Now in our fourth year of partnership, the IRC is working with dedicated Junior League of San Francisco (JLSF) volunteers who are mentoring refugee families, and planning and organizing community events in the Bay Area. The IRC thanks the Junior League of San Francisco for this wonderful partnership and commitment.
Working with the International Rescue Committee
By JLSF Contributing Writer, Valerie Haas Reilly
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and in 22 U.S. cities, the IRC restores safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure.
For the fourth year in a row, dedicated Junior League of San Francisco (JLSF) volunteers are supporting the IRC by mentoring refugee families, and planning and organizing community events for them. This year, there are 37 members on the JLSF-IRC Committee which is led by Co-Chairs, Angella Goddard and Rose Jones.
Together, this group of devoted women is taking on five refugee families and visiting with them weekly. League members help these brave men, women, and children, who are often coming from harsh conditions, feel welcome, comfortable and at home in their new environment. Members also work closely with IRC staff to assist the families on topics such as employment, language, public services, and community activities.
The JLSF mentors and IRC have already made great progress with their refugee families and also have a busy year of events ahead. There will be a 2nd Annual Fall Fair on October 16th, and the JLSF-IRC Committee is looking forward to the upcoming Thanksgiving Potluck on Thursday, November 18, 2010. This annual dinner is organized by IRC for all the refugee families involved in their program. The JLSF-IRC Events Committee will be arranging food and prize donations, securing entertainment for events such as face painting and photo frame decorating, as well as recruiting JLSF volunteers.
