Guilherme Silva
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FAIRFIELD – In the middle of so much uncertainty and fear that the Latino community and immigrants have faced in the country this year, an important project has returned, bringing a new spark of hope.
The Dreamers Resource Center is back at Solano Community College to support, give voice to, and provide information for undocumented students at the college and in Solano County. Its return shows that, even in difficult times, we can rise and keep dreaming.
Leading this return is Yusra Ghaleb, the new Dreamers Liaison at the college. With a degree in Social Work and experience helping students, Yusra brings not only technical knowledge but also personal dedication to creating a safe, informative, and inclusive environment.
Her mission is clear: strengthen the support network, expand access to resources, and make sure every student knows they are not alone.
Before becoming the Dreamers Liaison, Yusra gained experience working with undocumented students in the EOPS program. In 2023, she worked as a Student Services Generalist, helping with processes like the CADAA (California Dream Act Application) and AB 540 eligibility.
“Some of the students I helped still reach out to me today, which I love,” she said.
According to Yusra, the center’s mission is simple but essential: make students feel supported, informed, and empowered. Whether it’s filling out forms, accessing resources, or just having a safe space to talk, the center wants to be a place of support.
She assured, “No question is too small. If something worries a student, I want them to feel comfortable coming to me.”
Two of the biggest challenges students face is fear and lack of information. Many students hesitate to ask for help or even enroll because they don’t know what resources are available or don’t feel safe.
“Some students don’t know they qualify for the Dream Act or AB 540, and sometimes even staff and teachers don’t know how to help,” she explained.
To reach more students, Yusra focuses on collaboration. The center works with programs like EOPS, SOAR, LGBTQIA+, Basic Needs, and the Vallejo and Vacaville campuses. She also connects with nearby colleges like Napa Valley College and Diablo Valley College and stays in touch with the Chancellor’s Office to access statewide resources.
Building trust is crucial, according to Yusra. She emphasizes that student privacy is a top priority and that clear campus protocols are needed to protect students and staff in sensitive situations, including those related to immigration.
In six months, Yusra hopes that the Dreamers Resource Center will be well known across campus. The plan includes organizing workshops, staff training, and creating an active online presence utilizing Instagram and Linktree to make information easy to access.
Having someone to guide students not only in choosing classes (which many think is an advisor’s job) but also to give information about resources, rights, and opportunities makes a big difference.
Having someone like Yusra, who works with dedication, honesty, and an open heart, helps not just the Latino community but all immigrant students in the community, creating trust and support.
We often hear the phrase “small actions make big changes,” but this project shows that even in its early return, its mission is deep and transformative. Students who get help from the Dreamers Resource Center will have their academic and personal needs met creating a real turning point in their lives.
Projects like this show how important teachers and staff are in students’ lives, opening doors to new opportunities and experiences that can change the course of a life. For more information or to learn how you can support this project, you may contact the program’s coordinator, Yusra Ghaleb, at [email protected]