Anila Bicurri Haxhiavdyli

Trellus is a nonprofit that exists to empower immigrants, refugees, and underserved communities in Chicago to thrive by removing barriers and providing supports that create opportunities for life. Headquartered in West Ridge—one of Chicago’s major refugee settlement neighborhoods—we serve individuals and families representing more than 50 nations and ethnicities. Our culturally responsive, comprehensive services include trauma-informed behavioral health counseling, case management, health education, ESL and technology classes, career training and job placement, and other supportive services. We also operate Passages Charter School, a pre-K to 8 charter school in the Andersonville neighborhood keenly focused on the needs and experience of refugee families.