African Refugee Immigrant Organization (ARIO) is a non-governmental, non-partisan, non-religious and non-discriminating community-based organization based in Portland, Oregon. It was established by intellectual youth who saw the growing need of African refugee and immigrant families in Oregon with the aim of providing culturally specific services to new arrivals in Oregon and those who are still navigating the difficulties in the state.

Our organization’s mission is to facilitate the full and complete social integration, emotional adjustment and stability, and cultural transition of the African refugee and immigrant community to life in Oregon. We promote diversity and raise the voices of community advocates and activists in the workforce development, community education, public bodies, arts, cultural expression, transportation, housing, justice reform and leadership structures. We engage with public and private entities to influence long-term goals of social justice, economic parity, educational excellence, and to improve social and emotional wellness across the lifespan.