Welcoming Refugees in 2010

Dear Friends,
 
In 2010, the IRC in Baltimore will be resettling at least 450 refugees, most of whom have fled war, fighting or religious persecution from the countries of Iraq, Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar (Burma), Eritrea and Bhutan.  Amongst them are professionals who have left their careers behind and now face the daunting challenge of re-certification, single mothers who are struggling to start a new life and families who left all their possessions behind - all of whom are in search of a safe haven. 
 
We look forward to welcoming these new refugees and helping to provide them with their essential needs including housing, access to health services, employment placement and ensuring that their children are enrolled and supported in local schools. We will also work to empower these newly arriving refugees and continue to keep education and vocational training as top priorities this year. 
 
We start in March with our annual International Women's Day event on March 6, 2010.  This year's luncheon, "Education: The Power to Change", focuses on the educational challenges that refugee women and girls face.  We will be presenting the first Refugee Woman of Courage Award to a refugee/asylee woman at the luncheon and highlighting the challenges that she has overcome during her journey from harm to home.  Proceeds will go towards starting a Refugee Education Fund to support refugee girls and single mothers, giving them the opportunity to access essential language classes, vocational skill trainings and education.  For more information, please visit: http://www.theIRC.org/baltimore/womens-day.
 
We look forward to working with you this year!
 
Sincerely,

Robert Warwick
Executive Director
U.S. Programs, Maryland
International Rescue Committee