Rising Village Foundation

June 20th is World Refugee Day. Our friends over at B'nai Emunah are putting on a World Refugee Day celebration!

It's a day to celebrate the strength, resilience, and courage of refugees around the world who have been forced to leave their homes and rebuild their lives elsewhere.

We're honored to know, serve, and learn from so many refugee families here in Tulsa. ❤️

Come join us!

For the past two years, Patricia and Luis Zuniga have been attending Conversation Café almost every week. Over that time they say the participants have become like family to them.

Conversation Café offers a laid-back opportunity for English learners to practice speaking with volunteers in a friendly environment. Volunteers and English learners gather to swap stories about everything from family to traffic in their home country, something that is crucial for people who are learning English.

A lot of the time that can be challenging to find though. “One of the biggest challenges we faced after coming to the United States was finding time to learn English.” Says Patricia. “Many classes are offered during the day, but when you're working, it's difficult to attend. Sometimes the classes were very structured or intimidating.”

Through Conversation Cafe, they found not only a way to practice English, but a way to be a part of a community. “I was incredibly grateful because I quickly realized that this experience was about much more than learning a language.” At Conversation Cafe, we talked about history, holidays, traditions, neighborhoods, and everyday life in the United States. I began to understand not only the language but also the culture. I was learning from others, but I was also able to share my own culture.” Says Patricia.

“The best part is feeling like I belong to a community.” Says Luis. “Everyone wants to feel like they are part of something. At Conversation Cafe, I feel that I belong. These people have become part of my life, and I know we hold a place in one another's hearts.

That is incredibly meaningful.”

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We are starting a new series called Village Voices, highlighting some of our amazing program participants and volunteers. Stay tuned for more stories from our amazing community!

We are excited to officially welcome Marissa Carter to our team as our Associate Executive Director!

Marissa has been serving alongside us in a part-time capacity for almost a year. As she steps into this new full-time role, we couldn't be more grateful! Marissa brings years of experience and a deep passion for serving others.

Since joining our team, she has already made an impact through her care for our clients, support for our staff and volunteers, and with her commitment to serving vulnerable people here in Tulsa. Whether she's helping meet a practical need or building meaningful relationships, Marissa is always ready to serve her community!

We're thrilled to have her and look forward to all that lies ahead. Join us in welcoming Marissa! 🎉

We love our RISE Director! Thanks for all you do Sydney!

For everybody wanting to attend our morning prayer gathering, they will be every other Thursday over the course of the summer. Come join us in sharing each other's burdens by gathering for prayer.

We want to congratulate one of our favorite people on graduating from TU this past weekend! 🎉

Sadaf balanced being a full-time student while also caring deeply for the refugee and immigrant families we served during refugee resettlement. Whether she was helping clients navigate difficult situations or just showing up with compassion and consistency, she made a lasting impact on so many lives.

Her kindness, hard work, and heart for people have been such a gift to our team and community. We are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished and excited to see what this next chapter holds for her.

Sadaf, we wish you the very best as you step into this new season of life. Congratulations! 🎓

Our Volunteer Training is coming up! If you want to join our trained and passionate team of volunteers, sign up for our next training on May 28 at 6:30pm. We will offer you tools, stories, and experiential lessons that will equip you for an exciting season of serving our refugee neighbors in the Tulsa area. Whether you're wanting to be an English tutor, offer rides to class, play with kids, help teach sewing, or simply sit for tea with one of our refugee neighbors, come join our training to take your first step.

🗓 Date: 6:30 PM
⏰ Time: May 28, 2026
📍 Location: Rising Village Office

This summer, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of refugee and immigrant families in Tulsa. From transportation to childcare, volunteers help create community, build relationships, and support families as they navigate life in our city.

Whether you can serve weekly or jump in when needed, we would love to have you join us this summer. Learn more and get involved at www.risingvillage.org/volunteer

Last week we had the pleasure of having a table at an awesome event put on by and . The event focused on equipping new citizens to confidently engage in the civic process. We love the work they do here in our amazing Tulsa community!

Thank you for all you have done for the RISE Program Kelsey! 🫶

Our director, Kelsey, taught her last sewing class with the RISE program yesterday. Six years and nearly 400 students. Organizing craft shows and pop-ups, heading up the program as we transitioned into new space, bandaging fingers, crying, and laughing over sewing mishaps, welcoming refugees, and guiding volunteers. She is leaving the program in capable hands, but we will miss her gentle spirit and deep passion for refugees in our community. Thank you from the bottom of so many hearts, dear friend. We have you for one more month, but we know it was hard to goodbye to the classroom yesterday. You have done good work, Teacher ❤️