The United States has long served as a destination for displaced persons fleeing conflict, persecution, and disaster. Yet, many refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants face barriers such as language, housing insecurity, unemployment, cultural disconnect, discrimination, and lack of representation.

URIO was founded and built by individuals with lived experience of displacement, along with community stakeholders, refugee leaders, refugee social/case managers, and faith based leaders, who recognized the urgent need for culturally responsive, volunteer-driven, and community-based support.

URIO exists to:

• Promote dignity, belonging, and empowerment of refugees and immigrants.

• Provide practical support and advocacy beyond formal resettlement services.

• Create safe spaces for storytelling, talent development, and civic participation.

• Foster resilience, inclusion, and intercultural understanding.

Vision:
A society where refugees and immigrants are not only safe but also empowered as leaders, contributors, and cultural bridge-builders.

Mission:
To advance the integration and empowerment of forcibly displaced people in the U.S. through community-based support, storytelling, advocacy, and recognition of lived experience as expertise.