Dear Friends and Allies,
As we close 2024, we are filled with immense gratitude for your steadfast support and partnership. This year has been transformative—a testament to the power of collaboration and shared purpose. Together, we’ve achieved milestones that empower refugee and immigrant communities, building a legacy of hope and resilience. Your contributions have been the heartbeat of our mission, and we are honored to have you as part of this journey.
Make an Impact TodayHere’s a look back at the significant milestones we accomplished together in 2024!
This year we achieved three significant policy wins that advanced the rights and well-being of immigrant communities in Louisiana:
Elimination of the 287(g) Agreement: After relentless advocacy, LORI successfully ended this harmful program, which undermined trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement. This victory restores dignity and safety to thousands in our region.
Defeat of SB-279: Through grassroots mobilization and powerful testimonies, LORI and its allies blocked this anti-immigrant bill, preserving fundamental rights for vulnerable populations.
Fair Chance Hiring Ordinance: By championing second chances, we supported this ordinance that provides equitable job opportunities to individuals with criminal records, transforming lives and communities.
Civic Engagement and Cultural Promotions: Empowering Communities
This year, our Lift Our Voices for Empowerment (LOVE) initiative reached new heights, engaging over 4,500 individuals through phone banking, door-to-door campaigns, and civic education. We emphasized that voting is an act of love and empowerment, especially in shaping policies that affect us all.
Key Highlights:
- Cultural Events: We hosted the World Refugee and Immigrant Day with over 2,000 attendees and the Red Stick Soccer Unification Cup, uniting 400 players from 25+ countries. These events celebrated diversity, fostered unity, and built stronger community connections.
- Youth Engagement: Our summer enrichment camps supported 55 children from 14 nations, providing academic resources and leadership training in a nurturing environment.
Education and Access to Resources: Creating Pathways
LORI expanded its educational programs in 2024, empowering participants with the tools to thrive in their new communities.
Highlights:
- Enrolled 183 individuals in ESL and citizenship classes, with 53 actively participating this year.
- Awarded $4,500 in student scholarships and funded ACT/SAT prep for 10 high schoolers.
- Partnered with Grow with Google to provide IT and project management scholarships to 43 community members.
Additionally, our Health Equity Program made a significant impact, with over 700 individuals attending health fairs and receiving free screenings, 500 HIV self-test kits distributed, and 100 vouchers for vision care.
Strengthening Our Team and Infrastructure
This year marked a major milestone in LORI’s growth, with our team expanding to 10 staff members, including part-time and contracted positions. This growth reflects our commitment to increasing capacity and delivering on our mission. Additionally, we are proud to announce the purchase of a property that will serve as Louisiana’s first immigrant-led community center, set to open in 2025. This center will offer critical services, cultural programming, and a hub for collective action.
Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
As we prepare for 2025, we remain focused on scaling our impact:
- Officially opening our community center and launching new programs to serve immigrant and refugee communities.
- Expanding our advocacy efforts to secure more policy wins, including the Welcoming City certification for Baton Rouge.
- Investing in capacity building to enhance our organizational resilience and sustainability.
Your Support Makes All We Do Possible
None of this would be achievable without your generosity and belief in our vision. This holiday season, we invite you to continue partnering with us in creating a future where every refugee and immigrant finds opportunity and belonging. Together, we can build stronger, more inclusive communities.
Thank you for being a part of our journey. Stay informed and get involved
Wishing you all a bright and prosperous 2025