Bay Area Resource for Newcomers

Bay Area Resource for Newcomers Bay Area Resource for Newcomers (BRFN) supports newcomers of all backgrounds in the East Bay.

We work to foster self-sufficiency, belonging, and community power for newcomers through culturally-responsive case management, workshops, and systems advocacy.

Throwback to a fun and inspiring field trip to The Tech Interactive in San Jose for Afghan families 💜Through Hayward Uni...
08/21/2026

Throwback to a fun and inspiring field trip to The Tech Interactive in San Jose for Afghan families 💜

Through Hayward Unified School District's tutoring program—which BRFN is proud to partner in organizing—Afghan students and families have access to academic support, enrichment opportunities, and community-building experiences like this field trip.

We're so grateful to be part of this growing community and can't wait to create even more meaningful opportunities together. 😊✨

At this time of huge cuts to federal and state refugee funding, BRFN relies on community support more than ever. Please ...
08/18/2026

At this time of huge cuts to federal and state refugee funding, BRFN relies on community support more than ever. Please consider making a monthly recurring donation to help sustain these vital programs—even a gift of just $10 per month can make a meaningful difference in the lives of newcomers and their families.

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=D44RNHVQXF5GJ

🎉 Success Story Saturday! When one of our Afghan high school student clients arrived to the Bay Area just two years ago,...
08/15/2026

🎉 Success Story Saturday!

When one of our Afghan high school student clients arrived to the Bay Area just two years ago, she was struggling to navigate the U.S. school system, wasn't completing homework, and had difficulty making friends.

Through Hayward Unified's tutoring program—which BRFN is proud to partner in organizing—we worked closely with her and her family, providing translation support and helping bridge communication with her school so everyone could better understand her needs and the differences between the Afghan and U.S. education systems.

At a recent parent-teacher meeting, we heard wonderful news: she has made significant academic progress, is completing her homework, and has built meaningful friendships at school.

Today, her journey has come full circle. She now serves as a mentor for younger Afghan students in the tutoring program, helping them overcome the same challenges she once faced. 💛

While refugee admissions to the U.S. have dropped to near zero, BRFN continues to adapt its programs to support immigran...
08/11/2026

While refugee admissions to the U.S. have dropped to near zero, BRFN continues to adapt its programs to support immigrant families already here—who are facing growing uncertainty, misinformation, and threats to their safety and well-being. ❤

Since January 2026:
🌏 550 newcomers served in the East Bay — mainly from Afghanistan and Eritrea
🛡️ 150 clients attended Know Your Rights presentations
🍎 740 food boxes distributed to seniors and families in need
💸 90 clients received direct financial aid, towards legal fees, food, and medical bills
🍼 100 clients received a 1-month supply of diapers and wipes
🧭 350 clients received resources & system navigation support
🏥 55 clients received healthcare navigation services, including referrals, appointment assistance, and healthcare education
🎓 150 Afghan families received support through our school partnerships, including student tutoring, family case management, and parent workshops to strengthen engagement in their children's education.

Have clothing, toys, toiletries, or office supplies to donate? In-kind donations play a crucial role in supporting BRFN’...
08/06/2026

Have clothing, toys, toiletries, or office supplies to donate? In-kind donations play a crucial role in supporting BRFN’s mission by providing essential goods and services that directly benefit our community. These contributions help us reduce operational costs, expand our reach, and ensure that those in need receive immediate support. 💛

Make an in-kind donation here: https://www.brfn.org/in-kind-donations.html

Greetings from our BRFN staff! 🤗 With our small but mighty team of eight (one not pictured), we are proud to serve +1,0...
08/03/2026

Greetings from our BRFN staff! 🤗 With our small but mighty team of eight (one not pictured), we are proud to serve +1,000 newcomers in the East Bay per year. 💛

🎉 Success Story Saturday! Through our three-part Afghan Women's Reproductive Health Empowerment Series, Afghan women gai...
08/01/2026

🎉 Success Story Saturday!

Through our three-part Afghan Women's Reproductive Health Empowerment Series, Afghan women gain the information and resources they need to make informed, confident decisions about their reproductive health.

One participant came to the group hesitant to use an IUD for birth control. She had heard misinformation in her community that people frequently become pregnant while using one, and she was also concerned about hormonal birth control after experiencing difficult side effects in the past.

During the series, she learned that IUDs are among the most effective forms of contraception and that non-hormonal IUDs are an option for those who prefer to avoid hormones.

After the program, she chose to get a non-hormonal IUD. She reports that she's happy with her decision, has experienced no side effects, and now feels empowered to share this information with friends in her community.

We are honored to continue facilitating safe and culturally responsive spaces for women to get accurate information. 🧡

Two spectacular BRFN humans -- Jodi de la Peña, our Board Chair, and Faisal Esmaty, our Afghan Social Adjustment Case Ma...
07/23/2026

Two spectacular BRFN humans -- Jodi de la Peña, our Board Chair, and Faisal Esmaty, our Afghan Social Adjustment Case Manager. 💛💛

🗯️ Did you know? Hayward Unified's tutoring program, which BRFN is proud to partner in organizing, supports Afghan stude...
07/20/2026

🗯️ Did you know? Hayward Unified's tutoring program, which BRFN is proud to partner in organizing, supports Afghan students and their families in achieving academic success—but it's so much more than tutoring.

The program offers a wide range of opportunities that strengthen families and build community, including:
✨ Family field trips
📚 Parent workshops on topics like digital and financial literacy
🧵 A sewing group where mothers can connect and build community
🎒 School supply distribution
🗣️ Interpretation support between families and school staff
🎉 Cultural celebrations, including Eid and Afghan New Year

We're grateful to be part of this incredible community and look forward to continuing to grow and support Afghan students and families together. 😊💜

Address

1811 11th Avenue
Oakland, CA
94606

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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