We help newcomer students build safe, healthy, and successful school experiences.

Adjusting to a new school system can be overwhelming for immigrant students and families. Many face challenges such as navigating complex enrollment processes, language barriers, cultural differences, bullying, mental health concerns, teachers unfamiliar with newcomer needs, and limited parental knowledge of the U.S. school system.
To address these barriers, BRFN provides student, family, community, and staff services that help newcomer children and families thrive.
Our educational services include:

• School Enrollment Support – Assistance with enrollment and orientation to help families start school with confidence.
• Student Support – Interpretation and tutoring to help children adjust to classroom routines and school culture, plus referrals for child development and family resources.
• Family Engagement & Empowerment – Guidance to help parents participate in their child’s education, including outreach for students with low attendance, enrollment orientations, and one-on-one support.
• Workshops in Families’ Native Languages – Sessions on topics such as strengthening family relationships, reproductive health, financial literacy, and navigating U.S. healthcare.
• Community-Building Events – Opportunities for newcomer families to connect, celebrate traditions such as Eid or Afghan New Year, and participate in conversational circles.
• Connections to Basic Needs – Referrals and benefits enrollment to support families with essentials like food, housing, and healthcare.
• Staff Training & Support – Activities that strengthen cultural competency among school staff and community partner

BRFN is proud to partner with Hayward Unified School District (HUSD) and San Lorenzo Unified School District (SLZUSD) to make these services accessible on-site. Our trauma-informed Afghan staff—fluent in Dari and Pashto—bring not only professional expertise but also lived experience navigating local schools with their own children.

Together, we are helping newcomer children overcome barriers, reach their full educational potential, and build the foundation for healthy, successful lives.

​If you are a community member in need of help, please visit our Get Help page.

If you’d like to support our work welcoming newcomers, please consider volunteering, donating in-kind supplies, or making a financial contribution.

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Our Work in Action!

Afghan Family S had just moved from Oakland to Castro Valley and, being newcomers, didn’t know they needed to complete an interdistrict transfer form for their son’s new school. With the school year about to begin, the parents worried he wouldn’t be able to start classes on time.

​Our Afghan case manager quickly stepped in—communicating with both school districts, explaining the family’s recent arrival to the U.S., and advocating for an exception to expedite the process. Thanks to this support, the transfer was approved, and their son was able to start school in Castro Valley right on time, without missing a single day.