Celebrating Togetherness, Growth, and Community

On Saturday, January 31, 2026, Human Migration Institute gathered with our community at Fairmount Park for our Community Engagement Picnic 2026. It was an afternoon centered on celebration, connection, and honoring the dedication of our newcomer families as they continue building new lives in Riverside.

The park was filled with joy and energy as HMI newcomer families, staff, board members, and volunteers came together for a picnic potluck, family-friendly games, and a certificate ceremony recognizing the hard work of our program participants. In total, we welcomed 45 children who filled the park with laughter and play, alongside 55 adults, including HMI team members and volunteers from local partners such as University of California, Riverside and International Justice Mission students from Cal Baptist University.

Words of Welcome and Community Care

The afternoon opened with warm messages of welcome from HMI liaisons Friba Dawar and Matt Silguero, who thanked families, students, volunteers, and community members for coming together to celebrate one another’s efforts and growth. Their words set the tone for a gathering rooted in care, dignity, and belonging.

Families then gathered to hear from Dr. Selin Nielsen, HMI’s President and Founder, who spoke directly to the strength and resilience of HMI’s newcomer community. She acknowledged the long and difficult journeys many Afghan families have taken to reach safety, and the courage it takes to begin again in a new country.

Addressing recent uncertainty and fear felt by many families, Dr. Nielsen offered a clear and affirming message:

“You matter. You belong. And we are honored to stand with you.”

She also recognized Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders for their service and sacrifice, honoring the role they played in supporting U.S. and international efforts abroad and the courage it took for their families to seek safety. Speaking to students and children, she expressed pride in their determination, hard work, and bright futures, and thanked volunteers for turning compassion into meaningful, everyday support.

Continuing the focus on care and empowerment, Munira Akhunzada, an Immigrants’ Rights Case Worker and DOJ-Accredited Representative with CAIR-LA, shared Know Your Rights information in Dari, ensuring families had access to vital legal knowledge in their own language. Rabia Zaki Ludin from the Sahaba Initiative followed by sharing information on mental health support, emergency rental assistance, food access, and other essential community resources available to families in Riverside.

Sharing Food, Stories, and Solidarity

After the program, the picnic tables quickly filled as our potluck lunch began. Families enjoyed a beautiful spread of homemade Afghan dishes prepared by HMI’s own clients, alongside contributions from staff, volunteers, and supporters. We were especially thankful for five pizzas generously donated by our community partner, Mamma Mia.

As families, friends, and new neighbors gathered around the tables, the afternoon became a moment of genuine fellowship. In a world that can often feel heavy and uncertain, this gathering offered something deeply meaningful: a safe space to be together, without fear, to celebrate community and belonging.

Play, Laughter, and Recognition

Following lunch, the park came alive with children’s games and activities led by Joey-Zufan Cheng, HMI’s Academic & Outreach Coordinator. Soccer matches, ping pong games, and balloon-based team-building activities filled the afternoon with laughter and movement. While children played alongside HMI volunteers and team members, parents were invited forward to receive certificates of recognition, marking their dedication to HMI’s education and independence-building programs. Each certificate was presented with a handshake from Dr. Nielsen, a small but meaningful moment of acknowledgment and pride.

In addition to the day’s programming, HMI was able to distribute women’s hygiene and care packages to families in attendance. Each package included essential hygiene supplies alongside hand-painted canvases featuring uplifting messages, created as a gesture of care and encouragement. These packages were made possible through a recent collaboration with Middle Eastern Student Center at University of California, Riverside, who hosted a Compassion Through Care Packages event to fund and assemble the kits. Their efforts helped ensure that care at the picnic extended beyond the afternoon and into families’ daily lives.

With Gratitude

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our clients for their perseverance, commitment, and hard work. Your dedication to education, self-sufficiency, and growth inspires our entire community and strengthens Riverside as a whole. We are also deeply grateful to our volunteers, partners, and supporters who made this day possible.

The Community Engagement Picnic 2026 offered a shared moment of connection, recognition, and belonging, shaped by the families, partners, and volunteers who continue to build community together in Riverside. Thank you to everyone who attended and made the day possible.