Category: Uncategorized

Refugee Women’s Alliance (ReWA) recently had the opportunity to connect with the Ukrainian community at the 35th Ukrainian Independence Day Celebration at Seattle Center. As a sponsor of the event, ReWA spent the day connecting with community members, sharing information about our programs, and helping people learn more about the resources available to them and their families.

Throughout the day, ReWA’s services were announced from the main stage, giving attendees an opportunity to learn about the organization and the many programs we offer. This included immigration and legal services, Early Learning Centers, ESL classes, mental health counseling, wellness and support groups, and other resources for immigrant and refugee communities.

ReWA staff were also at our outreach table, connecting with hundreds of people throughout the celebration. Community members stopped by to ask questions, pick up information, and learn more about services that could support them and their families.

One of the highlights at the ReWA table was our spin wheel activity, which brought plenty of families, children, and adults over to the table. Along with being a fun activity, the spin wheel gave our team a natural way to start conversations about mental health, self-care, stress management, and emotional wellness. Attendees also received small wellness gifts, including anti-stress balls, fidget toys, hand creams, and other self-care items.

We also made sure community members had access to information in Ukrainian. Our table included Ukrainian-language materials about a variety of ReWA programs, including CSEW, Housing, PRIME services, mental health and wellness groups, ESL classes, immigration and legal services, Early Learning Centers, and other family and community resources.

Having these conversations in a familiar and welcoming setting was an important part of the day. Events like the Ukrainian Independence Day Celebration give ReWA the chance to meet people where they are, listen to what they need, and connect them with resources they may not have known were available.

ReWA is proud to continue building relationships with the Ukrainian community and supporting Ukrainian refugees and immigrants through culturally responsive, linguistically accessible, and community-based services. Our participation in this year’s celebration was a great opportunity to connect, share resources, and remind community members that ReWA is here to support them.

We would also like to thank the Ukrainian Association of Washington State for welcoming ReWA to this year’s celebration and for creating such a meaningful space for the Ukrainian community to come together.

For many people who have been forced to flee their homes, healing begins with finding a sense of belonging. Recently, ReWA’s Center for Social-Emotional Wellbeing (CSEW) hosted a community healing singing circle designed specifically for Ukrainians who have been displaced by war, creating a welcoming space where participants could reconnect with their culture, support one another, and prioritize their emotional well-being.

The event was held in collaboration with Iryna Kovalenko, a renowned Ukrainian singer and musician from the Ukrainian folk band DakhaBrakha. Through traditional Ukrainian songs, vocal practices, culturally rooted breathwork, and sound meditation, participants experienced a powerful blend of cultural tradition and emotional healing.

Thirty community members attended the event, including 26 individuals eligible for ORIA services, with 39 people registering to participate—demonstrating a strong desire within the local Ukrainian community for culturally responsive wellness opportunities.

Throughout the gathering, participants explored how music, breathwork, and community connection can support mental health during times of uncertainty. Familiar songs, guided breathing exercises, and visualizations inspired by Ukraine’s countryside and cultural traditions created an atmosphere of comfort, safety, and belonging. These practices helped participants slow down, regulate their breathing, release emotional tension, and reconnect with themselves and one another.

Beyond the wellness activities, ReWA staff shared information about the agency’s mental health and support services, including Mental Health Navigation, the Center for Social-Emotional Wellbeing’s Behavioral Health program, and several ongoing support groups. Participants learned about the Ukrainian Parent Club, the online Divorce Support Group, and the Somatic Body Awareness Group, with many asking questions and expressing interest in participating in future programs.

The event concluded with a reflection circle where participants shared their experiences and discussed the impact of singing together. Many described feeling calmer, lighter, emotionally renewed, and less isolated. The conversation also helped normalize discussions about mental health while encouraging participants to continue engaging with ReWA’s wellness services.

The response from attendees was overwhelmingly positive.

“I really loved today’s singing event! I hope I’ll have the opportunity to attend another authentic gathering like this and meet new people.”

“Thank you to the organizers for today’s gathering and singing. Thank you for creating such a warm space and for the feelings of peace, lightness, and joy. Please continue organizing events like this—I will definitely attend again.”

“It was truly a special experience with such a warm, cozy, and inspiring atmosphere. Singing in nature, being surrounded by wonderful people, and having the opportunity to simply be present made this an unforgettable experience… I returned home with a light heart, a wonderful mood, and a deep feeling of inner renewal.”

The event also served as an important outreach opportunity. Ukrainian-speaking ReWA staff introduced participants to additional services available through the organization, including housing and rental assistance, immigration services, and other community resources. Staff members answered questions, distributed informational materials, and connected individuals with programs tailored to their unique needs.

As a thoughtful wellness gift, each participant received a camping chair to use during the outdoor singing circle and take home as a reminder to continue making time for rest and self-care.

The enthusiasm expressed by participants has inspired the ReWA Mental Health Navigation team to begin developing an ongoing community healing singing group in partnership with Iryna Kovalenko and the Ukrainian Cultural Center Toloka. By building on the success of this event, ReWA hopes to continue providing culturally meaningful spaces where healing, resilience, and community can flourish.

At ReWA, we know that wellness looks different for every community. By honoring cultural traditions and creating opportunities for connection, we can help individuals and families build resilience while navigating the challenges of displacement, resettlement, and starting anew.

