Arizona Refugee Center's leadership
Julianna Larsen, Co-founder
Julianna Larsen, Co-founder
Julianna Larsen, Co-founder
Julianna Larsen had been deeply involved in refugee and immigrant support work in the Phoenix–Mesa region for years before formally founding the Arizona Refugee Center in September 2023. Through her lived experience and direct work with newcomer families, she recognized a critical gap in the East Valley: many refugees and immigrants were arriving with urgent needs—safe housing, language support, and case management services—yet lacked a locally based organization dedicated to coordinating that care.
Driven by this need, Julianna established the Arizona Refugee Center with a mission of “building bridges of hope for all who come through our doors through extensive case management and connection to vital community resources.” Her vision was to create a welcoming, community-anchored hub where refugees and immigrants could find stability, support, and a pathway to independence.
Since opening, the center has strengthened the East Valley’s capacity to support newcomers by engaging volunteers, partnering with local businesses, and mobilizing community networks. To date, ARC has welcomed the dedication of more than 100 volunteers, provided services to over 1,000 families, and significantly increased awareness of refugee needs throughout the East Valley.
Robin Peterson, Co-founder
Julianna Larsen, Co-founder
Julianna Larsen, Co-founder
Robin Peterson brings both professional expertise and deep compassion to her work at the Arizona Refugee Center. A trained genealogist, Robin has long been drawn to family histories, world events, and the personal stories behind displacement and conflict.
Her journey began as a volunteer—welcoming newly arrived families by setting up apartments, teaching English, and helping preserve refugee stories through interviews. These experiences shaped her path into case management, where she now walks alongside families as they rebuild, adjust, and create stability in their new community.
Since January 2024, Robin has served as a partner at the Arizona Refugee Center, using her skills, insight, and commitment to ensure refugee families feel supported, respected, and empowered as they begin their new lives in Arizona.
Heidi Valle, Case Manager
Julianna Larsen, Co-founder
Heidi Valle, Case Manager
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Heidi Valle is a case manager and a native spanish speaker. She is available Monday through Thursday from 10:00 am to 5:00.
How We Serve The Phoenix Metro Community
About Arizona Refugee Center
Arizona Refugee Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering our community through various programs and initiatives. Our mission is to make a positive impact and create a better future for all.
Our Programs
How We Serve the Phoenix Metro Community
The Arizona Refugee Center supports newly arrived refugee and immigrant families as they build stability, confidence, and independence in their new home. We focus on four core service areas designed to meet immediate needs and strengthen long-term success:
- English & Cultural Orientation – Helping families learn essential language skills and navigate daily life in Arizona.
- Employment & Work Authorization Support – Assisting with job searches, résumés, and completing work authorization paperwork.
- Mentorship & Community Integration – Pairing families with volunteers who offer guidance, friendship, and help adjusting to a new community.
- Emergency Stabilization Assistance – Providing short-term support for urgent needs such as housing, utilities, food, and basic essentials.
Our small team of dedicated volunteers delivers personalized, relationship-based support tailored to each family’s unique journey.
POPULATION SERVED
We support refugee and immigrant households who have been legally admitted to the United States and now call the Greater Phoenix Valley home. Families come to us through local resettlement agencies and community partners, and represent a wide range of ages, cultures, and backgrounds.
Most of the individuals we serve are low- to moderate-income youth, adults, seniors, and families who are working hard to adjust to a new country. Many are seeking help with language learning, employment, basic needs, and connecting with their new community.
Our goal is to meet each person where they are and provide the support they need to build a stable and hopeful future.
Our Impact
The Newcomer Resettlement & Self-Sufficiency Program gives newly arrived refugee and immigrant families the support they need to feel secure, confident, and connected in their new community. Through four core service areas, we help families overcome early challenges and move toward long-term independence:
English & Cultural Orientation
Providing essential language skills and cultural guidance for everyday life.
Employment & Work Authorization Assistance
Supporting job searches, résumés, and work-permit applications to help families achieve financial stability.
Mentorship & Community Integration
Pairing families with volunteers who offer friendship, guidance, and community connections.
Emergency Stabilization Support
Helping with urgent needs such as housing, utilities, food, and essential supplies.
Every service is delivered through compassionate, one-on-one, relationship-based support tailored to each family’s unique needs and goals.
Get Involved
There are many meaningful ways to support the Arizona Refugee Center. Whether you volunteer your time, donate resources, or help spread the word, your involvement makes a real difference in the lives of newly arrived families.
Volunteer
Share your time, skills, or friendship. Volunteers help with English practice, mentorship, transportation, forms, and community support.
Donate
Your contributions help provide emergency assistance, program supplies, and ongoing support for families working toward stability and independence.
Attend & Share
Join our community events or help raise awareness by sharing our mission with your network.
Together, we can welcome newcomers with dignity, compassion, and opportunity.
Donate to Arizona Refugee Center
Your donation will help us continue our mission and support our community. Every dollar counts and will make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
Contact Us
Have a question or a suggestion? We're always here to help. Contact us today and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Testimonials
Hekmatullah (Refugee)
"this is a fine and good place, when everyone comes in they are welcomed and can receive help for English lessons and documentation. My family and I learned many things and found many new friends"
Nicole (Volunteer)
"The Arizona Refugee Center is a place where refugees can come and find community and work to find a place in this country. Here we learn English and get to meet other like people who are also working to fine their home."
Robin (Partner)
"It is a center where all of humanity comes together and there is no u
judgement, there is no us versus them, it is simply all of us working to help people feel empowered where. in Mesa. I love seeing their friendships formand see the culture be able to bloom from several different places. I love the trust the we have from our refugees to not judge thembut to help them, and seeing their joyat that."
