May 2026 Community Update & Events

May was an unforgettable month of connection, recognition, and community growth at Women’s Refugee Care. Thanks to our dedicated staff, volunteers, and local leadership, we are continuing to pave the way for sustainable support systems right here in Rhode Island.

Here is a look back at the incredible moments that shaped our month:

May 4th 2026: A Community Dialogue on Gendering Migration

Our co-founders, Aline Binyungu and Clement Shabani, had the incredible opportunity to visit the Anthropology Department at Brown University to participate in an engaging, critically important panel dialogue on Gendering Migration.

Immigration and gender remain two of the most ubiquitously divisive political topics across the globe. This panel brought those crosscurrents together, diving into the deep intersections of gender identity, gendered labor, precarity, and inequality. Through themes of decolonization, the international division of labor, and the realities of irregular migration, the conversation pushed past traditional boundaries

Our leadership sat alongside an esteemed group of dynamic thinkers, including:

• Professor Andrea Flores (Brown University Education Department)

• Endawnis Spears (Practitioner in Residence for Tribal Engagement at Brown’s Swearer Center)

• Indigo Mudbhary (Brown University Senior)

By bringing together the collective expertise of Brown faculty, students, local activists, and Providence community leaders, the event successfully bridged complex global theories with highly specific, real-world Rhode Island realities. Moments like this uplift the lived experiences of our families, challenge common narratives, and create a blueprint for lasting structural impact.

May 10th 2026: Mother's Day with WRC

This May, we took a beautiful moment to celebrate the incredible mothers in our community!

Your strength, resilience, and endless love do not go unnoticed. You are the heart of our families and the absolute foundation of our communities. At Women’s Refugee Care, we honor your stories, your sacrifices, and your victories.

Thank you for all that you do and all that you are. Happy Mother’s Day to the amazing women who inspire us daily!

May 19th 2026: A Visit From Governer Dan McKee

We were also deeply honored to welcome Governor Dan McKee and his amazing team to the Women’s Refugee Care headquarters!

It was a privilege to welcome state leadership and share more about the vital work we do daily to support refugee and immigrant families across our Rhode Island community. The Governor's presence, encouragement, and time spent listening to our grassroots goals meant the world to all of us. Together, we rise!

• The Policy Impact: Direct dialogue with state leadership allows us to advocate effectively for the long-term resources, economic livelihood initiatives, and specialized case management our families rely on.

May 18th 2026: Rhode Island Day in Washington D.C.

What an incredible experience in Washington, D.C.! Our Co-Founder and Executive Director of Women’s Refugee Care had the profound honor of participating in Rhode Island Day, hosted by U.S. Representatives Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo.

The visit included inspiring tours of the United States Capitol and the Library of Congress, providing a powerful backdrop for critical conversations. Throughout the event, our leadership engaged in meaningful panels discussing urgent systemic issues affecting our families daily: food injustice, healthcare, and housing accessibility. We were also deeply honored to hear from iconic national leaders, including Nancy Pelosi and Hakeem Jeffries.

We are immensely grateful for opportunities like these that allow us to advocate directly for refugee and immigrant communities while building national connections for a stronger, more equitable future.

May 28th 2026: Community Church of Rhode Island Visits Our Women Empowerment Group

A heartfelt thank you to Pastor Sarah and Erica from the Community Church of Rhode Island for joining us this Friday at our Women Empowerment Group!

Thank you, Pastor Sarah, for sharing such a powerful sermon that uplifted everyone in the room. And thank you, Erica, for blessing us with your beautiful voice and wonderful songs. Your music brought so much joy to our gathering! We are truly grateful for your presence, support, and the love you shared with our community.

• The Power of Community: Our weekly Women Empowerment Group is designed to build safe, supportive spaces for peer connection, resource sharing, and mental wellness. Having local faith leaders pour love and encouragement into our women makes these gatherings even more impactful.

Walk Alongside Us This Summer

Every milestone we hit is made possible because you stand with us. Help us keep this momentum going as our summer programs get underway!

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