For Volodymyr and Helen Cherkasov, who came to the U.S. from war-torn Ukraine in 2023, finding community was essential as they began settling in and looking for work. “We are educated, we want to help people,” said Helen Cherkasov, who is an artist and accountant. Walking through their neighborh ood in 2024, the couple found the Newcomers Access Center, headquartered in the basement of the Claremont United Church of Christ. For nearly a decade, the nonprofit organization has been helping refugees and immigrants in the Inland Empire and San Gabriel Valley find services and build community. With fewer immigrants coming to the U.S. than ever before amid the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, leaders at the center say there is a greater need for resources for newcomers — regardless of their immigration status — to help them feel self-sufficient, welcomed and integrated into society. Ukrainian immigrant Volodymyr Cherkasov, left, points to an English-learning book as volunteer tutor David Andersen teaches a lesson at the Newcomers Access Center in Claremont on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG) A sign points toward the Newcomers Access Center at Claremont United Church of Christ on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG) A sign outside the Newcomers Access Center in Claremont, seen Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, warns immigration and unauthorized officers. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG) JerAdrianne Lelliott, executive director of the Newcomers Access Center in Claremont, is seen Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG) Anne Thorward, president of the Newcomers Access Center board in Claremont, shows citizenship flash cards available to clients, on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG) Volunteer tutor David Andersen, left, teaches Ukrainian immigrant Helen Cherkasova an English lesson Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, at the Newcomers Access Center in Claremont on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG) Ukrainian immigrant Volodymyr Cherkasov, left, and volunteer tutor David Andersen work Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, on an English lesson at the Newcomers Access Center in Claremont. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG) Anne Thorward, president of the Newcomers Access Center board in Claremont, reads a testimonial from a client, a Ukrainian family, on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG) Ukrainian immigrants Volodymyr and Helen Cherkasov point to their hometown on a map at the Newcomers Access Center in Claremont on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG) Show Caption1 of 9Ukrainian immigrant Volodymyr Cherkasov, left, points to an English-learning book as volunteer tutor David Andersen teaches a lesson at the Newcomers Access Center in Claremont on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG) Expand For the Cherkasov family, resources and a sense of belonging were exactly what they needed in their new home. For the past year, the couple has taken classes at the Claremont Adult School and workshops at the center, from English language classes to basic tutoring. They even got help with tax preparation. Volodymyr Cherkasov — who worked as a construction engineer in Ukraine — takes private conversational English lessons at the center. Helen Cherkasov said the United States, once “more welcoming” to Ukrainians and other refugees, has now “made it harder to live here.” Long waits for work authorization and “politics,” Cherkasov said, has made finding steady work and other services “more complicated.” “We just want to work and be useful in society,” she said. The center focuses on fundraising, providing work and housing support, transportation, help with social services and basic needs — all amid the current political climate that organizers say has not been welcoming to immigrants and newcomers. Board president Anne Thorward said many clients lately are “traumatized … people are trying to stay low,” and noted that the center is “trying to do what we can.” The nonpartisan center strives to be a friendly place for everyone. Its policy is to “not ask or tell. If somebody needs food, or housing or money to pay their electric bill, we will help,” Thorward said. “We’re here to help — we just want to help.” A January study from the Brookings Institution reported a significant drop in immigrants to the U.S. in 2025. Net migration was reported between -295,000 to -10,000 last year, Brookings researchers reported, and attributed the major drop-off to Trump policies — from restrictions at the U.S.-Mexico border for those with temporary visas, to the suspension of humanitarian migrant programs, including ones that aid refugees. They expected fewer people to migrate to the states this year. The mostly volunteer-run center became a nonprofit group in 2018, with the goal of empowering refugees and immigrant families to become independent as they look to work and live in the U.S. From health and wellness workshops, to employment opportunities and helping fill out paperwork for non-English speakers, the organization works with hundreds of clients of all ages across Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles and Orange counties. Its current Claremont church basement set-up is simple, but welcoming. It includes offices for staff, a community room with tables, a library with children’s books and games and rooms for tutoring or meetings. A large world map greets visitors, inviting them to share where they are from. Housing and employment resources, as well as bright red “Know Your Rights” cards that detail immigrants’ constitutional rights should they be approached by immigration officers, are also offered. A row of bikes to help people commute to work is available. The center accepts donations, including grocery vouchers, thrift store furniture, computer equipment and school and business supplies. The nonprofit is funded mostly through donations and small, private grants. Its latest annual budget, organizers said, was $150,000, which they expect to double over the next two years. A 2024 report shows the majority (41%) of spending going to clients, including over 90% for rent assistance, and the rest to administrative needs. The center has served families from across the world, including Afghanistan, Africa, Palestine, Syria and all over Latin America. Many are refugees seeking safety in the U.S. from conflict or persecution, organizers said. JerAdrianne Lelliott, the center’s executive director for nearly a year, said more clients are losing their rights these days, including work/employment authorization, and that overall “it’s a vulnerable time.” “Going beyond identities, we’re looking at families and people and what they actually need,” Lelliott said. David Andersen, an English tutor at the center who’s been volunteering about a year, said he was “inspired” to help people “feel more comfortable in the community.” Thorward shared stories of clients the center has helped in the past decade, since its work began with volunteers in her Pomona living room. Clients have included physicians, engineers or college professors in their home countries who suddenly must take lower-level jobs — from gas station attendants to grocery store clerks — to pay the bills. There are stories of children who came with nothing but are now attending college to pursue big dreams. After receiving services and becoming independent, some return to serve new clients and families. Helping newcomers flourish and become self-sufficient is the ultimate goal, Thorward said. The center, which served over 30 new families in 2025, continues to grow and has joined coalitions that support migrant rights. Related stories Afghan man’s family finds refuge in Claremont, ready for new opportunities Owe back rent due to wildfires, ICE raids? Find out how to apply to LA County for help As ICE fears continue, group delivers groceries to immigrants’ doorsteps in the Inland Empire Community seeks release of Pomona day laborer detained by ICE officers Orange County launches new office to assist immigrants and refugees Human Migration Institute helps refugees in Riverside County With the current times, the center began hosting “Know Your Rights” workshops for immigrants and those who work with them, including attorneys. A virtual one on Feb 4, in collaboration with L.A. County’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, focused on serving LGBTQ+ immigrant communities. A new partnership with 5C Refugee Advocacy Network, a college student-led initiative, will support resettled refugees in the Inland area while providing leadership opportunities for young people, Lelliott said. Thorward hopes to once again include temporary housing — which it once offered at a lower market rate, at the center’s old location at the Claremont School of Theology — and maybe a childcare center and medical clinic. With money tight, she and Lelliott hope to make the center more sustainable and are hosting events including an April 12 gala and auction benefit. The center sees refugee and immigrant families who express fear about the future because of the current political temperature, Lelliott said. The key is not talking, but “listening” to people and their needs. “It’s heart-centered … like the golden rule, or even the platinum rule: treating your neighbors the way they want to be treated,” she said. “This is a human rights issue — not a political one.” ...read more read less