Interfaith-RISE

Refugee & Immigrant Services and Empowerment - an interfaith coalition in NJ

Contact us: [email protected] Online Donations: https://goo.gl/30tS5k.

Put “Interfaith-RISE” in the memo. Interfaith-RISE (Refugee and Immigrant Services & Empowerment) is a local response to the growing global refugee crisis. The interfaith coalition of more than two dozen congregations is committed to helping refugees resettle in central New Jersey. The coalition calls on all communities throughout the United States to welcome refugee families from around the globe

. Who We Are
Interfaith-RISE (Refugee and Immigrant Services & Empowerment) is a multi-faith, multi-congregational, multi-racial organization committed to welcoming the stranger in central New Jersey. How We Started
In response to the global refugee crisis, a small group of concerned people from central NJ, representing congregations of many faiths, created a refugee resettlement organization in the fall of 2015. From the beginning, we decided to make this an intentionally interfaith effort. Our kick-off walk-a-thon, held in early November, raised enough money to get us started. In our initial months, we set up several apartments for recent refugees and provided moving assistance. In February we received our first family (a Congolese family of six), and then our second (an Afghani family of two). We also welcomed a number of asylees: three from Syria, two from Nigeria, one from Pakistan, one from Ghana, and one from Cameroon. Since the beginning of 2016, we have solidified our resettlement effort into the program Interfaith-RISE. This fall the State Department designated us an officially approved resettlement site. The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants will send vetted refugees and immigrants to Interfaith-RISE. We have agreed to take 50 refugees (probably 13-14 families) in the next year, resettling them into NJ. What We Do
Interfaith-RISE provides essential assistance to refugees and asylees who have experienced severe crises before arriving in our community. Most of our clients arrive with little with which to start a new life. Many have spent years spent in refugee camps or war-torn countries. Interfaith-RISE accompanies clients on their resettlement journey. We coordinate housing, furnish homes, and supply culturally appropriate food. We also provide case management and connect families with social services, ESL, and employment training. Our organization utilizes the resources of non-profits and community volunteers to assist with the many challenges of making a home in a new country. How to Get Involved
We have learned that refugee families have needs that extend far beyond the services that government-funded resettlement efforts provide. The work of Interfaith-RISE can only be done with the help of our community! There are several ways you can be involved:

- Make an online donation
- Donate home goods
- Sign up to be on our list of drivers or movers
- Hire a refugee

For more information, please email: [email protected]

06/02/2026

Spread the word! Buying second-hand at The Upcycle will leave more money in your wallet to do things like go on that Summer weekend getaway. Feel free to share this post.

06/01/2026

AN EVENING OF FILM, FOOD AND FESTIVITIES - I-RISE staff took part in celebrating the 20th Anniversary of RCHP-AHC last night. It took a village to put this event together. Here's to another 20 years! Special shout-out to our South Jersey staff for making the long trip!

05/28/2026

Just a reminder, The Upcycle has expanded its hours on Tuesdays & Thursdays - open til 8pm! Please Like and Follow their page. Thanks to all who continue to spead the word!

05/26/2026

CELEBRATING HAITIAN FLAG DAY IN HP - Thanks to our Employment Team for putting on another great event! This one was extra special as we celebrated the heritage, culture and community of our Haitian clients and neighbors.

Special thanks to Dave Cantante for sharing his musical talents, as well as everyone who helped make this event a success!

05/21/2026

I-RISE HONORED WITH 2026 NJTESOL/NJBE Dr. Elizabeth “BJ” Franks Advocacy Award. Wednesday night, Diana Bowen (I-RISE Exec. Dir.), Michelle Davis (ELL Co-Dir.), and Wendy Jager (former ELL Dir.) attended the awards ceremony, which recognized and highlighted our efforts in providing support and resources to Multilingual Learners and their families as they navigate through difficult times.

We are thrilled to have the work of our amazing staff recognized, and we thank the staff at NJTESOL for being so gracious and supportive! (pictured: Diana delivering acceptance speech and also with NJTESOL staff)

05/20/2026

CELEBRATING HAITIAN HERITAGE MONTH

On Monday, our Asbury Park office celebrated Haitian Flag Day/Haitian Heritage Month with a paint party! Over 30 people attended, filling the room with pride, creativity, and community spirit. Participants painted Haitian-themed artwork, each creating a unique piece to take home.

Many thanks to the guest artist who guided our clients, who truly believes that “Everyone can paint”. Special thanks to the Asbury Park team, as well as our guest chef, who made this event a joyful occasion!

05/15/2026

Great news about The Upcycle! See post below + flyer for more info

THE UPCYCLE IS EXPANDING ITS HOURS 2 DAYS A WEEK!

Store Hours:
Tuesday & Thursday 10am - 8pm
Wed, Fri, Sat 10am - 6pm

Donation Hours:
Tuesday & Thursday 11am – 6:30pm
Wed, Fri, Sat 11am - 3pm

See flyer for details. We thank you for your continued generosity, for both donations and purchases!

05/13/2026

THE MAY I-RISE NEWSLETTER IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING! https://mailchi.mp/interfaithrise/i-rise-monthly-2026-newsletter-21533514?e=75537be4ba Features include:

*Anniversary Celebration Invitation
*New Partnership with Mercer CCC!
*Celebrating ELL Graduates!
*Volunteer Profile: Q&A with Jaynellen
*Community Garden starting in Vineland!

Please feel free to share this post!

05/11/2026

We have a nice variety of home furnishings this week - great accents to complete the look of your decor at reasonable prices! Here's this week's Fabulous Finds (visit The Upcycle for store details):

05/08/2026

CELEBRATE WITH US! May 31st from 4-6pm
RCHP-AHC is celebrating 20 years of Welcoming People Home. We hope you can attend our special event, which will feature short videos about our programs (including I-RISE) by our resident filmmakers, Sam Friedman and Audrey Lane + Special Guest Speakers!

We’ll also have tasty finger foods and desserts for you to enjoy. We’d like to show our appreciation for our amazing supporters, so please join us for the celebration! RSVP by clicking on this link or SCAN THE QR CODE on the flyer:

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=WAuAcs7CTUmWSOVvoD_T4CfDjCNOxrZJu3sgamTOLG9UMjdXSTVPTjEyRUE2RjZYN1pYUzJWQzQxSi4u

Address

19 S 2nd Avenue
Highland Park, NJ
08904

Telephone

+17323570590

Website

http://www.interfaithrise.org/

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