Newcomer Event

About the Program

Category: Community and Economic Development (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

As a result of stakeholder climate surveys and the regular influx of non-English speaking families and refugees to Henrico County, Virginia, Henrico County Public Schools’ (HCPS) Office of Equity, Diversity and Opportunity planned and implemented its first Newcomer Event in the fall of 2022. Through the “Action for Equity framework,” the Newcomer Event highlighted resources and employment opportunities for families who have recently moved — or fled — to Henrico County.. One of the biggest challenges these families face is access: to resources, communication and employment opportunities. The immigrant population in Henrico County is facing each of these obstacles. The HCPS Office of Equity, Diversity and Opportunity plans to continue supporting these families through future newcomer events. The second event will be in spring of 2023. We hope these events will positively affect these newcomers’ sense of belonging, awareness of opportunities and connection to Henrico County and HCPS.