On Saturday, June 23, the 2018 Summer Institute on Leadership and Philanthropy (SILPS) cohort volunteered at a community resource fair for refugees held at the Tuckahoe Family YMCA. ReEstablish Richmond, a nonprofit organization that works to connect Richmond's refugee population with the resources they need to thrive in the local community, organized the event. Approximately 2,000 refugees live in Richmond. 

“The concept is that we’ll bring all of the resources in Richmond under one roof for one day — provide interpretation, provide transportation and provide a sense of celebration and hospitality so that people coming here can feel welcomed,” said Kate Ayers, executive director of ReEstablish Richmond.

SILPS participants welcomed refugees with signs and banners that they created and played games with refugee children as their parents took advantage of the resources available to them. 

Both NBC12 and The Richmond Times-Dispatch covered the event. 

During the program, the students will serve other Richmond nonprofit organizations including The Faison School, Sportable, Shepherd's Way, and the James River Park System.