🏽🌱 A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to and supported this important project. ❤️ We look forward to seeing these recommendations translated into meaningful support, stronger policies, and lasting opportunities for immigrant entrepreneurs. 🚀✨ @lcf_georgia @jpmorganchase @neighborhood_nexus @welovebuhi #EconomicEmpowerment #ImmigrantEntrepreneurs #ImmigrantOwnedBusinesses #SmallBusiness #Georgia EconomicOpportunity

💫 Global Feast Under the Stars – Only 21 Early Bird Tickets Left! Early Bird tickets are going fast! 🎟️ Purchase now and save $50 per ticket! Join Refugee Women’s Network for an unforgettable evening celebrating the cultures, stories, and resilience of the refugee and immigrant communities we serve. 🫶🏽 Purchase your tickets today. [Link in bio or riwn.org]

What a fun day celebrating nature, family and food! The RWN Outdoor Wellness Program celebrates its hikers, youth and peer leaders! Thank you to everyone supporting this program. We had an amazing summer with 14 youth who enjoyed hiking, paddling and biking! Our Peer Leaders are really starting to take ownership of the events- communications, logistics and program. Thank you Peer Leaders! We hope to see you on the trail soon! #outdoorwellness #refugeeswelcome #natureismedicine #foodismedicine #communityhealth

Refugee Women’s Network was proud to partner with the Asian Pacific American Council of Georgia (APAC), Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Clarkston Community Center , and many dedicated community organizations for the 2026 APAC Health fair and back to school event. Together, we made a meaningful impact by: 🎒Distributing 200 backpacks filled with school supplies. 👓 Providing vision and hearing screenings for approximately 50 children to help them get ready for school. 🧷 Distributing diapers and feminine hygiene products to 200 families. Thank you to APAC for organizing this incredible event and to all of our partners, volunteers, healthcare professionals, and community members who helped make it a success. Together, we’re ensuring families have the resources they need to start the school year healthy, prepared, and empowered. @sofoapac @georgiaaapihub @clarkston.community.center @emory_phm_fellowship @cpacsorg @emoryglobalpeds @childrensatl #BackToSchool #CommunityHealth #CommunityPartnership #HealthFair SchoolReady CommunityImpact

One Person Can Change a Life! 🏊🏼‍♀️ RWN thanks Coach Iyabo and the @decatury for supporting RWN community members to learn to swim! The passion and dedication has meant a lot of change for a lot of women! Through Refugee Women’s Network, participants gain the confidence, skills, and support to build brighter futures for themselves and their families. Every success story is a reminder that community, mentorship, and opportunity can transform lives. At Global Feast Under the Stars, you’ll hear stories like these—stories of resilience, determination, and hope that demonstrate the impact of your support. 📅 November 5 🕕 6:00–9:00 PM Your ticket is more than admission to an unforgettable evening. It helps expand programs that create pathways to health, leadership, economic opportunity, and belonging for refugee and immigrant women and families. Early Bird pricing is available for a limited time. Reserve your seat today and become part of the next success story. Link in bio for sponsorship and tickets!

Don’t miss out on one of the most memorable and unique nights of the year! 🌍 Global flavors, music, and stories! 🦅 Early bird tickets are almost out! 🎟️ Link in bio for tickets and sponsorship.

Healthy Beginnings is proof that when communities lead and partners collaborate, real change happens. We’re grateful to @georgiahealthinitiative Initiative for recognizing this work and investing in healthier futures for refugee families. 💚 @emoryglobalpeds @emoryrollinssph @ethnehealth @aaramballc

Community Happens Because of Partners Like Luluma Foundation 💙 Behind every workshop, health screening, home visit, and mental health training is a community that believes every woman deserves the opportunity to thrive. This year, thanks to the generous support of the Luluma Foundation, Refugee Women’s Network’s Community Health Program has continued to empower refugee and immigrant women through trusted Community Health Workers, culturally responsive health education, leadership development, and opportunities to build healthy, connected lives. From nutrition education and wellness workshops to outdoor leadership, and peer support, women are gaining the knowledge, confidence, and community they need to care for themselves and their families. Thank you, @lulumaatl , for investing in women, health equity, and community-led solutions. Your partnership is helping create healthier families and stronger communities—one relationship at a time. We are truly grateful for your support. 💙 #HealthEquity #CommunityHealth #CommunityHealthWorkers #RefugeeWomen #WomenSupportingWomen

