Refugee, Immigrant, Migrant (RIM) Communities

Our Vision:

This site is dedicated to RIM communities and to trusted community partners in the Peoria region to build and sustain relationships and connections that result in strong public health. We welcome New Americans and Dreamers into our communities as an integral part of the nation’s social, cultural, and economic vitality.

Who is included in a RIM population?

Refugee - someone who has fled war, violence, conflict or persecution and has crossed an international border to find safety in another county.
Immigrant - someone who makes a conscious decision to leave his or her home and move to a foreign country with the intention of settling there.
Migrant - someone who is moving from place to place usually for economic reasons such as seasonal work.

Understanding Peoria Area RIM Populations:

RIM communities include people from diverse regions of the world with different backgrounds and experiences - immigrants, refugees, and migrants. They have proven that they are strong, resilient and dedicated to the success of the communities where they live. To help them become self-sufficient, both community partners and RIM populations need an understanding of each other and of available resources to assure health and social needs are met - needs for many RIM populations include some of the following:

Access to quality healthcare and health insurance
Food security and childcare
Education, communications, and language
Legal assistance
Jobs and transportation
Housing and utilities
Information and social connectedness with the community

2023 RIM Survey Report for Peoria County - Peoria Area organizations participated in a survey in January 2023 to understand local RIM populations, needs, and services. Recommendations and next steps are included in the survey report to provide a guide to address health equity in our local RIM populations.

Immigrants in Peoria County Illinois - View a special report from George Mason University Institute for Immigration Research 1-23.

Newsletter and Events:

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Community Resources for Individuals:

Healthcare

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Food/Childcare

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Education/Language

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Legal/Jobs/Housing

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Information/Social

2-1-1 - The local Community Resource Information Phone Number (or 309-999-4029); website https://www.hoiunitedway.org/heart-of-illinois-united-way-2-1-1/

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Resource Information for Partners:

We welcome community partner and resource information. Email us at PeoriaHealth@peoriacounty.org .

2023 RIM Survey Report for Peoria County - Area organizations participated in a survey in January 2023 to understand local RIM populations, needs, and services. Recommendations and next steps provide a guide to address to health equity in our local RIM populations. 1-23

Immigrants in Peoria County Illinois - View a special report from George Mason University Institute for Immigration Research 1-23.

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