Our Mission Statement

A Moment of Mourning, Unity, and Commitment

The Refugee Women’s Center is deeply saddened by the recent shooting involving two National Guardsmen by an Afghan asylee. We mourn the tragic loss of the soldier who was killed, and we hold the Guardsman who remains in critical condition in our hearts and prayers. We extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends, and colleagues during this painful time.

We are also profoundly concerned about the impact this incident may have on the thousands of Afghan refugees and asylum seekers who are here legally and working hard every day to build safe, stable lives for themselves and their families. One individual’s actions do not reflect the values, hopes, or intentions of an entire community. Afghan families - many of whom fled violence and persecution - deserve the opportunity to rebuild their lives without fear of backlash, stigma, or discrimination.

The Refugee Women’s Center remains committed to supporting our refugee community by providing clear, timely policy updates and helping individuals understand how these developments may affect them. Our message to refugees and asylum seekers is simple: you are welcome here, you are valued, and we stand with you.

We will continue to work alongside community partners, policymakers, and local leaders to ensure that compassion, safety, and justice guide our collective path forward.