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New American families currently
served by Alight
Minnesotans who have volunteered
to help since 2022
Grocery and rental support during Operations Metro Surge + PARRIS
New Americans often face significant challenges navigating employment, education, and other complex systems in the United States. Without essential knowledge and the supportive social networks that open doors and help overcome obstacles, New American families often struggle to lay the foundation for long-term success.
Alight operates a robust portfolio of programs co-created with newcomers. These include personalized coaching to help individuals secure and thrive in their first U.S. jobs, case management to navigate immediate needs, workshops on local systems and cultural norms, and career advancement through upskilling and training. If you or a New American you know needs support, please reach out to us at WelcomeMN@wearealight.org or leave a voicemail at 612-488-7824.
We also foster meaningful connections between New Americans and the broader Minnesota community. As one volunteer shared after mentoring a young Hmong newcomer: “The time I spent with that young man was one of the most meaningful in my life. It unlocked a sense of purpose and joy... I probably got more out of it than he did."
Volunteer as a job readiness coach, mentor, English language buddy, event helper, child caregiver, transportation provider, and much more. Learn more about volunteering.
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Alight is proud to partner with the Minnesota Departments of Human Services and Employment & Economic Development, along with other local organizations, to help New Americans find employment, advance their careers, access training, and navigate barriers that can stand in the way of success. Together, we create pathways to opportunity, stability, and belonging.
Alight Community Clubs are hosted by community Ambassadors in their homes and other trusted spaces where New Americans, volunteers, and neighbors come together to connect, learn, and support one another. Co-created with participants, each club evolves to meet the needs of the community, strengthening social connections while opening doors to resources, opportunity, and belonging.
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The Afghan Women’s Social is a supportive, culturally responsive space co-created with Afghan women as their needs and goals evolve. What began as a sewing social now includes resource navigation, wellness activities, practical learning opportunities, and microenterprise exploration. As participants look toward their futures, the Social continues to foster belonging while supporting women in building confidence, skills, and possibility.
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Alight’s Culture Crawls offer guided walks to places like the Karmel (Somali) Mall and immigrant-owned businesses across the Twin Cities. More than an escorted tour, our program is an invitation to connect, to build bridges across unfamiliarity and to recognize the rich contributions that newcomers make. As one of our participants said: “I've lived in the Twin Cities for 20 years and had never stepped into this mall. I can't believe what I've been missing.”
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Aid2Art was an initiative launched by Alight in April 2022 to provide financial support to individual Ukrainian artists and designers who had their regular means of income disrupted. Over 250 cash transfers of $1000 USD were facilitated over one year. Artists and designers who received funding also had an opportunity to contribute to our “Iconic Ukraine” art show which allowed us to raise funds for Ukrainian relief efforts, including financial support for more creatives!
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Our work with our new Afghan neighbors began by setting up houses and has evolved into community programming and additional services to help families make connections and settle into their lives in Minnesota.
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Alight is proud to partner with funders in advancing economic opportunity and belonging for New Americans across Minnesota
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Stand with refugee families across Minnesota as they recover from recent immigration enforcement actions. This page brings together essential resources, ways to get support, and opportunities to take action.
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For Teresa and RJ Devick, giving has never been an abstract idea. It has been a way of living – woven into their marriage, their work, and their family. “The one thing RJ and I have always had in common – sometimes the only thing,” Teresa laughed, “is that our values are based on sharing what we have and helping others. We’ve been very blessed in life, and this is how we give back.”
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In honor of World Refugee Week, we asked our Minnesota community in the Twin Cities to share their favorite immigrant and refugee-owned businesses and/or artists, writers, chefs and more. Here's what they shared!
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On World Mental Health Day, Alight considers the importance of support for displaced people to heal and rebuild their lives after enduring violence and hardship.
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A family of five is ready for a fresh start in Boston and grateful for newcomer support upon arrival.
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Hasinat’s journey from Kabul to Minnesota is a story of resilience. Fleeing the Taliban, her family faced hardships. In the U.S., With Alight’s support, she found community and strength in Minnesota. Her story highlights hope and determination, reflecting the positive impact of Alight's programs in fostering vibrant communities for Afghan newcomers.
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Yuliia's journey from Bakhmach, Ukraine, to Boston exemplifies resilience and strength. Despite the war's devastation, she found hope and security through Alight’s Jobs Pathway Program.
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Right now, there are millions of displaced people fleeing violence and persecution around the world who are seeking a pathway to the United States. Becoming a Welcome Corps sponsor is a life-changing opportunity to stand alongside someone as they rebuild.
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Jocelyn Wyatt, CEO of the Minneapolis-based humanitarian organization Alight, said refugee advocates have learned of at least 100 people detained in Minnesota and flown to Texas for questioning and reprocessing. In some cases, they have been released without paperwork, essentially stranded in Texas, Wyatt said.
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As refugee and immigrant families across Minnesota grapple with fear and uncertainty following the recent federal immigration crackdown, Alight is stepping in to provide food, care kits and reassurance — especially for children afraid to leave their homes.
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Alight and the Center for Victims of Torture are among thousands of worthy recipients. Alight CEO, Jocelyn Wyatt talks with reporter John Rash about foreign aid funding cuts and how to help on Give to the Max Day.
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Safety net programs for refugees worldwide, including here in Minnesota, are in flux. After making significant cuts to foreign aid, the Trump administration has set a historically low cap on refugee resettlement in the United States. And federal food assistance hangs in the balance during the government shutdown. Minnesota-based Alight works with refugee communities worldwide. CEO Jocelyn Wyatt spoke with MPR News host Clay Masters.
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Artem Fedorenko, a 10-year-old Ukrainian boy who lost his arm in a bombing during the Russian invasion. He relocated to Minnesota for a prosthetic and has since adjusted well.
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As unprecedented numbers of migrants are crossing into the U.S. and seeking asylum, and two refugees who know the difficulties ahead firsthand have stepped up to help.
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As unprecedented numbers of migrants are crossing into the U.S. and seeking asylum, Minnesota legal aid and resettlement agencies are seeing the impact—and it’s leaving many families in limbo.
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One Twin Cities man who came to America 20 years ago is paying it forward to new refugees making their home in the North Star state.
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Minneapolis-based Alight is mobilizing to help civilians caught in the conflict, accepting donations for Gaza.
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As someone who always wanted to be part of something bigger than herself, Zori was drawn to working in the nonprofit sector.
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The U.S. has launched the Welcome Corps, offering ordinary citizens the opportunity to provide financial and moral support to refugees during the initial stages of their moves.
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With more than 700 Afghan refugees arriving in Minnesota, resettlement agencies are mobilizing to set up permanent housing for families — and appealing to volunteers for help.
READ MORE ↗Stay connected and learn how we respond to emergencies, amplify displaced voices, and provide sanctuary for those facing adversity.
Are you a Minnesota resident? Join us in making a positive impact! Sign up now to learn about volunteer opportunities such as job readiness coaching, mentoring, English language practice, assisting at events, translating, and more.