“Know Your Rights” Listening Session with CHIRLA

On Saturday, July 26, 2025, HMI hosted a powerful and informative Know Your Rights listening session for our Afghan Newcomer Support Program (ANSP) clients at Crest Community Church in Riverside.

This special gathering brought together newly enrolled and prospective ANSP participants, giving them the opportunity to connect with the ANSP team, meet their case manager, and learn more about the program’s resources and services in and around Riverside County.

A key highlight of the day was a presentation from dedicated advocates at the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights — Los Angeles (CHIRLA). Their session focused on the legal rights of refugees living in California and across the United States, providing crucial knowledge during these challenging times. The advocates’ insights empowered our community members to better understand their protections, responsibilities, and the avenues available to them to navigate their new lives with confidence.

We are deeply grateful to CHIRLA for sharing their expertise and for their ongoing commitment to supporting refugee and immigrant communities. HMI supported this legal KYR session by handing out ‘Red Cards,’ a tool used to empower communities to understand what rights and protections they are entitled to, and “give examples of how people can exercise these rights”. These cards were presented in Dari, Pashto, and English, the main languages spoken throughout the ANSP program.

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Crest Community Church for generously providing the space and resources that made this event possible. Their support ensures that our clients have a safe and welcoming environment to learn, connect, and grow.

At HMI, we remain committed to equipping our newcomer community with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to thrive, because knowing your rights is the first step toward building a secure and empowered future.

To learn more about the Afghan Newcomer Support Program, click here: