This past Saturday, Refugee Hope Partners hosted its 3rd annual Health & Wellness Fair, welcoming 43 refugee families to our Welcome Center for a morning full of learning and connection. Families came eager to discover new ways to care for their own health and the well-being of their loved ones.

This fair was made possible through the incredible partnership of local churches, healthcare professionals, community organizations, and volunteers who came together to serve our refugee neighbors. Because of their generosity and collaboration, families received valuable knowledge, resources, and compassionate care that honored the dignity of every individual.

One of our partners, Baptist on Mission’s Dental Bus, sponsored by Raleigh Chinese Christian Church, provided free dental care to 17 individuals. For several participants, the care addressed urgent dental needs.

One woman arrived in such severe pain that she had been unable to sleep. After receiving treatment, she repeatedly expressed her gratitude. Another patient shared:

“Now I’ll be able to eat again.”

It was a beautiful reminder that meeting physical needs provides more than immediate relief—it also opens the door to hope, healing, and restored well-being.

Families connected with NeighborHealth, Wake County Maternal & Child Health, and the Ripe Revival mobile market, where participants went through a nutrition course and shopped for fresh produce. FIGS of Wake County donated health kits containing over-the-counter medications, thermometers, and first-aid supplies. St. Mark’s United Methodist Church also assembled laundry kits filled with detergent and dryer sheets, providing another practical way to support families.

Participants moved from one interactive learning experience to the next, getting their blood pressure checked, practicing infant CPR, learning simple ways to stay active, and so much more. We sought to equip families with tools and knowledge that support long-term health, confidence, and independence. 

One addition to this year’s fair was the “Ask the Doctor” table, where a physician and a nurse practitioner answered questions and offered personalized health guidance. This opportunity gave participants direct access to trusted medical expertise in a welcoming environment.

While the services provided throughout the day were invaluable, many of the most impactful moments were also the simplest.

Two women recognized one another from ESL class and greeted each other with a joyful hug. A father quietly read his pocket Bible while waiting for his dental appointment. A volunteer noticed a Spanish-speaking family, stepped in to translate, and walked alongside them station to station. Refugees welcomed and served fellow refugees. Families eagerly participated in demonstrations, practiced together, and asked thoughtful questions.

These moments reflected more than providing a service. They demonstrated the kind of community we strive to cultivate: every person is seen, valued, and treated with dignity.

We are deeply grateful for every volunteer and partner who made this event possible. Our partners are key to the impact we are able to make in the lives of refugee families.

A special thank-you goes to our Health & Wellness team, their dedication to this work made it a huge success. We look forward to continuing to walk alongside refugee families as they build healthy, thriving lives.