The Phoenix Collective Giving Circle (PCGC) has selected Refugees and Immigrants Community for Empowerment (RICE) to receive a grant of $3,200 to fund a new childcare center and career training program for refugees, asylees, and immigrants in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area.
A community-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, RICE was created to strengthen social services and prevent unnecessary hardships for refugees during and beyond the 90-day resettlement period.
“By supporting RICE, we are hoping to help ease the transition for people who have recently moved to the United States,” said co-founder of PCGC Caitlin King Khoury. “It can be an isolating and confusing process, but RICE works tirelessly to integrate refugees and immigrants into our community and connect them with services that improve their livelihoods.”
RICE’s primary services include economic empowerment training, health care, citizenship support, and community building. However, one obstacle many of their clients face when it comes to accessing these services is a lack of childcare.
“To address this, RICE is in the process of building a free childcare center attached to our offices to ensure that all who want to benefit from our offerings are able to,” said Michelle Sutherland, RICE’s Grants and Operations Manager. “The Phoenix Collective Giving Circle Grant will help us furnish the childcare center as well as employ Afghan women as Childcare Assistants in the Rice Childcare Center.”
Launched in November 2021, PCGC comprises Arizonans who are inspired to create positive change in our community. Members convene quarterly, with each member donating a minimum of $400 annually – $100 per quarter – to a pool of funds for distribution to hand-selected nonprofit organizations.
Currently, at 21 members, PCGC aims to grow its membership to have an even greater impact. Learn more at phoenixcollectivegiving.org.
Find out more about RICE at riceaz.org.