In the ten years after EMBARC was founded by a network of volunteers, we’ve faced some big challenges side-by-side with communities across Iowa. In this year’s end-of-year report, we’re celebrating the accomplishments of Navigators, RISE AmeriCorps members, volunteers and our staff through a beautiful 44-page magazine. Click to read the report.

We have big plans for the next decade of work - read letters from Henny Ohr and Abigail Sui below. Thank you for joining us on this journey!

A Message from Executive DIrector Henny Ohr

Dear friends,

I’ve got some big news. After a decade of joy and tears, hard work and hard lessons, a derecho, and public health crisis, EMBARC is opening a new chapter.

In the fall of 2021, the EMBARC Burma Community Advisory Board approved a motion to become an independent stand-alone organization. The devastating impact of the pandemic and the human rights abuses in Burma, spurred the board’s decision to focus on serving their diverse Burma ethnic communities and building their coalition. Founding staff member, and long-time lead, Abigail Sui, was voted unanimously to be the new director of EMBARC. Under her leadership, EMBARC will continue its existing Early Childhood Parent Navigator, Crisis & Advocacy and Education programs.

Along with the current Board of Directors, I am proud to announce the launch of Refugee and Immigrant Voices in Action (RIVA), a new statewide immigrant and refugee umbrella organization designed to grow leaders, build community and promote solidarity. Our current RISE AmeriCorps and the Health Equity Campaign will move under RIVA, along with our new non-profit Impact Incubator.

This Impact Incubator program will take the lessons learned during EMBARC’s past 10 years to support and strengthen emerging immigrant and refugee led groups. Iowa can’t afford to waste the skills, knowledge, and passion illustrated by our refugee and immigrant leaders — whether they’ve been serving their community for decades or are just beginning their journeys.

By partnering with refugee and immigrant leaders and their community organizations to elevate their voices and expand their capacity, RIVA will create a cascade of change that’s powered by our own potential.

Watching leaders like Abigail and others at EMBARC and in the community grow over the years has brought me indescribable joy. Knowing that EMBARC started in 2012 with just a small group of thoughtful committed volunteers, brings me sustained hope.

Join me inside these pages in thanking the incredible individuals who have moved us forward into this new era. There is too much in the decade ahead for any one person or group to do alone. By continuing to invest in each other, we will all create a stronger, brighter world.

With gratitude,

Henny Ohr

A message from Executive Director Abigail Sui

Dear friends and supporters,

Nearly ten years ago, I resettled in Iowa as a Chin refugee from Burma. I was disheartened to see my community’s struggle and the barriers they faced. Barriers to basic needs, like food and shelter; accessing education and medical care; understanding their workplace rights; and finding support.

But the more I understood these frustrating barriers, I also witnessed the unwavering hope and connection within our community. I saw it in a mother, who, after a long shift at the meatpacking plant, supported a line of people outside her apartment by reading mail and paperwork. I witnessed this in a high school student, who missed school to take their family and neighbor to doctors’ appointments, and helped teach English on Saturdays.

I saw the struggle – and the hope. The barriers – and the effort to overcome. The hardship – and the deep connection and support within our community.

Because of this, it was easy to join as one of the founding staff members at EMBARC. It was an honor to put my support behind every person doing their best to make a difference. As a staff of three and a small group of dedicated volunteers from our community, we knew things could be better, and we were determined to try.

Today, our staff, volunteers, and advocates have made real changes in Iowa. We have seen transformations in our schools, workplaces, and most importantly, in our vision of what is possible for our future.

My sincerest gratitude goes to all our long-term partnerships with school districts, local government, social services, and small businesses. You are too numerous to name, but know that your support has changed lives, and for some, it is not a stretch to say – has saved lives.

After leading our family services program for the last seven years, I am honored to now step in as Executive Director and guide our work in the next chapter. I am incredibly proud to be supported by our new Board of Directors, formerly the Burma Community Advisory Board. It is remarkable to witness how our separate, ethnic Burma communities came together to build a vision over the years. Their faith and support bring an energizing force to the continuing work of EMBARC.

Lastly, I thank Henny Ohr and the new Board of Directors at Refugee and Immigrant Voices in Action (RIVA). Our work together is just beginning!

With gratitude,

Abigail Sui

Be Part of Our Mission