The Utah Refugee Connection

The Utah Refugee Connection is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting refugees in Utah by fostering meaningful connections between refugees, the community, and public and private organizations. The organization's mission is to empower refugees to develop self-sufficient and fulfilling lives.

Mission and Activities

The Utah Refugee Connection plays a significant role in promoting integration and support for refugees. They facilitate cultural exchange through events like refugee cultural nights, which attract significant community participation. In recent years, over 1,000 individuals attended these cultural events, demonstrating the organization's ability to engage the local community in understanding and supporting refugees[2].

The organization also coordinates substantial volunteer efforts, with over 34,000 hours of service benefiting refugees annually. Additionally, they facilitate the collection and distribution of goods and services, in collaboration with other entities like the Granite School District. This collaboration helped distribute over $800,000 worth of goods and services to the refugee community[2].

Partnerships and Impact

The Utah Refugee Connection collaborates with various organizations in Utah to enhance its impact. Partner organizations include Catholic Community Services, the International Rescue Committee, the Refugee & Immigrant Center—Asian Association of Utah, and Granite School District, among others[4]. These partnerships enable a comprehensive approach to refugee support, covering services such as career counseling, mentorship, education, health services, and more.

Governance and Operations

As a nonprofit organization, The Utah Refugee Connection is governed by a board of directors. The organization's financial operations and governance practices are essential components of its structure, but detailed information on these aspects is limited[5].

Impact and Community Engagement

The Utah Refugee Connection serves as a vital link between refugees and the wider community in Utah. Through cultural events, volunteer opportunities, and goods distribution, the organization promotes understanding and support for refugee integration. Its activities not only benefit refugees but also foster a more inclusive and supportive community environment[2].