RIYO

04/08/2025

Spring forward with RIYO 💛 -

We are excited to share some updates with you. Your generosity during our holiday giving campaign has created new opportunities for 57 youth this spring with the launch of RIYO’s Newcomer Program. Thank you for your support, and check out some of the fun we’re having below!

01/20/2025

In honer of

This quote holds a special place in every individual’s heart because it serves as a reminder to persevere through life’s most challenging moments. During times when everything felt overwhelming, Dr. King’s words inspired us to stay strong, find my path, and keep moving forward.

On this MLK Day of Service, courage everyone to embrace this powerful message: no matter what obstacles come your way, keep moving forward. Together, we can create positive change and honor Dr. King's legacy through service and resilience.

12/12/2024

🌟A Successful End to RIYO’s After School Program! 🤝

We're grateful to wrap up another inspiring after school program at Bunger and Hoover Middle Schools! There were so many awesome moments.

💙 60 students joined in to improve their English, meet new friends and strengthen their connections.

💙 96% of kids reported feeling more excited to go to school after joining RIYO.

💙 100% of surveyed students shared that they want to return next year!

We’re so proud of all the students who participated and can’t wait to welcome them back next year!

A HUGE THANK YOU to our wonderful volunteers, staff, and supporters who made this program possible. Your time, effort, and passion are what make RIYO such a special community.



🤝 University of Northern Iowa Waterloo Community School District TESOL at UNI Waterloo Community Foundation Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa Bunger Middle School Cedar Valley United Way R.J. McElroy Trust

11/27/2024

RIYO is excited to recognize Grace for Wisdom Wednesday! ✨

Grace is from the Democratic Republic of Congo and speaks French and English. She began her journey with RIYO as a participant in our Youth Navigator program and our after-school program.Grace has overcome incredible obstacles, building her confidence and emerging as a leader within her community. She continues to inspire and make a meaningful impact on those around her. 🇨🇩

Fun fact: “ If I could travel anywhere in the world, I would travel all over the world to try different snacks.”

Here is a quote from Grace about her wishes for future generations. We’re so proud of you, Grace! 💙✨

Waterloo Community School District

11/20/2024

🌟 Cultural Spotlight: Karenni Subgroup - Monu Manaw! 🌟

This week, we’re celebrating the Culture of the Monu Manaw, a subgroup of Karenni. Did you know? Monu Manaw has its own flag, traditional clothing, and unique language dialect—and shares the most similarities with other Karenni subgroups!

Re and Siese have shared their culture through music and food. Re shared some of her favorite foods, which are the sago and noodle salad (picture below), with the RIYO Team.

Thank you, Re and Siese, for sharing such an amazing culture with the RIYO team.

11/15/2024

RIYO Coach Highlight 💫

Our Future Focus Coaching Program is all about supporting students with their college, career, and life goals. ✍️ Meet Mawlia, one of our amazing coaches! Mawlia is a Waterloo School (West High) alum, former refugee, and also a recent graduate of University of Northern Iowa, with a BA in Social Work. Now as a coach, she helps youth navigate college, explore career paths, and grow personally along the way.

“I get to watch them grow and reach their goals," Mawlia shares. "Knowing I played a part in their journey is incredibly rewarding. It’s all about helping them see their own potential and take steps toward their future with confidence.” 🎓

Through her training and coaching experience, Mawlia has also grown as a mentor. She’s honed her listening skills, learned to give constructive feedback, and found ways to support each student in a way that works best for them.



Thank you: Cedar Valley United Way | R.J. McElroy Trust | Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa

11/13/2024

✨

Today's wise words are from Brandon, an alumni of RIYO's Youth Navigator Leadership program and current West High student. He dreams of becoming a doctor; in the meantime, he's making a big impact on the community helping kids learn to read as a Youth Navigator.

Brandon is always looking for ways to connect with his community, learn more English, and explore different cultures. His favorite part of the program was leading fun learning activities for the Kids Club. Brandon is originally from Mexico, and is known for his outgoing personality and curiosity, he loves meeting new people, drawing, reading books, and learning languages!📚 🎨



Cedar Valley United Way | R.J. McElroy Trust | Waterloo Community Foundation | Waterloo Community School District | Waterloo Community Foundation | City of Waterloo, Iowa - City Hall

11/09/2024

What a fantastic week with our After School Program! 🌞

Here’s a recap of our latest activities: The University of Northern Iowa Physical Education Department joined RIYO for an exciting lineup of outdoor games and activities! Our incredible UNI student volunteers led these sessions, giving our middle schoolers the perfect chance to get active, and make new friends.🤸‍♂️🏐

At RIYO, we’re always expanding volunteer opportunities for those eager to give back to the community or step up as leaders. Interested in making a difference? Join us and be a part of something meaningful! 🤝

11/01/2024

📣 We are excited to share more about our ongoing Individual Coaching Sessions! This year, we are thrilled to have 23 dedicated students participating in one-on-one coaching, working closely with their Coach toward their goals.📋

At RIYO, our Student Success Coaching is a comprehensive process focused on college readiness, career exploration, and personal development. This collaborative relationship empowers students to explore their potential, develop their skills, and progress toward a more balanced and fulfilling future. Together, each Coach and Client identify key lifestyle changes and map out a personalized strategy to achieve those goals. 📝

Wishing all the best to both our Coaches and Clients on this transformative journey! 🌟

Waterloo Community School District

10/29/2024

🇺🇸 Team RIYO Voted Early -- you can too! 🗳️

☑️ 1 week left to vote!!

In-person during early voting: Oct 16- Nov 4th.
In person at voting location on Election Day: Nov 5th



University of Northern Iowa | TESOL at UNI | Waterloo Community School District

10/24/2024

Partner Spotlight! --> ✨UNI Literacy Department✨

10/22/2024

Karenni - Kayah Culture Highlight 🌍

If you ever visit or meet someone from the Karenni community, don’t forget to greet them with “Thet Rya Beh Nay,” meaning hello! Mawlia, a member of the RIYO team, shared insights about one of the Karenni subgroups, highlighting the richness and uniqueness of her culture.

Mawlia presented about her ethnic subgroup, the Kayah, which is part of the Karenni Subgroup. She introduces the team to her traditional clothing, food, music, and celebrations, as well as her favorite childhood snack. One of the Celebrations she highlights is Dee Ku, celebrated in September, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural traditions. ✨

💡 Did You Know? Myanmar (Burma) is home to the longest-running civil war in the world. Despite this, every ethnic group, including the Karenni, holds on tightly to its unique identity. Each ethnic group has its own dialect, making our community diverse and vibrant. 🌍

In the picture below 👇David was thrilled to put on the traditional attire typically worn by the Kayah Moe.

Thank You Mawlia for sharing your culture with the RIYO Team! 👏✨