Why “Finding Refuge Together” —RefugePoint’s 20th Anniversary Gala—Matters More Than Ever

Today, there are 43.4 million refugees in the world—more than at any other time in history. Most will be displaced for 10-25 years, often with little access to safety, education, livelihoods, or healthcare. At the same time, international funding for long-term refugee support is shrinking, and harmful narratives continue to fuel fear and misunderstanding.

RefugePoint’s work to create lasting solutions for refugees has never been more urgent. This October, as we commemorate 20 years of life-changing impact, we invite you to join us for our 20th Anniversary Gala: Finding Refuge Together on October 14, 2025, at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

You may be wondering: Is now the right time to celebrate?

Given the global challenges facing refugee and immigrant communities—from reduced funding to anti-refugee rhetoric to rising needs—our answer is a resounding yes. This is not just the right time; it’s the necessary time.

A Challenging Landscape for Refugees

Across the U.S. and globally, refugee resettlement programs are being defunded or dismantled, leaving countless individuals and families without access to critical support services. In this increasingly difficult landscape, RefugePoint remains committed to helping refugees not just survive, but thrive—by addressing their needs holistically and expanding programs like family reunification and labor mobility that will help them access pathways to safety.

What We Do—and Why It Matters

At RefugePoint, our goal is to find long-term, permanent solutions. This work centers on two pillars of impact:

• Self-Reliance: For refugees who are stuck in the country to which they have fled, we help them reach stability and work towards self-reliance, so they can meet their own needs.
• Resettlement & Other Pathways to Safety: For refugees who cannot remain safely in the country they’ve fled to, we help them relocate to a safe, new country through resettlement or other pathways to safety, so that they can begin to rebuild their lives.

Since our founding in 2005, we’ve directly supported over 180,000 refugees to access pathways to safety, and thousands more to achieve self-reliance and inclusion in their host communities. We have also helped shape global systems to ensure more refugees can access the solutions they deserve.

Why Finding Refuge Together is Important NOW

Our 20th Anniversary Gala is more than a celebration—it’s a solidarity gathering, a reflection of our values, and a catalyst for the future. Finding Refuge Together is:

• A Tribute to Resilience: This is a moment to honor the extraordinary strength and perseverance of refugees—and the global network of supporters and partners who have made RefugePoint’s work possible.
• A Call to Action: As public funding is drastically reduced or terminated, private funding becomes increasingly vital. Proceeds from the gala will fund critical programs that help refugee families access safety, rebuild their lives, and thrive in the face of adversity.
• A Message of Belonging: In a time when many refugees feel isolated or unwelcome, this evening sends a powerful signal: You are not alone. You are welcome here. We see you. We stand with you.

An Unforgettable Evening

We are honored to welcome Nobel Peace Laureate and human rights activist Nadia Murad as our keynote speaker. A survivor of genocide and advocate for survivors of sexual violence, Nadia’s voice reminds us why this work is so vital—and what is possible when we act with courage.

We will also honor two visionary women whose extraordinary commitment to refugee rights and humanitarian causes has shaped the world for the better:

• Barrie Landry, a longtime philanthropic leader and advocate for children and refugees
• Isabel Allende, a celebrated author, humanitarian, and philanthropist, whose storytelling has illuminated the refugee experience for millions

The evening will feature inspiring stories of impact, performances that honor the richness and resilience of refugee cultures, and a community of changemakers committed to innovative solutions for refugees.

We know the road ahead will be challenging. But we also know the strength of our community. Together, we can meet this moment with boldness, generosity, and purpose.

Join us this October as we reflect on 20 years of impact—and recommit to the urgent work still to come. Visit www.findingrefugetogether.org for more information. Tickets go on sale June 10.

By Sarah Hidey, Chief Development Officer