The RIVER ARC

08/31/2026

📚 Understanding the American School System 🇺🇸

Last week Wednesday, we had a great turnout for our presentation on understanding the American school system! We were grateful to learn from an immigrant parent who works in the school system and personally guided her three children—from kindergarten all the way to master’s degrees.

Parents learned about:
✅ School grades and age levels
✅ The importance of parental involvement and homework support
✅ Tutoring and school resources
✅ GPA and how to monitor academic progress
✅ The importance of talking with teachers and school counselors
✅ Planning for college and careers as early as middle school
✅ Using technology to stay connected with the school
✅ Encouraging children to participate in sports and other activities

The biggest message was simple: Parents don’t have to know everything, but they need to stay involved, ask questions, and walk alongside their children throughout their educational journey. ❤️

Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to this meaningful conversation! Together, we can help our children succeed. 🌟

08/21/2026

08/17/2026

As immigrant parents, navigating the American school system can be challenging, especially when language and cultural barriers make it difficult to understand how the system works.

Empowering immigrant parents with knowledge is setting our children up for success. When parents understand the system, they can better advocate for and support their children.

07/31/2026

Update: This event is being co-hosted by Catholic Charities.

Local attorneys, Miryam Antunez de Mayolo and Gunda Brost, will share legal updates around TPS and asylum. Everyone is welcome.

Sunday, August 9th
3:30pm
Bethesda Haitian Church of God
1604 Hammond Ave. Waterloo

07/28/2026

Empowering Immigrant Women Through Connection, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship ✨
Yesterday, we had an incredible turnout for our Empower Immigrant Women Zoom meeting, bringing together 40 women from different states for a powerful time of learning, connection, and inspiration.
We were honored to welcome our speaker, Pastor Francine Kadima, co-founder and Executive Manager of the International Congolese Women Chamber of Commerce, a platform created to promote women’s leadership, entrepreneurship, networking, mentorship, and mutual support.
Her message encouraged women to recognize their potential, embrace opportunities, build meaningful networks, and continue creating pathways for success in their families and communities.
Thank you to all the women who joined us and contributed to this meaningful conversation. Together, we are building a stronger community where immigrant women are empowered to lead, thrive, and make an impact. 💪🏾✨

07/28/2026

This is a dream coming true, and I want to take a moment to thank God for making it possible. 🙏🏾
I am grateful for the vision, the people, and the partnerships that are bringing our community together. We are excited to launch the Cedar Valley Community Leaders Alliance — a space where leaders can connect, collaborate, support one another, and work together for the well-being of our diverse communities.
Everyone is welcome to join us and be part of this important journey. Together, we can build stronger connections and create a brighter future for the Cedar Valley.
We look forward to seeing you!

07/21/2026

🌟 Empowering Immigrant Women Through Entrepreneurship! 🌟

The River ARC is excited to host a workshop to help immigrant women learn how to start and grow a business. Entrepreneurship can create financial independence, build confidence, and open new opportunities for women, their families, and our community.

Join us and take the first step toward turning your ideas into opportunities! 🚀