For nearly a decade, the International Rescue Committee has supported refugee and immigrant families in Missoula as they work to build new lives, pursue stability, and contribute to the vibrant fabric of their new community. Since opening the office in 2016, the IRC has partnered with families, local organizations, and community leaders to create pathways toward safety, opportunity, and belonging for 800+ individuals. This work has been grounded in the belief that when newcomers are supported, communities are strengthened. 

As Montana’s population and needs continue to evolve, so does the IRC’s role in the state. What began as an office serving the Missoula community has grown into a wider effort to understand and meet needs across Montana. Communities throughout the state are seeking guidance, partnership, and expanded resources to support New Americans and strengthen local capacity. In response, the IRC in Missoula is becoming the IRC in Montana, reflecting a broader commitment to serving families and partners statewide. 

Central to this expansion is a comprehensive needs assessment process that the IRC is launching across Montana. Through conversations with community leaders, service providers, educators, employers, local governments, and families themselves, the IRC will identify gaps in services, barriers affecting families, and opportunities to build community-centered support. This assessment will examine areas such as employment pathways, health and mental health services, transportation, community integration resources, and legal and language support. The findings will guide the development of sustainable, localized programs that reflect the experiences and priorities of Montanans. 

Welcoming Our Executive Director, Nicky Smith 

Earlier this year, the IRC in Montana welcomed Nicky Smith, a humanitarian and nonprofit leader with more than 30 years of experience, including over two decades with the International Rescue Committee. Nicky currently serves as the Senior Executive Director for the IRC’s Mountain West Cluster. She provides strategic oversight for offices across Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and Washington State, while also serving as the Executive Director of IRC Montana. 

In Montana, Nicky leads the effort to expand IRC services across a geographically large and historically underserved state. She oversees strategy, operations, and partnerships with a focus on increasing access to critical supports, including immigration legal services, while developing sustainable programs shaped by community input. Working closely with local partners, she is guiding the organization’s transition from a Missoula-based office to a true statewide presence. She is also deeply engaged in fundraising and donor partnerships to ensure long-term program impact. 

Our Team in Missoula 

As the IRC expands its work across the state, its foundation remains the strong and deeply committed team based in Missoula. The Missoula office is home to eight staff members who collectively speak eight languages and bring a broad range of professional skills, cultural knowledge, and lived experiences. Our diverse backgrounds strengthen service delivery and ensure that families receive support that is informed, compassionate, and culturally responsive.