Another successful Chef’s Club catering event! 🍽️✨ Today, RWN Chef’s Club had the honor of catering lunch for the Emory Center for Ethics. From fresh, authentic dishes to warm hospitality, our talented chefs once again showcased the incredible flavors and traditions of our communities. The feedback was outstanding, and we couldn’t be prouder of our amazing chefs for their hard work, professionalism, and passion. Thank you to the @emoryethics for trusting Chef’s Club with your event—we’re grateful for the opportunity! 💕🧿🙏🏼💕 #cateringwithpurpose #SocialEnterprise #RefugeeEntrepreneurs #CommunityThroughFood

Congratulations to Muzhda, RWN Outreach Worker, on leading her first Connect & Care group in Dari this week! 💙 🧘🏻‍♀️The women embraced mindfulness, meditation, and yoga, trying new experiences in a welcoming and supportive space. Thanks to Muzhda’s thoughtful leadership and hard work, everyone felt comfortable stepping outside their comfort zones and connecting with one another. We’re so proud of this meaningful milestone and look forward to many more Connect & Care sessions! Thank you to our partners at @gsuprc and @clarkston.community.center ! Thanks to Shea, RWN Wellness Program Coordinator, for managing the program and to Liz, our trauma informed yoga teacher for this series. #mindfulness #socialconnection #clarkston #refugees #mentalhealth

Protecting Our Seniors Through Education 💜 Yesterday, 13 seniors joined us for a Senior Wellness Workshop on understanding and preventing elder abuse. The session was led by RWN intern Ella Nelson, a Public Health and Spanish major in the Bevier Internship Program at Agnes Scott College. Through engaging role-play, Ella and Pabitra, RWN’s Social Adjustment Program Manager, acted out real-life scenarios to help participants recognize the signs of physical, emotional, financial, and neglect-related abuse, while learning where to seek help. At Refugee Women’s Network, we believe education empowers our communities to stay safe, healthy, and connected. Thank you to Ella for her thoughtful leadership, Pabitra for helping bring the lessons to life, and to all 13 seniors for participating in such an important conversation. We’re also grateful to the Bevier Internship Program at @agnesscottcollege for investing in the next generation of public health leaders. 💜 #seniorhealth #seniorrefugees #communitywellness #publichealth #georgia

🚴🏽‍♀️ Pedaling Toward Independence 🚴🏻‍♀️ Every month, more women are gaining the confidence to ride safely on our streets through our cycling program with Propel ATL and Global Spokes. We’re especially proud that this week’s class was led by two of our own peer leaders, Serena and Victoria—former participants who are now teaching and encouraging the next group of riders. Watching women grow into leaders is exactly what this program is about. Most of the group is now confidently riding around Legacy Park and getting closer to on-road cycling. At the end of the program, each participant will receive a bicycle, helping turn these new skills into lasting independence, transportation, recreation, and wellness. Hugs thanks to Brian Reed and @fb4katlanta for donating 15 bikes for our upcoming Youth Bike Clinic! 🚲 Thank you to @letspropelatl, @globalspokes30345 , our peer leaders, and every woman showing up with courage each month. The progress has been incredible. 💙🚴‍♀️

🚣🏽‍♂️ Finding Confidence, One Paddle Stroke at a Time: 11 Girls. 7 Countries. 7 Miles. Eleven remarkable girls from Afghanistan, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Kurdistan, Nepal, Sudan, and Syria took on their very first paddling adventure, traveling 7 miles down the Yellow River with our incredible partners at Georgia Rivers. For many participants, this was their first time in a kayak and their first experience on moving water. And most of them don’t know how to swim- how brave!! By the end of the day, they had accomplished something many adults have never done. This wasn’t an easy float. Together, they navigated shallow sandbars, fallen trees and strainers, and worked as a team through every challenge the river presented. Every obstacle became another opportunity to build confidence, resilience, and trust in one another. 🎣 Plus, some fishing and a rope swing! Their bravery, persistence, and teamwork were nothing short of inspiring. A heartfelt thank you to Joe and the @georgia_river_network team for expertly leading this adventure and for capturing these incredible photos. Thank you also to our amazing peer leaders, staff, volunteers, and supporters who encouraged the girls every mile of the journey. At Refugee Women’s Network, we believe outdoor adventure creates more than memories—it develops leadership, resilience, belonging, and the confidence to navigate challenges both on and off the water. See you on the next adventure. 🛶💙🌿 #YouthOutside #OutdoorWellness #RefugeeWomen #GirlsOutside #Leadership

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