Moving to the United States can be a very difficult transition for immigrant families from African nations. Many have been through traumatic experiences that they need to overcome. What may seem common to a native citizen can be strange and unfamiliar for a new immigrant person or family. Even the availability of food at a grocery store can be a brand-new concept. Dayspring strives to equip immigrants to be self-sufficient and self-reliant in the new US culture.

To overcome this challenge, Dayspring offers a quarterly event in South Seattle or Kent, WA to help immigrants transitioning to the US culture and lifestyle. Event topics include:

• coping with past trauma

• food accessibility at grocery stores

• peer pressure in schools

• US laws and regulations

• job training

• how to apply skills and experience from native country

• resources for African goods

• state and government resources

• food stamps

• bus passes and transportation

• community service (helping others)

One additional challenge for families is the prevalence of drugs and guns in the United States. Every year, 781 Washingtonians are killed by guns, a rate of 10.2 per 100,000 people. More than 34 percent of Washingtonians report having a firearm in their  household. Dayspring will be adding training for drug and gun awareness to these events to help keep families and children safe as they acclimate to their new environments.

Another large challenge is the disparity in digital proficiency among immigrant families. According to the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) study, only 12% of U.S. residents who are foreign-born and speak a language other than English demonstrated higher levels of proficiency in solving problems in digital environments or using digital tools, compared to 36% of native-born, native-language adults. This highlights a significant digital divide between native-born and immigrant populations. Dayspring has a goal for 2024-2025 to add digital literacy classes for adults and children as part of their transition to the US. Everything nowadays is done digitally, be in on computer, mobile device, or even placing an order at a restaurant. Digital literacy classes can better prepare the local immigrant community for school, jobs, financial and home management, and day to day communication and transactions.