Empowering Refugees
to Rise and Thrive

Refugee Peer Northwest (RPNW) is a refugee-led nonprofit in King County, Washington, addressing social factors that impact newcomer well-being and self-sufficiency through a holistic approach.

Land Acknowledgement

Refugee Peer Northwest acknowledges that we are on the traditional land of the Coast Salish people, particularly the Duwamish, who have been the stewards of this land for generations. We honor the land itself and its innumerable stewards, past and present. We recognize Washington’s Tribal nations, all Tribal signatories of the Treaty of Point Elliott, and the urban Native communities who continue to live and thrive in this space. This acknowledgment serves as a first step in honoring the land and the people it has nurtured.

Become a Volunteer

Support refugees by volunteering time, skills, and heart with RPNW.

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Current programs

Empowering through education, mental health, and youth support.

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Make Donation

Help us uplift refugee lives through your generous support.

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About Us

We Are on a Mission to
Uplift Newcomers

Our Vision: A flourishing self-sufficient newcomers’ community with high standards of mental well-being while fulfilling their basic needs through community resources, access to equitable healthcare, and robust social networking.

Our Mission: Refugee Peer Northwest (RPNW) is a refugee-led, multi-cultural non-profit corporation based in King County, Washington State. Using a holistic approach, our mission is to address social determinants of health that negatively affect the newcomers’ community to be self-sufficient, mentally healthy, and contributing members of society.

Meet With Them

Our Volunteers

Meet the dedicated volunteers behind our mission—empowering refugees with compassion, commitment, and community spirit.

Steve Whittaker PhD

(he, him)
has 30 years of experience protecting local communities and small businesses from harmful exposures to toxic chemicals. With his background in toxicology, Dr. Whittaker is passionate… Read More

Mohammad Reza Pedram

(he, him)

Reza is the co-founder and program advisor of Refugee Peer Northwest. He is a U.S. citizen with lived experience of being both a refugee and an immigrant. He has a master’s degree in psychology from India and is cur.. Read More

Sharon Cohen

(She, her)

has a background in Public Health and for 22 years, she was a Health & Environmental Investigator for Public Health, Seattle & King County in Washington State. During Sharon’s final … Read More

Nilu Pedram

(she, her)

Nilu is the founder and program director at Refugee Peer Northwest. She is a U.S. citizen with lived experience of being both a refugee and an immigrant. She has a well-estab.. Read More

Pooya Ali

Pooya is an energetic youth who is at the end of his academic journey in Business at Central Washington University. As a co-founder and Executive Director of Refugee Peer Northwest, he is a U.S. citizen who has experienced … Read More

Our Incredible Volunteers

All Volunteers

Get to know the dedicated volunteers who power our mission—supporting refugees through mentorship, advocacy, and community-driven efforts every step of the way.

Become A Proud Volunteer Now

Become a volunteer for RefugeePeer to support refugees with mentorship, resources, and a welcoming community.

List Of Events

Upcoming Events

Join us at our upcoming events focused on connection, education, and empowerment for refugee and newcomer communities.

Seattle gaza 5 k walk/run, Sunday

3
August

This is your chance to provide critical psychosocial support to the millions impacted by the ongoing Israeli military assault on Gaza.

Celebrate World Refugee Day, Global Village

22
June

Celebrate and honor refugees from around the world. Enjoy live performances, cultural tables, nonprofit resources, small business immigrant owners, kids zone, free food and more.

Supporting Voices

Our Partners

Together with our partners, we foster inclusion, empowerment, resilience, and healing through collaboration, compassion, equity, and support.

Email Address

WhatsApp Number (Message Only)

We Are In

Empowering Refugees
to Rise and Thrive

Land Acknowledgement

Become a Volunteer

Current programs