Gardening. Arts and crafts. Learning. Knitting. It’s the little things in life that build the deepest connections—especially when you’re in great company. RSS develops and manages programs that help bring people together, teach skills, and provide all types of support. Five main programs are designed to align with the RSS mission: To facilitate programs and create long lasting relationships that cultivate social capital, promote individual autonomy and enrich our community. We welcome you to become a part of our programs, designed and hosted by community members just like you, to experience the RSS mission in action.
fresh-picked-veggies

In case you haven’t noticed, Charlotte is home to some of the mildest weather in the country. That means fresh produce is (almost) always in season. Come on down to our HQ on Willard Farrow Drive, park your car, and take your pick of free fresh fruits, vegetables, dried goods, and more. Your recipes will thank you.

Helpful tip:

Bring a reusable bag (or three) and your Program Participant card.

fruitful-friends

One of the things that unites all people, all cultures, is our innate desire for human connection. Fruitful Friends is designed to match program participants with community members and families so they can put a friendly face to the place, experience Charlotte like a local, and forge a meaningful relationship in their new home. Interested in becoming a Fruitful Friend? Great! Just complete the Volunteer application and attend a required Refugee 101 Workshop. Whether you have only a few hours a month to give or multiple days a week, RSS needs welcoming volunteers.

Helpful tip:

For your first Fruitful Friend get-together, try and plan a meal or activity that is unique to you. Authenticity is key.

RSS-love&learn

You’re never too old or too cool to learn new things or make new friends. Our Love & Learn program is proof. Love & Learn is a pre-school enrichment program where both children and parents are provided a safe and structured environment to build literacy skills, create art, socialize, and ultimately learn from one another. Snacks will likely be served (but you didn’t hear it from us).

Helpful tip:

Come with an open mind and a hunger for knowledge. We’ll provide everything else.

RSS-KTG

Sometimes the best way to strengthen the fabric of a community is to knit it. Literally. Our Knit Together Group (KTG) is a holistic program for women that meets weekly to knit beautiful works of art while focusing on income opportunities, language practice, workforce development skills, and community connections. Want in on the knitting or for KTG to sell at your market? Get in touch and let’s talk!

Helpful tip:

If you’re on Instagram, follow @ktgrss immediately to see the latest creations from our Knit Together Group. It’s a thread worth pulling. Trust us.

HelpCtr3-28-19
As a core part of our community programs, Refugee Support Services operates a Help Desk in person at our headquarters and remotely through our Helpline. Whether it’s reading mail, paying utility bills, making phone calls, or completing government forms, our team is happy to assist you in any way we can. Not sure if the Help Desk can help with your inquiry? Call us anyway to find out. We’re all in this together, and helping one other is what community is for.
Helpful tip:
If you need to leave a voicemail, be sure to do so in English. Otherwise, send us a text in your native language and we can translate your message.