Meet a family of five from Ukraine. They recently arrived in the US through Alight’s Jobs Sponsorship program that ensures job placements for newcomers upon arrival. Iryna, who formerly ran a training center in Kyiv, is set to start a new role as an Associate Teacher at Bright Horizons, Boston. As she recounts: “Alight generously assisted us with travel arrangements, employment, housing, documentation, and all other aspects of our move. After a successful interview with Bright Horizons, I was thrilled to receive a job offer from this esteemed company. Working with children has always been a source of joy for me, and I eagerly anticipate my first day on the job.” Their journey hasn't been easy, and the family is ready for a fresh start in Boston and grateful for the support they got: “Since the war's onset in Ukraine, our family has relocated nine times. The constant change has taken a toll on all of us, especially the children. We remain hopeful that America will serve as … [Read more...] about 9.22.23: Welcoming Newcomers

Dunn Brothers Coffee Elevates Alight's Cause! Calling all coffee lovers and change-makers! Let's raise our mugs to a fantastic friend and donor, Dunn Brothers Coffee! In 2014, Dunn Brothers teamed up with us as part of their holiday seasonal promotion. Together, we created the Changemaker Chocolate Bar made from rich dark roasted beans. The proceeds from the candy bar resulted in $10,000 to help fund abundant solutions to millions of displaced people around the world. Dunn Brothers Coffee has continued to be a great support throughout the years. They took center stage as the presenting sponsor of the Maker's Collection in 2015 – a line of artisan products – at Alight’s Changemakers Ball. They returned the following year to present their coffee-flavored beer in collaboration with Summit Beer. Dunn Brothers Coffee has a strong commitment to giving back to displaced people of coffee-growing regions. We are grateful for their willingness to co-create, do the doable and spark … [Read more...] about Donor Spotlight: Dunn Brothers Coffee

Honoring A Long-time, Superstar Supporter of Alight! ? Hahn Chang's Incredible Commitment to Alight's Cause  Let's take a moment to give a HUGE shoutout to our incredible friend and donor, Hahn Chang! ?? Hahn has been supporting and working with Alight since he was in high school. And more than a decade later, he continues to bring friends and other young professionals to our cause. “What inspires me with an organization like Alight is, ‘how do you uplift the refugee? How do you empower these folks? How do you put them at the center of everything that you’re doing?’” Hahn said. “And that’s something that’s incredibly personally inspiring to me, and what drives me to do this work and be a part of this great organization.” Hahn gathered a group of friends to fundraise for Haiti earthquake relief in 2010. He even dyed his hair pink in support! After finishing college, Hahn came back to Alight and connected with our Poland team. He took on an awesome role as a Quick Impact … [Read more...] about ?Donor Spotlight: Hahn Chang

1. 30 Years in Uganda Nakivale Refugee Settlement is one of the world’s most diversely populated refugee settlements, hosting residents from DRC, Sudan, Somalia, South Sudan, Burundi, Uganda, Rwanda, and several other countries. At least 33,817 refugees have arrived in Uganda since the beginning of 2023. Alight Uganda’s programs in Nakivale focus on Protection, Gender Based Violence and Livelihood development opportunities for women and youth. This year Alight celebrates their 30th year anniversary of refugee intervention in Uganda! Alight team members and leaders traveled there to co-create, spark joy and do the doable with the community members. Nakivale Refugee Settlement is one of the seven settlements across Uganda that Alight has served for many years. Nakivale supports 100,000 people that contribute to the enrichment and advancement of the settlement. As a part of the festivities, Alight CEO Jocelyn Wyatt and CMEO Zohra Zori got to join in on a beautiful art session … [Read more...] about Newsletter Stories 8.18.2023

Meet Samia, a 25-year-old Burundian living at Mahama Refugee Camp in Rwanda. After a tragic loss in 2016, Samia was forced to leave her education in Burundi to join her family in Mahama Refugee Camp. Struggling with depression, Samia found strength in securing a new job opportunity. Her strong grasp of English opened a door at Kuja Kuja, Alight’s affiliate organization. This achievement became more than a job; it was her lifeline, enabling her to support her family. Now, Samia not only handles her responsibilities at work but also cares for her siblings, dreaming of a brighter future. She aspires to resume her education in Kigali, believing it will unlock new doors to opportunity. Samia's journey is an inspiring testament to the power of hope, resilience, and the unbroken human spirit. … [Read more...] about Stories from Camp: Introducing Samia – A Beacon of Resilience and Determination

  Today, we share with you the inspiring story of resilience and strength, Yuliia's journey from Bakhmach, a small town in the north of Ukraine, to Boston, the United States.  Yuliia says: "I come from a small town in the north of Ukraine- Bakhmach.   Before the war we lived well and carefree, went on vacation 2-3 times a year, planned children. We didn't believe in the war so much that on the evening of February 23 we made a deposit for a new big apartment, where there was supposed to be a nursery and a beautiful terrace with a view of the sunset. Although the apartment wasn't built yet, we already imagined a beautiful life and even argued about the color of the walls.   But in the morning a war broke out. We were left with no money, because we had contributed it for housing, no income. It separated me from my husband, I didn't see my parents for a year. My work was closed and never opened again. I had to go to Europe to find a job and a chance to help my parents and … [Read more...] about Yuliia’s Journey: Overcoming Adversity and Finding Hope in a New Land