12/02/2025
This GivingTuesday, our hearts go back to the countless moments when one act of kindness changed everything for a family — opening a path, creating safety, reminding them where they belong, and empowering them to thrive.
We hope you’ll join us in creating more of these moments.
Learn more or give here: https://www.globalimpactinitiative.com/gii-gives
It’s Giving Tuesday, and your support is already making an impact.
Every day at Gii, parents step into classrooms to learn English, gain digital skills, and prepare for better jobs. Children walk into welcoming spaces where they feel safe and supported. Families begin building the stability and success they came here hoping for.
But there are many more waiting for these opportunities.
Your gift today helps us deliver the education and empowerment programs that change the trajectory of a family’s future — not for a week, not for a month, but for a lifetime.
If you haven’t given yet, this is the perfect moment.
Help us keep Austin a place where every family who arrived here legally can find their footing, strengthen their skills, and build a dignified path forward.
https://www.globalimpactinitiative.com/gii-gives
09/18/2025
On Sunday, the Refugee Arts, Crafts & Food Bazaar came alive with the sights, sounds, and tastes of cultures from around the world. Walking through the hall, you could hear laughter, smell the aroma of spices and baked goods, and see tables overflowing with jewelry, paintings, clothing, and handicrafts — each piece telling a story of resilience, talent, and tradition.
It was an afternoon of joy, connection, and community. The Gii Team is proud to partner with the YMCA, whose support makes this celebration possible. A big shout out to Sean Doles, Olivia Piacenza, Mia Herrera, Vandana Gupta, and Ellie Kaufman — your energy, creativity, and commitment made the bazaar shine. You truly went above and beyond, and the gratitude in the smiles of our artisans and guests said it all. 💛
09/12/2025
We can't wait to see you at the Town Lake YMCA this Sunday from 12-3, supporting our sister nonprofit and our incredible Austin community!
48 hours out from GII's and the YMCA's Refugee Bazaar! Come join us at the Town Lake YMCA from 12:00 - 3:00pm on Sunday and enjoy delicious food, handmade art from around the world, and quality time with neighbors both new and old.
07/10/2025
Help us support victims of the devastating Central Texas Floods!
In the aftermath of devastating floods, Central Texans are showing what it means to be a community. Neighbors helping neighbors. Strangers showing up for one another.
The Gii Team is honored to stand with Shalom Austin to bring relief and hope to those hit hardest.
If you’re able, please join us:
https://secure2.convio.net/shalom/site/Donation2?df_id=3180&mfc_pref=T&3180.donation=form1&NONCE_TOKEN=9E1F006B61481CC3B7A2C69B46BEE9A0
Because in times like these, our humanity is our greatest strength.
05/09/2025
Hope you can join us tomorrow, May 10th!
Austin friends, come spend a vibrant afternoon with us at the North Austin YMCA at 1000 W Rundberg Lane this Saturday, May 10th, from 10-2pm, and show your support for the Refugee Food, Arts, and Crafts Bazaar - where cultures meet, flavors mingle, and every table has a story. Lots of delicious food from around the world, and you won't leave hungry - or empty-handed! Let's make it a day to remember.
01/23/2025
Exciting news! Our co-founder, Anjum Malik, will be speaking at the IDEAS+LEADERS Summit at the Kosciuszko Foundation in New York City. If you're in the area, we would love to see our New York-based colleagues and friends! Interested in meeting with us during the event? Message us directly, and we'd be delighted to connect.
Check out the event details here: https://ideasleaders.com/summitnyc/
12/13/2024
If you're in the Austin area, we would love to see you there tomorrow!
The heart of tomorrow’s Refugee Bazaar at the East Communities YMCA between 10 and 2pm will be in the kitchen. Refugee vendors will share home-cooked soups and delicious meals made with love and tradition. Families can take home containers filled with warmth and comfort—ready to enjoy now or savor during the holiday season.
Every bite will support a journey toward hope, stability, and new beginnings.
Thank you for coming together to nourish both body and soul!
Greater Austin YMCA
10/02/2024
Yet another fabulous trip, which has left us inspired!
Our founder, Anjum Malik, has just returned from an inspiring whirlwind 36 hours in Washington, D.C., and the energy she brings back is truly infectious! Anjum is invigorated and deeply moved by the remarkable people she connected with and the powerful conversations she had, along with the chance to catch up with colleagues and associates. Each meeting was filled with meaningful exchanges and heartfelt reunions with friends and colleagues who share our vision for a better future.
We are incredibly grateful to Ambassador Oksana Markarova and Andriy Tsymbaliuk for graciously welcoming us into the majestic setting of the Ukrainian embassy, where we discussed Ukraine's most pressing needs. A special thank-you to Zheela Noori for the insightful interview at the dynamic Voice of America. We are also deeply grateful to Merin Rajadurai for a delightful dinner filled with engaging conversation, and to Katie Schweickhardt at the Stand Together Foundation for her kindness and graciousness that made Anjum's time in DC all the more special.
Our deepest appreciation goes to James Rosebush and Nancy Rosebush for their incredible mentorship, support, and friendship — their guidance means the world to us.
This trip has reignited our passion, deepened our bonds, and reaffirmed our commitment to the mission we are advancing. The Gii team is more excited than ever for what lies ahead and is determined to continue making an even greater impact!
09/13/2024
Don't miss out on the most exciting event of this weekend! Join our sister nonprofit, the Global Impact Initiative, at their Refugee Bazaar for a day of mouth-watering eats, incredible finds, and a lot of fun. 100% of the proceeds help our refugee community thrive.
See you Saturday, between 10 am and 2 pm, at the TownLake YMCA!
09/06/2024
An incredible discussion with our sister organization, the Global Impact Initiative!
Anjum Malik - Transforming Lives with Global Equity
Explore the transformative idea of global equity through this TEDx Salon conversation focused on empowering marginalized communities. Discover how strategic educational, professional development and mentorship interventions can bridge gaps impacting vulnerable populations. Learn about the potential....