We aim to empower newcomers by making system changes that supports their well-being. Our mission is to cultivate educational, economic, cultural, social, physical, and mental health resources in partnership with newcomers, empowering them to achieve system change that supports their well-being and successful integration into their new communities. We envision New Mexico leading the country in refugee resettlement and immigration policies that humanely support newcomers, building on their strengths, and promoting their civic engagement. Our values are rooted in social justice, racial equity, inclusion, capacity building, leadership development, and system change. UVNR is committed to using non-stigmatized language, such as "newcomer," to encompass refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers, and anyone new to the U.S., fostering solidarity and recognition of shared experiences. UVNR embraces community-based approaches, emphasizing shared decision-making and minimizing power differentials. We implement trauma-informed, culturally, and linguistically appropriate services and programs that promote racial equity and community inclusion. By doing so, we ensure that all newcomers—regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, or other aspects of their identity—have access to resources and opportunities necessary to thrive in the U.S. UVNR serves newcomers residing in New Mexico, including refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers, and anyone new to the United States. Our mission is to provide culturally and linguistically tailored support, meeting the unique needs of these populations as they navigate the complexities of integration. Our services are delivered through a team of Community Advocates—direct service providers who have themselves arrived as newcomers and share the experiences, languages, and cultural backgrounds of the populations they serve. These Community Advocates bridge the gap between UVNR and the newcomer community, bringing valuable lived experience and cultural insight to their roles, which strengthens the organization’s connection with and support for its participants. UVNR currently assists individuals and families from diverse regions, including Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo, Ukraine, Mexico, and Central and South America. We primarily support speakers of Swahili, Kirundi, and Kinyarwanda from African countries; Dari and Pashto from Afghanistan; and Arabic and Spanish from the Middle East and Latin America. Our commitment goes beyond basic services, as we aim to foster meaningful community inclusion and support, ensuring newcomers—regardless of their race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, or other identity factors—can access the resources they need to build fulfilling lives in their new communities. Through culturally appropriate programs, UVNR facilitates newcomers’ successful integration into the economic, social, and civic fabric of New Mexico, enhancing their opportunities to thrive and contribute.
