Karina Brown named executive director for Cache Refugee and Immigration Connection

Editor’s Note: This story was updated Monday, Feb. 16 at 9:07 p.m. to reflect accurate information provided by Karina Brown. 

Karina Brown, new executive director for Cache Refugee and Immigration Connection, or CRIC, first began her career in Cache County on the board for the Children’s Justice Center.

“I was interested in helping with child abuse and stayed. Several years after that, I got involved in Medicaid expansion advocacy, after my mom passed away, in the health care coverage gap,” Brown said. “Through that work, I was a sponsor of Proposition 3 to expand Medicaid, which was on the ballot in 2018 that passed with majority vote.” 

After she continued to help people, this time directing her focus to immigration as well as refugees, inspired by her mom who immigrated from Finland. 

“I worked for three and half years for the executive office,” Brown said. “Through that experience, I was able to learn more about putting the puzzle pieces together with organizations, people, social services, government, non-profits and business.” 

CRIC is a private nonprofit organization that works with other organizations that have different specialties, such as the English Language Center. According to Brown, the majority of their funds come from federal and state funding, the rest through private donations. The organization also relies on volunteer work, such as their janitorial staff. 

“I’ve met several people that have volunteered to clean the building, so instead of paying for janitorial services, there’s people that are willing to volunteer,” Brown said. “I really appreciate people in whatever capacity they’re able to help because that adds a lot of value to us, not only through their volunteer work but also them understanding more about our services and being able to build more community through their volunteer work.” 

The organization has had to rely more heavily upon volunteers due to federal funding cuts for refugees. There haven’t been new refugees coming into Cache Valley since last January, which is why Brown plans to diversify funding sources. Since there is no way to predict the future, it is more stable to spread out funds, which means CRIC relies heavily on other organization partnerships and volunteer work.  

CRIC board member Jamie Andrus has been working with Brown more due to Brown’s recent promotion. 

“Cache Refugee and Immigration is a partner for refugees who are settling or resettling in Cache Valley.” Andrus said. “We host a variety of events to help create community connections, build friendships, assistant integrations and learn about local resources.” 

Brown said it’s CRIC’s mission to help educate the community about partnerships and creating belonging.