Impact

Rohingya Empowerment Community (REC) is a Buffalo-based, Rohingya-led organization committed to supporting Rohingya refugees beyond the limited initial resettlement period. REC provides a permanent, trusted community space where individuals and families can access culturally and linguistically responsive services in their own language. By centering Rohingya voices and lived experiences, REC ensures that community members receive support with dignity, understanding, and respect while preserving their cultural and religious identity.

Through strong partnerships with local agencies and service providers, REC delivers daily case management and holistic support tailored to the community’s needs. Services include employment assistance, healthcare navigation, citizenship and ESL classes, academic and career development, youth empowerment, and community-building programs. These efforts help families stabilize their lives, navigate complex systems, and build pathways toward economic security and self-sufficiency.

As a Rohingya-led organization, REC plays a critical role in breaking down language, cultural, and systemic barriers that often prevent refugees from fully accessing services. Community members are more likely to seek help, trust guidance, and remain engaged when services are provided by people who share their language and lived experience. REC also supports Rohingya students by expanding their awareness of educational and career opportunities, empowering them to pursue futures that once felt unattainable.

By addressing both immediate needs and long-term challenges, REC strengthens the well-being of the Rohingya community while promoting integration, civic engagement, and collective empowerment. REC’s work not only supports individuals and families but also contributes to a more inclusive and equitable Buffalo, where Rohingya refugees can thrive and shape their own futures.

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