Refugee Women Rising
About Refugee Women Rising
In Omaha, Refugee Women Rising offers free driver’s education, HomeDish culinary experiences, and wellness programming for refugee and immigrant women who are still figuring out what comes next after arrival. The work is practical in the best way: a loaner vehicle for the exam, help with license costs, shared meals, and peer-led support that makes room for independence and connection. For donors, that means backing the kinds of everyday supports that open doors to work, mobility, and belonging.
What sets Refugee Women Rising apart is that refugee women help shape and deliver the programs themselves. That lived experience shows up in the details, from culturally sensitive support to the way transportation, cooking, and wellness are used to fill the gaps that often remain after initial resettlement services end.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Driver's Education
Free driver’s education that combines community-based training with state-certified behind-the-wheel instruction, including seat belt safety, police interaction, and car seat installation. Students receive a loaner vehicle for the exam, help with license costs, a certificate, a AAA car safety kit, and a gasoline gift card when they pass.
HomeDish culinary experiences
Culinary programming that brings refugee and local women together through traditional meals, conversation, and multicultural cooking. Refugee cooks share food and stories, build relationships, and gain practical skills and income opportunities.
Women's Wellness
Holistic wellness programming for refugee and immigrant women that includes art and literacy, tea times and shared meals, workshops and seminars with female professionals, and classroom instruction. The program is designed as culturally welcoming, peer-led support for social, intellectual, emotional, and mental wellness.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
Through compassionate, culturally sensitive programming and relationships, we collaborate with refugee women to further themselves personally and professionally.
Who they serve
Refugee and immigrant women in Omaha, Nebraska, including newly arrived women and longtime residents seeking advancement.
Their impact
- served thousands of women refugees
- helping hundreds of refugee women get settled and thrive in America
How your donation helps
- Free driver’s education and behind-the-wheel instruction
- Loaner vehicles and license fees for driving students
- AAA car safety kits and gasoline gift cards for graduates
- HomeDish culinary programming and shared meals
- Women’s wellness programming, including art and literacy, tea times, workshops, and classroom instruction
Our story
Refugee Women Rising began in Omaha as a grassroots collective called the Benson Area Refugee Task Force. At first, it met immediate needs with household and clothing donations and English as a Second Language classes, then grew to focus on transportation, language skills, social connection, and opportunity for refugee women. In 2018, it formalized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and its HomeDish dinner project became a central part of its outreach.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Refugee Women Rising’s services.
Refugee or immigrant women in the Omaha metro area can contact the organization by email or through the contact form to ask about programs and opportunities. The driving program is currently paused and is not accepting new students.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
Driving offers me opportunity I never had before...I feel alive!
We believe in the power of community that develops over food and conversation.
We listen to women and we believe experts.
It is a privilege to support & steer RWR... a joy to see our committed team members providing opportunities for our newest neighbors to thrive & share their talents with our community.
Events
HomeDish dinners
ongoingCulinary gatherings that bring refugee and local women together for food, stories, and conversation.
Volunteer orientations at Yates Illuminates
bi-monthlyBi-monthly orientations for people interested in volunteering with the organization.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Refugee Women Rising has shared.
Current needs
- Transportation volunteers for wellness programming
- Parking lot practice volunteers for driving students
- Interpreters for programs and meetings
- Translation help for documents and flyers
- Vehicle care and maintenance support
- Professional expertise for workshops and educational sessions
Volunteer opportunities
- Transportation volunteer
- Parking Lot Practice Volunteer
- Vehicle Foreman
- Interpreting
- Translating
- HomeDish Committee Professional Expertise
Recognition & press
Awards & recognition
- AAA Driving Program Award
In the media
- KETV, 'CIRA holds first Welcome Fest', covering Refugee Women Rising’s participation in a community event
- KETV, 'AAA Driving Program Award', covering AAA support for Refugee Women Rising’s driving lessons
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
Who can participate in the programs?
The programs are for refugee and immigrant women in the Omaha metro area, including women who are newly arrived and women who have lived here longer.
What does the driver’s education program include?
It includes community-based safety education, state-certified behind-the-wheel instruction, a loaner vehicle for the exam, help with the license cost, and graduation items such as a certificate, a AAA car safety kit, and a gasoline gift card.
What is HomeDish?
HomeDish brings refugee and local women together through traditional meals, conversation, and culinary experiences that create relationships and support personal and professional opportunities.
What kinds of wellness activities are offered?
Wellness programming includes art and literacy, tea times and shared meals, workshops and seminars with female professionals, and classroom instruction.
How can people volunteer?
Volunteers can help with transportation, parking lot practice, interpreting, translating, vehicle maintenance, and HomeDish committee work. The organization also offers volunteer orientations.
Similar nonprofits
Other ethnic & immigrant centers nonprofits in NE.