Together, we can
Empower refugees, immigrants, and displaced communities to rebuild with dignity, opportunity, and belonging.
RISE is a refugee-led 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization working in the United States and globally to support refugee, immigrant, and displaced individuals and families through social integration, economic empowerment, educational support, and psychological well-being.
All eligible contributions are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law.
Who We Are
Refugee Integration through Strategic Empowerment (RISE) exists to help refugees, immigrants, and displaced communities move beyond survival and toward stability, inclusion, and self-reliance. We work alongside refugees, immigrants, and other displaced populations to create practical pathways to healing, learning, belonging, and long-term opportunity.
Why Our Work Matters
Displacement often brings more than the loss of home. It can also create language barriers, social isolation, interrupted education, limited economic opportunity, and emotional distress. RISE responds with people-centered, community-based support that helps individuals and families rebuild with dignity and hope.
Our Purpose
Social Integration
Helping individuals and families build connection, confidence, and a sense of belonging in their communities.
Economic Empowerment
Supporting skills development, entrepreneurship, and pathways to self-reliance.
Educational Support
Expanding access to learning opportunities for children, youth, and adults.
Psychological Well-Being
Promoting healing, resilience, dignity, and trauma-informed community support.
RISE In Action
RISE advances its mission through practical, community-centered initiatives that promote belonging, opportunity, learning, and resilience for displaced communities.
Fluency Over Coffee Initiative (FOCI)
A welcoming program where refugees and local community members connect over coffee, doughnuts, and meaningful conversation in a relaxed, judgment-free environment. Participants practice conversational English with native speakers, build genuine relationships, and gain confidence to engage more fully in life in Abilene.
Abilene Refugee & Immigrant Business Accelerator (ARIBA)
A business support initiative designed to equip refugees and immigrants with entrepreneurial knowledge, practical skills, and guidance to help them launch, grow, and sustain small businesses in Abilene and beyond.
Flame of Hope Campaign (FHC)
A humanitarian initiative supporting conflict-affected children and families through educational support, psychosocial care, and hope-centered community action in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, and Uganda.
Why Support RISE
Mission rooted in dignity.
Practical empowerment-focused programs.
Community-centered and partnership-driven.
501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization.
Donations to Refugee Integration through Strategic Empowerment (RISE) are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. RISE is a recognized 501(c)(3) public charity. Contributions support RISE’s mission, programs, and operations. Although we make every effort to use funds as described, all donations are ultimately applied where they are needed most to advance our mission.
RISE envisions a world where refugee, immigrant, and displaced individuals are not only safe but also empowered to thrive, contribute, and lead.
Whether you are a donor, volunteer, advocate, or partner, your support helps them access opportunity, healing, and belonging.
Join Us Today to build stronger, more inclusive communities.
5900 Balcones Drive, Ste. 100, Austin, TX 78731.
2949 S 7th Street, Abilene, TX 79605.
dir@refintegration.org
refintegration@gmail.com
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