AsylumWorks

When Nadia fled Egypt seeking safety, she never imagined she would face a new crisis—one that put her life at risk. Without insurance or a source of income, she suffered in silence as her health rapidly declined. Then she found AsylumWorks, which connected her to urgent medical care, covered her treatment, and helped her rebuild her career. With AsylumWorks’ support, Nadia is now thriving—as an asylee, a nonprofit case manager, and a mentor to others. Click here for the full story: https://lnkd.in/eGdRTAy3

"I've witnessed firsthand how displaced women seeking safety have overcome tremendous obstacles—fleeing persecution, rebuilding lives in an unfamiliar country, and often supporting families through it all. To me, International Women’s Day represents hope and possibility. When educated, equipped, and empowered with the right support—women don't just survive—they thrive, becoming leaders in their communities and powerful advocates for change." – Joan Hodges-Wu, MA, LGSW, Founder & Executive Director at AsylumWorks ?? Happy International Women’s Day to all refugee, asylee, and asylum-seeking women! #InternationalWomensDay #WomenAreResilient #RefugeeWomen #AsylumWorks

?? Want to learn how to tell a nonprofit’s story? Intern with AsylumWorks! This summer, AsylumWorks is seeking a development and communications intern to support our Development team. You'll help manage our social media, collect and draft client stories, and assist with donor research and stewardship efforts. If you're looking to gain hands-on experience in communications, fundraising, and nonprofit operations, apply now! Learn more in the job description below. #Internship #Communications #Fundraising #Development #AsylumWorks

After risking everything to support U.S. forces, Younis fled Afghanistan, leaving behind his life, family, and home. Struggling with isolation, financial strain, and the trauma of war, Younis stood on the brink of despair–until he found AsylumWorks. “AsylumWorks became the bridge to my future. They didn’t just give me support – they gave me the knowledge and tools I needed to rebuild my life.” Click here to read his story and see how AsylumWorks is helping Afghan Allies like Younis turn the promise of refuge into reality: https://lnkd.in/druzjDaM

Filing taxes in the U.S. can be a daunting task, especially for newcomers. Join AsylumWorks for a free virtual workshop on Wednesday, February 26 at 5:30 PM (ET) to learn how to prepare and file taxes with confidence. Led by Elena Aceves Fowlkes from the Office of the Taxpayer Advocate, Comptroller of Maryland, and Paul Smith from the DC Office of Tax and Revenue, this session will cover key topics including filing basics, required documents, and free resources available to immigrants. This English-language workshop is open to all and no registration is required. Click here to join: https://lnkd.in/egCE9J-i

For eight years, AsylumWorks has empowered asylum seekers and refugees to rebuild safe, stable, and self-sufficient lives in the National Capital Region. But it all started with just $4,000 from a GoFundMe. In 2016, licensed social worker Joan Hodges-Wu founded AsylumWorks after observing a critical gap in support for asylum seekers. She recognized that staying healthy, safe, and economically self-sufficient was essential to securing refugee protection. What began as a kitchen-table operation has grown into a nationally recognized nonprofit, redefining how organizations work with refugees.? Discover our story below!

?? Great news: Reza has been granted asylum! Do you remember Reza, the Afghan client featured in AsylumWorks’ 2023 annual report?? After fleeing Afghanistan when the Taliban resumed power, he traveled through ten countries across three continents before arriving in Northern Virginia, where he connected with AsylumWorks.? See how AsylumWorks supported him and what this new chapter means for his future: https://lnkd.in/eD2EbZWF

?? Great news: Reza has been granted asylum! Do you remember Reza, the Afghan client featured in AsylumWorks’ 2023 annual report?? After fleeing Afghanistan when the Taliban resumed power, he traveled through ten countries across three continents before arriving in Northern Virginia, where he connected with AsylumWorks.? See how AsylumWorks supported him and what this new chapter means for his future: https://lnkd.in/eD2EbZWF

Congratulations to Awel Ahmed of AsylumWorks! As an AsylumWorks founding Board member it is an honor to now serve as a consultant and advisor to Awel as he launches the Legal Navigation Program to assist asylum seekers and asylees with applications for adjustment of status, refugee travel documents, refugee family relative petitions, and more. At a time when legal services for immigrants are in incredibly high demand this expansion of services is critical for immigrants in the #DMV area.

Over the past four years, AsylumWorks has expanded our service reach thanks to securing three multi-year federal grants. While winning these highly competitive awards strengthened our programs, it has also made us vulnerable to shifting government priorities. This vulnerability became clear last month when the Office of Management and Budget moved to freeze federal grant funding, affecting millions of nonprofits including AsylumWorks. Though the freeze has been lifted and our grants remain in place, federal grants comprise 60% of our funding portfolio. In light of this exposure, AsylumWorks is developing new strategies to ensure we can continue empowering newcomers seeking safety, regardless of funding fluctuations. We will keep you - our dedicated community of supporters - informed as we navigate through these challenging times.