Community Refugee and Immigration Services (CRIS)

10/02/2026

It is officially race weekend! Helping us kick things off are CRIS Board President Leo Almeida and board member Tara Dhungana.

Registered for the in-person 5K or 1-mile walk? See you soon!

Registered for the virtual race? Good luck!

Not registered yet? There’s still time (crisohio.org/5k)! Sign up tonight or join us between 8 and 9:30 AM tomorrow (Saturday) morning.

10/02/2026

We are deeply grateful to the Franklin County Board of Commissioners for their continued support of those we serve, stepping up to sustain employment services for newcomers in our community.

10/01/2026

Our second new CRIS 5K food partner this year is Al Mustafa Bakery and Market, bringing a taste of Afghanistan to this year’s post-race buffet!

09/30/2026

We are excited to introduce one of our new CRIS 5K food sponsorship partners: Beirut Bitez. Originally from Lebanon, owner Khaldoun and his family opened this storefront restaurant in Dublin in early 2026. Serving fresh, healthy Lebanese-inspired dishes, the food is absolutely delicious. Try it for yourself this Saturday at the CRIS 5K post-race buffet! Learn more and register today: crisohio.org/5k

09/24/2026

Our senior refugees recently took a trip to the local park for a group outing and a friendly game of co****le. Outings like these build connection and support mental and physical well-being—a core focus for our senior program.

09/18/2026

The only ‘mean’ thing about the CRIS 5K is the post-race buffet—you do not want to miss it. With race day set for October 3rd, this year’s festivities are sure to be ‘fetch.’ Sign up now to secure your spot: crisohio.org/5k

09/14/2026

We are continuously inspired by the good work our legal team does to serve thousands in our community each year. One of these inspiring team members is CRIS paralegal legal clinic coordinator Carolina Iporre. A native of Bolivia and law school graduate, she’s served with CRIS Legal Services since August of 2024.

She shares, “Whether it’s helping someone secure a work authorization card so they can provide for their family, or assisting a client through citizenship, knowing we played a part in their journey to self-sufficiency is very rewarding.”

Read more of her story here: https://www.crisohio.org/blog/staff-spotlight-carolina-iporre

09/04/2026

Stand in solidarity with refugees and immigrants in Central Ohio--sign up for the 13th Annual CRIS 5K, happening in downtown Columbus on Saturday, October 3rd! Learn more and register at crisohio.org/5k/

The Community Refugee & Immigration Services' 13th Annual 5K + Community-Wide Event is on Saturday October 3, 2026 to Sunday October 4, 2026. It includes the following events: 5K Run/Walk - IN-PERSON, 1 Mile Walk - Untimed - IN-PERSON, Kids Fun Run - IN-PERSON, and 5K Run/Walk - VIRTUAL.

08/29/2026

We extend our deepest condolences to everyone affected by the recent deadly mudslide near the Nepal-Tibet border. This devastating landslide has tragically claimed hundreds of lives and left thousands missing–and dangers in the region persist as flooding continues. This region is home to a popular holy site, so many of those impacted were traveling on pilgrimage.

Here in Columbus, we are proud to be home to the largest Bhutanese-Nepali population outside of Bhutan. We know that many of our neighbors, colleagues, and friends may be directly impacted by this tragedy. Please know that our hearts are with you, and we stand in strong solidarity with our community as we grieve this profound loss together.

08/28/2026

Have an idea to improve your neighborhood? Columbus City Council is investing $1 million in each district, and you can help decide how it’s spent!

“Our Voice, Our Choice Budget” is Columbus City Council’s first-ever participatory budgeting program. In short, the council has committed to spending $1 million in each council district on ideas submitted and voted on by residents. If you have an idea for your neighborhood–sidewalks, lighting, parks, safer crossings, a community mural, etc.—you have until midnight tonight (Friday, August 28) to submit it. Columbus residents have submitted more than 500 ideas–yours could be next!

If you are a resident of District 2 (like CRIS!) and are interested in learning more about this process, you can reach out to our very own Jeremy Hollon ([email protected]).

https://common.oneproject.org/en/columbus