WHO
WE ARE

RAISE (Refugee And Immigrant Services & Education) is made up of a passionate group of professionals and volunteers with wide-ranging skillsets and experiences. But we all have one thing in common: We want immigrants and refugees to have the tools they need to live healthily, happily and successfully in the Joplin area.
group learning about soil at the community garden

Our Purpose

Create a thriving integrated community in Southwest Missouri where all people belong and live abundantly.

Refugee and Immigrant Services & Education (RAISE) recognizes the importance of providing services for refugees and immigrants that come to America to facilitate community integration and prevent isolation.

RAISE receives Refugees, Legal Immigrants, Asylees, Humanitarian Parolees and others with a Temporary Protected Status and assists them in becoming self-sufficient in the Joplin, MO area. Our focus is to walk with refugees from arrival to self-sufficiency through targeted, programmatic support.

We believe in the inherent value of every person

Regardless of race, ethnicity, origin, tribe or culture—RAISE delivers services and support in three main ways:

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Welcome Well

RAISE is committed to receiving all refugees and legal immigrants with open arms, welcoming them as soon as they arrive in Joplin—and getting them off to a strong start. Greeting clients at the airport and sharing a meal with them to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter is always our priority.

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Cultivate Connection

One of our primary responsibilities is to connect our clients to the wider Joplin community, as well as with other refugees. RAISE volunteers walk side-by-side with clients to help them integrate into a new community and lifestyle to ensure their transition is as smooth as possible.

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Empower Everyday

RAISE empowers clients to advocate for their interests and seek solutions to their problems. Our aim is that all clients reach a point of sufficiency and self-determination. A short list of the services we provide for refugees and immigrants includes: English Language Education, Health Service Referrals, Job Readiness Training and employment support, Youth Engagement Programs, Community Connection.

people working on the community garden

Our History

RAISE was founded in 2017 as a nonprofit organization focused on providing ESL education to the immigrant and refugee population of Noel, MO. Quickly recognizing a need for more community-building services, RAISE established a community garden, expanded education programming and began holding regular events to celebrate diverse cultures and cuisines.

Following the Missouri Office of Refugee Administration’s request for assistance with the resettlement of Afghan refugees in 2021, RAISE opened operations in Joplin and subsequently helped resettle over 150 individuals through 2022. In 2023, RAISE shifted all operations to Joplin, became an official Global Refuge affiliate and resettled 88 legal refugees.

With well over 400 immigrant and refugee clients projected to be assisted by RAISE over the next two years, our team looks forward to the continued growth of our communities—and to seeing the positive impact our clients have within them!

PARTNERS OF RAISE

RAISE depends on a network of partners to help us provide quality services, education and support to immigrants and refugees. The helping hands of other dedicated and passionate organizations are what allow us to carry out our mission on a daily basis.

GET IN TOUCH WITH RAISE

Whether you want to get involved or just learn more about our services that help immigrants and refugees, please reach out today. Fill out the form or give us a call at (417) 317-5013.

We look forward to hearing from you!

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NOTE: Once you’ve submitted your information and message, please allow 1-3 business days and a RAISE team member will get in touch with you.