Utah Valley Refugees

Utah Valley Refugees Utah Valley Refugees helps refugees in Utah County become self-reliant. We are a non-profit organization in Provo, Utah.

Established in 2016, the Utah Valley Refugees is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Utah County, that committed in helping refugees and immigrants build new lives in Utah County.

08/28/2026

Did you know refugees are eligible to apply to be U.S. citizens after they’ve been in the country for 5 years? This legal pathway allows for stability and a strong future in their new home!



Are you a refugee living in Utah County? Our case managers are ready to help you build a resume, practicing interviewing...
08/25/2026

Are you a refugee living in Utah County? Our case managers are ready to help you build a resume, practicing interviewing, and look for and apply for jobs.

Swing by the UVR office or fill out a new client application on our website to set up an appointment with a case manager!

https://utahvalleyrefugees.org/




Congratulations to our most recent English graduates! These students have passed all levels of Utah Valley Refugees ESL ...
08/01/2026

Congratulations to our most recent English graduates! These students have passed all levels of Utah Valley Refugees ESL program and are ready for more advanced English or higher education classes. We are so proud of them!

Do you or someone you know need support with learning English? Come to Utah Valley Refugees to take a placement test and be matched with the class that is at your level! This is a completely free program and classes are taught in person at our Provo office.




Refugees of Provo, part 3. My parents told me that there was a war in the country which killed our family members. We le...
07/23/2026

Refugees of Provo, part 3.

My parents told me that there was a war in the country which killed our family members. We left Congo and went to Burundi. My mom died and left me and my sister. I was only 4 months old. That’s the history my dad told us. He told us how they were always running and left their home and everything behind.

We lived in Burundi, just us and our dad. Life wasn't easy there. My dad worked hard and did everything he could to support us. We had dreams to study and to go to school. They had scholarships for those who did really well in school, but unfortunately the program ended before I could participate. My dream was killed and my heart was broken.

We applied to go to America as a family. But they approved our cases separately. We asked if we could wait to go to the same place as a family but our dad said no, let the girls go and everyone can start their life, and I will stay here. My sister was sent to Minnesota, me to Utah, and my father is still in refugee camp. I applied for him to come and he was accepted but then the program was closed.

In the refugee camp, they gave us food that did not last even half the month. A lot of people died from preventable diseases. My two daughters were born there.
We came here with the hope that life would be good. It is better here. The hardest thing was language. Life is still hard but now I am more integrated and better with English and it is getting better.

Work is a number one priority for me. I like Provo because it is safe and peaceful.
I want to work in a hospital and my dream is to become a nurse. I'm doing the best I can to take classes until I can reach my goal. I know it will not be easy.

I want my kids to grow and be somebody in their lives. It is not just a hope – I believe it will happen because this is a good country.

Refugees of Provo, part 2. I was working for a government company in Venezuela. I started being persecuted because I was...
07/22/2026

Refugees of Provo, part 2.

I was working for a government company in Venezuela. I started being persecuted because I was never with them ideologically. I was working there for 11 years and for the last two or three years they started to put obstacles in my path and started threatening me. The last thing they did was send some men with guns. They went for me when I was coming back from work. That is when I understood this was serious and life threatening.

That is when we decided, that was it, we are not living there anymore: we had two daughters - they were seven and one year old. We decided to apply for a refugee program for Venezuelans. We waited for almost two years for the whole process, so when it really happens, you tend to not believe it yet. But we're here. We're safe. We are happy here.

It was really cold when we arrived. I did not expect the girls to get into school so quickly. But they started within three days of arriving to the United States. The teachers and students treat the girls really well.

We are taking English classes 3 days a week. We are anxious to get a job right away. I am a physical therapist and a firefighter. My wife is a lawyer. My goal is to eventually work as a physical therapist again. I am willing to study again. I’ve been trying to inform myself of the process.

I hope that everyone understands that refugees are people who are looking to get out of a country where they don’t feel safe and come somewhere where they have opportunities and safety. The vast majority of refugees did not migrate because they wanted, but because that was the only option.

We have goals here as a family - become a citizen! I know that is a possibility. We have opportunities here to achieve those goals. We feel blessed to be here. I hope to be a volunteer once we are settled. We want to help people and be useful for the community.

Refugees of Provo, part 1."I'm a refugee. I left my country because of the war. When I left, I did not leave with my fam...
07/21/2026

Refugees of Provo, part 1.

"I'm a refugee. I left my country because of the war. When I left, I did not leave with my family. My family left in a different direction. That's why I came only with my niece and the rest of my family is still in Africa.

To be a refugee is hard and can be complex sometimes. To be a refugee means you left your home with nothing. You didn't have a plan or know where you were going, no destination or anything. Just to save your life.

When we left home we had to go to Cameroon. It wasn't easy. We faced hunger, fatigue, all types of diseases, and other dangers. Sometimes you feel that that is all for you. You don't have life anymore. First is to thank God because he helped. That is why I am here today.

When I came here it was hard because I did not speak the language. I did not know anybody. I did not understand how to navigate the system, how to go around. I didn't know the town. But now we are getting things slowly, and thanks to you who welcomed me to the town.

Right now I am still learning and adapting. Every day I keep learning. For example, I recently received my learner's permit! I failed my test first but I kept researching and studying and was able to pass it. Things are moving forward positively and I’m learning every day. There is improvement in everything.

My goal is to not depend on aid. I want to move forward. I worked in logistics back home. My dream is to work in logistics again. My priority right now is to learn English… to integrate and, in the future, if possible, to continue my education."

"That is Utah’s story. It has always been a refugee story."This week we will be celebrating Pioneer Day. In recognition ...
07/21/2026

"That is Utah’s story. It has always been a refugee story."

This week we will be celebrating Pioneer Day. In recognition of our modern day pioneers, we will be sharing a story each day from former refugees who now call Provo home.

"Pioneer Day is our opportunity to say plainly what we know to be true: the men and women rebuilding their lives in our communities are modern-day pioneers. They carry the same determination, the same resilience, and the same hope that carried our ancestors to this valley.

Read more from former Governor Gary Herbert's article here: https://www.standard.net/opinion/guest-commentary/2026/jul/18/guest-opinion-utahs-pioneer-story-is-a-refugee-story/

07/18/2026

Who do you know who is a modern day pioneer?

Address

125 E 300 S
Provo, UT
84606

Opening Hours

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

Website

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