Welcome to the IRC in Charlottesville

 Since 1998, Charlottesville has welcomed almost 2000 refugees from more than twenty-five countries as new members of the community.  Families who escaped violence and deprivation now live in the safety and security of this small, friendly city.  Many now own their own homes or run successful businesses on the downtown mall.  Refugee children flourish in the excellent local schools and our “New Roots” program provides refugee families with small gardens to grow fresh vegetables to nourish both body and spirit.  A dedicated staff of professionals works at The IRC in Charlottesville to support newly arriving refugees with a wide array of services to help them through their first months in their new country and beyond, working towards the goal of social, cultural and economic integration with the larger community.
We welcome the opportunity to share information and stories with you about our work.  This year, Charlottesville will open its arms to 200 new refugees, predominantly from Iraq, Burma, Bhutan, Congo and Afghanistan.  As a volunteer, you may have the opportunity to help a new family learn about their community or tutor adults in English.  As a financial supporter, your donation could provide backpacks and school supplies for children entering school; assist with rent and utilities for a family with a father preparing to start his first job; or fund classes in beginning English, financial literacy, and job readiness.  Our success depends on partnerships with caring community members like you.  For more information, contact us at Charlottesville@theIRC.org.  We look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you,
 Harriet Kuhr
Executive Director, the IRC in Charlottesville