Refugee & Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus (RISSE) is a non-profit learning center in Albany, NY, helping refugees and immigrants build sustainable lives in the US. We have been proud to support their after school youth program through Holiday Match for the past several years. The students who attend the program are 95% refugees. They come directly after their regular school day, 5 days a week, and spend time receiving help with English, doing homework, and recreational activities. They’re given a healthy snack and dinner before being transported home by RISSE. The program is a certified After-School Program by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services. It provides a safe environment where these students can relax and be their true selves!
RISSE learners come here from 33 different countries because of war, famine, natural disaster, or persecution. RISSE is the only organization in the Capital Region that provides comprehensive, year-round supportive services to the refugee and immigrant community. In addition to their youth programs they offer an adult English literacy & language program, life skills orientation, job search assistance, and more. RISSE has been a staple in our community since 2007, and we are proud to support them!
There’s still time to apply, and it’s easy! Applications for Holiday Match will be open until January 31st, and can be found here. Non-profit 501c3 organizations benefiting children are eligible to receive funding.