Learn and grow by empowering others

Arnav and Vallabh, two high school students, have been dedicated to community service from a young age. Through their experiences, they discovered that helping others brings out the best in you. Motivated by this realization, they founded the non-profit organization "Open Arms Refugee" to address the harsh realities refugees face daily.

The journey was challenging, as reaching out to refugees proved difficult. Many are hesitant to meet strangers, struggle with English, and lack access to technology. Instead of simply providing short-term aid like food and supplies, Arnav and Vallabh focused on empowering refugees with education and resources for long-term impact. To better understand and assist refugees who have endured trauma, both earned certifications in emergency services and trauma care. They also partnered with other organizations to amplify their impact and raise awareness.

During our conversation, Arnav and Vallabh shared valuable lessons they've learned along the way: understand your audience, offer meaningful support, build partnerships within the community, step out of your comfort zone, and experience the joy of serving others.