On June 18, ReWA’s Early Learning Centers gathered at the Kraken Community Iceplex for a special End-of-Year Celebration, bringing together children, families, educators, community partners, sponsors, and local leaders to honor a year of learning, growth, and achievement.

The event showcased the diversity and talent of ReWA’s young students through an exciting lineup of cultural performances. Attendees enjoyed traditional lion dancers, a bomba routine, hokey demonstration, figure skating, and other multicultural performances.

The celebration was made even more meaningful by the presence of government and city officials who joined us to support early learning and recognize the importance of investing in immigrant and refugee families. Their attendance highlighted the collective commitment to ensuring all children have access to high-quality early childhood education and opportunities to thrive.

This special event would not have been possible without the generous support of our partners and sponsors. ReWA would like to thank One Roof Foundation, Enterprise, Kraken Community Iceplex, Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECAP), Seattle Preschool Program (SPP), Washington State Department of Commerce, Seattle Human Services Department, and Washington Early Achievers. Their continued investment helps create enriching educational experiences that support our students throughout the year.

The celebration also provided an opportunity to recognize an amazing leader whose impact has shaped ReWA’s early learning programs for more than a decade. Susan Lee, ReWA’s Senior Director of Education, was honored for her outstanding leadership, dedication, and service over the past 14 years. Through her vision and commitment, ReWA’s early learning programs have expanded and strengthened, helping countless children build a strong foundation for future success.

As Susan prepares to begin an exciting new chapter as the Executive Director of another local organization, the ReWA community expressed its appreciation for her years of service and lasting contributions. While she will be greatly missed, her legacy will continue to inspire the educators, children, and families she has supported throughout her tenure.

As the school year comes to a close, ReWA recognizes the achievements of every child, family member, teacher, and staff member who contributed to a successful school year. The End-of-Year Celebration was a reminder of the power of community, culture, and education to bring people together and create brighter futures for everyone.

Congratulations to our students and families on a wonderful year, and thank you to everyone who helped make this celebration such a memorable occasion.

June is Immigrant Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the countless contributions immigrants have made, and continue to make, within our communities. At Refugee Women’s Alliance (ReWA), we’re proud to serve immigrant and refugee families from around the world who bring resilience, innovation, and cultural traditions to the Puget Sound area. Their stories reflect courage and determination as they fought to overcome significant challenges and build new lives here in the U.S.

Immigrants have long been an essential part of the American story. They start businesses, care for our families, teach our children, strengthen our workforce, and contribute to the vibrant diversity that makes our communities thrive.

For more than 40 years, ReWA has stood alongside immigrant and refugee families as they navigate new opportunities and challenges. Through programs focused on early learning, family empowerment, legal services, behavioral health, gender-based violence support, employment services, and more, we work to ensure that every individual has the resources they need to succeed.

Immigrant Heritage Month is also an opportunity to uplift the voices of those whose journeys often go untold. By sharing stories, celebrating cultures, and advocating for equitable opportunities, we can help create a more welcoming and inclusive community.

Happy Immigrant Heritage Month from all of us at ReWA.

On June 19th communities across the United States celebrate Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and honors the resilience and contributions of African Americans.

On June 19, 1865, soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed the enslaved African Americans that they were free, this was about two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had already been issued. Many enslaved people remained unaware of their liberation until that day, so Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder that freedom and justice have not always been equally accessible.

While we reflect on the significance of Juneteenth, we want to also recognize that the fight for equity and inclusion is still an ongoing journey as systemic discrimination continues to shape some of the aspects of American society today, creating barriers that can impact generations.

At Refugee Women’s Alliance (ReWA), our mission is focused on helping individuals and families overcome barriers, build stability, and create opportunities for themselves and future generations. Every day, we work alongside immigrants, refugees, and underserved communities as they navigate new beginnings.

Juneteenth reminds us that true freedom extends beyond legal rights. It includes access to opportunity, safety, and justice. These values align closely with ReWA’s commitment to creating pathways so everyone can thrive. The history of African Americans, immigrants, refugees, and other marginalized communities are distinct, yet interconnected through shared experiences of resilience, perseverance, and the pursuit of opportunity.

This Juneteenth, we honor those who fought for freedom and justice, by listening, learning, and advocating. We believe that stronger communities are built when every person is valued, every voice is heard, and every family has the opportunity to thrive.

This is your invite to reflect on what freedom means to you, to celebrate the progress we’ve already achieved, and to continue working towards a future where equity and opportunity are accessible to all.

The ReWA Center for Social-Emotional Wellbeing (CSEW) team recently attended the Common Threads event in Seattle on Tuesday, May 12th at the Allen Family Center, which provided an opportunity to connect with community partners currently facilitating healing sewing circles, share program insights, and also strengthen relationships across program providers.

The event, facilitated by the founder Rachel Cohen, highlighted “The Common Threads Project model that is rooted in neuroscientific and socio-cultural understanding of trauma and revives an ancient practice found in diverse contexts: women coming together to sew their stories onto cloth, to disclose the unspeakable atrocities they have experienced, and to support one another. Common Threads Project integrates this tradition with best practices from trauma-informed therapy, bodywork, and psychoeducation.” 

Team members appreciated the chance to engage in the practice of story cloth creation, while learning more about group facilitation through facilitator’s first- hand experience. We are looking forward to a future partnership between ReWA and Common Threads to offer this healing practice to our clients.