Why Trellus?

A trellis is a structure that gives plants access to light, air, and space to grow. Our organization serves as a support system for refugees and immigrants arriving in the United States. Our job is to remove barriers and allow people to choose their own path as they flourish. We’re not offering a transactional service — instead, our community is the backdrop that encourages progress. We changed the last two letters of the word “trellis” to highlight this unity…it’s all about US. When a garden thrives, the trellis isn’t the focus…instead, it’s all about the beauty of the blooms.

Our Vision

To live in a world where all immigrants, refugees, and underserved communities have equal access to opportunities and face no barriers to full participation in life. We strive to build a community where diversity is celebrated, and all people are treated with dignity and respect.

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower immigrants, refugees, and underserved communities to thrive by removing barriers and providing supports that create opportunities for life.

Our Values

Our core values are the fundamental beliefs and principles that guide our organization’s behavior, decision-making, and culture. They include:

Embrace Community
Advance Opportunity
Bolster Learning and Growth
Honor Diversity
Foster Collaboration
Champion People

History

We have deep roots in the refugee and immigrant communities. Forty-five years ago, a remarkable group of men from Cambodia responded to the plight of those escaping internment camps in Vietnam and arriving in Chicago. Their work established the foundation of what would become Asian Human Services and later Trellus. Since then, we’ve expanded our reach to support families arriving in the US from all over the world. We remain clear on our mission to remove barriers and provide supports that ensure opportunities for life.