Wichita, KS

Refugees are people fleeing violence and persecution—in Congo, Iraq, Eritrea, and other countries in crisis. They are seeking safety and the chance to move their lives forward.

The United States has a long tradition of sheltering those fleeing conflict and persecution. Once refugees have been identified by the United Nations refugee agency and cleared for resettlement, the U.S. government works with the IRC and eight other national resettlement agencies to help them restart their lives in America. Out of the 25 million refugees in the world, fewer than 1 percent are considered for resettlement worldwide.

Refugees may be placed in a city where they have relatives or friends, or where there’s an established community that shares their language or culture. Other considerations include the cost of living and a community’s ability to provide medical services. However, as legal U.S. residents, refugees may live in any city and state they choose.

IRC’s staff, volunteers and community partners work together to empower refugees to restore their dignity and self-reliance, and participate in their new communities. 

Our Programs:

• Reception and Placement: Meeting critical needs in the early months after arriving in the United States.  IRC staff and community partners ensure newly arrived refugees are greeted at the airport; have a furnished home; receive time-limited rental assistance; have access to nutritious food, healthcare and education; and are given appropriate social services referrals.
• Employment Services: Early self-sufficiency through employment is the foundation of the US Refugee Program.  IRC staff and volunteers provide job readiness training, vocational counseling, resume preparation, job search and placement services, and financial assistance for basic needs with the goal of helping refugees find their first job in America.  Employment services are provided to refugees for up to five years from their date of arrival.
• English as a Second Language: IRC provides refugees the opportunity to learn ESL through beginner and intermediate ESL classes.  Classes are unique, open enrollment classes that ensure refugees can enroll in ESL as soon as they arrive in the US. Volunteer instructors and classroom aids play a key role in helping refugees improve their language skills to qualify for better jobs and help integrate more quickly into their new communities.
• Intensive Case Management: Some refugees face barriers that make rapid employment difficult.  Others face cultural barriers that require additional training and orientation support to learn to navigate American systems independently.  Still others face crisis after an initial period of stability.  For those refugees, IRC provides intensive case management services for up to five years after arrival.
• Immigration Services: The IRC offers high-quality, low-cost immigration legal services to refugees and other vulnerable newcomers.  Through the Department of Justice (DoJ), IRC immigration specialists become accredited representatives; IRC provides representation in connection with filing of applications and petitions for adjustment of status, family reunification, naturalization and other immigration benefits.  Family reunification is a hallmark of the US Refugee Program, bringing back together loved-ones separated during the chaos of conflict.

IRC has broadened its community engagement and now offers immigration, youth and English language programs to members of the community. 

There are many ways that you can get involved with the IRC’s work in Wichita. You can:

Donate Money: Money raised in Wichita stays in Wichita. Local donations allow IRC to meet emergency needs of clients and support our programs in many ways.

Become a Volunteer or Intern: Volunteers support all facets of our work! Community volunteers make the difference between a refugee transitioning from surviving to thriving with the skills and knowledge to be a full participant in their new community. 

Donate New or Gently Used Items: From gently used furniture and household goods to set-up apartments to old computers, bikes or TVs, the IRC seeks to provide refugees with items that will help them get restarted here in the US.

Host a DIY Fundraiser: Have fun hosting a fundraiser with IRC designated as your beneficiary.  Work with IRC staff to develop and implement your concept, including establishing your own donation page linked to the IRC’s website.

Hold a Donation Drive:  Help IRC meet critical needs of refugees by gathering together the new and gently used items from your friends, relatives, or community group.

Other Ways to Get Involved: hire a refugee, rent a house to a refugee family, name an IRC Classroom, give back to IRC when you shop at Dillon’s grocery stores, and “like” us on Facebook!

Once they acclimate to their new environment, refugees often thrive and contribute to their communities, building careers, purchasing homes, starting businesses and gaining citizenship.