Announcement
For the past ten years, the IRC in Montana has supported refugee and immigrant families as they work to build new lives, establish strong futures, and find a sense of belonging within the Missoula community. During this decade of service, Missoula has become a place where newcomers are welcomed as neighbors and where the groundwork for long-term opportunity is nurtured with care and intention.
When families first arrive, nearly every aspect of daily life is unfamiliar. The language, local systems, employment landscape, school expectations, and even routine tasks such as using public transportation or paying utility bills all represent new challenges. The IRC in Montana is committed to guiding families through these early transitions.
Staff members…
- Meet families at the airport.
- Assist them in securing safe and stable housing.
- Ensure that children are enrolled in school.
- Help parents prepare for and obtain their first jobs.
- Provide ongoing support as they learn to navigate life in their new community.
As time passes, these initial steps build the foundation for meaningful progress. Families establish stability. Children grow up in Missoula’s schools and pursue higher education. New businesses open. Careers develop and expand. Couples marry, children are born, and individuals celebrate the milestone of becoming U.S. citizens. Through these moments, newcomers become an integral part of the Missoula community.
The Montana team supports families throughout their journey. Staff members celebrate achievements such as first jobs, job promotions, academic success, the arrival of new children, and the profound accomplishment of naturalization. They also provide support during more difficult periods, including health complications, unexpected setbacks, and the complex realities of beginning again in an unfamiliar environment. Across all circumstances, the IRC in Montana’s goal remains constant: to help families build independence while strengthening the broader community they now call home.
Over the past decade, many individuals first welcomed by the IRC in Montana have become business owners, dedicated employees, parents, and community leaders. Their contributions to Missoula reflect the deep generosity and solidarity that define this community. Schools, employers, faith organizations, healthcare providers, landlords, and neighbors all play essential roles in helping new families establish their footing and pursue a brighter future.
As the IRC in Montana marks its 10th anniversary, the ongoing support of community members is more important than ever. Through Missoula Gives on April 30th - May 1st we aim to raise $10,000 to ensure that families continuing to build their lives in Missoula have sustained access to guidance, resources, and a supportive network.
IRC Montana invites the community to join this year’s Missoula Gives event and to help keep opportunities growing for the families who are building their futures here.
Opportunity starts here.
