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Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question? You may not be the only one! RAMWI is pleased to share community resources and information that we believe will be useful to our clients, community partners, service providers, and the general public. For more information, please visit the respective referral website provided below and/or reach out directly to the organization.
What does RAMWI stand for?
Refugee and Migrant Women’s Initiative
Who do RAMWI Serve?
RAMWI is a community based, non-profit organization in the Tampa Bay area of Florida (USA) offering important services to refugee and migrant women and their families.
What services does RAMWI provide?
RAMWI is a community based, non-profit organization in the Tampa Bay area of Florida offering important services to refugee and migrant women and their families. We look to fill gaps in the resettlement process. However, we are not a resettlement agency and do not provide sponsorship at this time.
We offer the following services within our 4 core programs:
The Wellness Support Groups
Our Wellness Support Program is a trauma-informed program with two service areas:
Support Groups and R.E.A.C.H., our Mental Health Circles.
Our Support Group are trauma-informed psycho-social small groups that are designed to empower women through tailored programming that encourages and equips individuals with skills and knowledge to navigating cultural differences and norms and gain confidence in their ability to achieve personal goals. It provides a sense of community and support during what can be a stressful and isolating process of resettlement. The Wellness Support Program engages women in skills development, social connectedness, educational and economic opportunities, and tailored events. Women also learn to explore and access their new city and community resources available to them, and gain confidence in navigating cultural differences and norms.
R.E.A.C.H ( Refugee Empowerment and Access through Cognitive Healing) is a therapist-led cultural-adaptive group that helps women develop coping skills and a framework to identify trauma and its effects. Women receive professional and peer support in a safe, confidential, and nurturing environment. The
program also acts as a gateway to private, individual counseling with certified therapists.
The Sew Much Hope Project
The Sew Much Hope Project (SMHP) is a collaborative social enterprise program. Access to economic development is offered through skill building. Women work together to sew high-quality women's accessories and home decor items, which are sold on our website and at local craft markets. Women feel empowered in their abilities, healed through the power of connection with other women, rooted in their new homes, and proud of their contributions to our local economy and to their own families.
The WEL Institute
The Women Empowerment and Leadership (WEL) Institute is a learning collaboration that brings-in community partners from academic institutions, public and private sectors to equip refugee and migrant women with practical skills in a safe environment. Transportation and interpreters in various languages are provided to make each workshop accessible to all. As women are equipped with critical information, they reflect, share ideas and develop leadership skills together.
I do not speak English, can I participate in your programs or receive services?
Yes. RAMWI uses interpreters during all our programs . RAMWI has interpreters available in the following languages: Arabic, French, Swahili, Persian/Dari/Pashto, Spanish, and Ukrainian.
Where does RAMWI meet and/or provide services?
RAMWI meets at local community centers and locations in the Greater Tampa Bay area (including St. Petersburg).
How often does RAMWI hold workshops or events?
RAMWI holds Wellness Support Groups and Sewing workshops on a monthly basis. The WEL Institute holds workshops tailored to Advocacy, Health & Wellness, Finances, Intro to Entrepreneurship, Disaster Readiness and Mental Health throughout the calendar year. All information is readily available via our Events Calendar on the RAMWI website: https://www.ramwi.org/events-1
How can I purchase products from the Sew Much Hope Project?
Please visit the RAMWI website link to our online store: https://www.ramwi.org/shop
How do I become a RAMWI volunteer?
Please visit our website link to explore our Current Volunteer opportunities and contact us to volunteer: https://www.ramwi.org/volunteer
I am living outside of the United States and need help with resettlement. Who can I contact?
Unfortunately, RAMWI has limited resources and cannot provide assistance to folks outside of the Tampa Bay Area. If you are in need of resettlement assistance, contact your local UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). Find the office closest to you here: https://www.refworld.org/browse/country
Where can I find information about Reception & Placement/Resettlement Programs?
Some Local Programs:
Lutheran Services, Florida (LSF)
Gulf Coast Jewish Family & Community Services (GCJFCS)
https://gulfcoastjewishfamilyandcommunityservices.org/
Church World Services (CWS)
Department of Children & Families (DCF)
https://www.myflorida.com/accessflorida/
What resources are available for employable adults?
Local Programs:
Lutheran Services, Florida (LSF)
Gulf Coast Jewish Family & Community Services (GCJFCS)
https://gulfcoastjewishfamilyandcommunityservices.org/
Church World Services (CWS)
What resources are available that support refugees and ORR-eligible (Office of Refugee Resettlement) populations with challenging needs (including those with serious medical conditions and elderly refugees)?
Local Affiliates:
Lutheran Services, Florida (LSF)
Gulf Coast Jewish Family & Community Services (GCJFCS)
https://gulfcoastjewishfamilyandcommunityservices.org/
Church World Services (CWS)
What employment programs are available if you are a migrant or are not eligible?
Office of Refugee Resettlement Funding administered by Refugee Services
Department of Children & Families (DCF)
https://www.myflorida.com/accessflorida/
Local Program:
Lutheran Services, Florida (LSF)
*Hillsborough, Pinellas, & Pasco counties
What health screening resources are available?
Department of Health, Refugee, Health Services Offices. Provided within 90 days of arriving in Florida. Includes TB tests, vaccinations & vision/hearing screenings.
https://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/community-health/refugee-health/services.html
What resources are available for adult education and English learning resources ?
Local Programs:
Caribe Program / Hillsborough County Schools
Erwin Technical College
2010 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa FL 33610
Tel: 813-231-1972, ext. 317
All Things English
https://maxisings.wixsite.com/allthingsenglish/general-7
Pinellas/Pasco Counties
Lutheran Services of Florida (LSF) Voucher Program
What youth and mentoring programs are available in the area?
Youth Program for ages 16-19 & Mentoring Program for ages 15-24
Lutheran Services of Florida (LSF) - Hillsborough & Pinellas counties
Are there any childcare services available for refugees in the area?
Yes. Free childcare for up to a year maximum is available. Please contact a resettlement agency for more details on childcare needs.
Lutheran Services of Florida (LSF) - Hillsborough & Pinellas counties
What legal services are available in the area?
Local Program:
Lutheran Services of Florida (LSF) - Hillsborough & Pinellas counties
BayArea legal Services
What services are available that facilitate a range of case management services at increasing intensities from assessment to referrals to intensive case coordination?
Local Program:
Lutheran Services of Florida (LSF) - Hillsborough & Pinellas counties
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