Women’s Empowerment

The refugee issue is a women’s issue. 

All over the world, women and girls are at the centre of the Refugee crisis. Now more than ever, they need support to survive and build new lives.

That’s why our Big Sisters program is helping new arrivals to overcome the huge challenge of settling in a new country, after they and their children have experienced unthinkable hardship and trauma.

What began a decade ago as a basic needs program for women has expanded to include strategies for thriving in America, rather than merely surviving. In its current iteration, our Big Sister Circle connects female immigrants and refugees with Houston women.

Each program participant is paired with a Houstonian who speaks her native language of Arabic, Farsi, Spanish, Pashto, Vietnamese, etc. At least once a week, Big Sisters guide Little Sisters toward resources and opportunities in their new country. Additionally, Big Sisters help these new Americans improve their English, prepare for job interviews, and navigate Houston. From health-care access to building a resumé, our mentors simplify what can be overwhelming tasks for immigrants or refugees.