On April 22nd, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Utah welcomed nearly 30 dedicated volunteers to its annual Volunteer Appreciation Lunch held during National Volunteer Week. The group represented just a fraction of the IRC’s 350+ volunteers who contributed over 17,000 hours of service in 2024. Volunteers gathered to enjoy a meal donated by Mazza Café, share about their experiences with other volunteers, and were recognized for the service provided in support of local refugee and immigrant communities.  

For Barb, a citizenship tutor, committing time as a volunteer gives people a hand up when they need it most: “I have learned that my clients work much harder than I do at life and deserve all the help we can give them.”  

Barb works closely with individuals preparing for the civics naturalization test, a step on their path to becoming naturalized U.S. citizens.  

“My positive moments are seeing the smiles on my student’s faces when they learn something or hearing how happy they are when they pass the test.,” Barb shared. She was honored to attend two separate citizenship ceremonies—the successful outcome for students who had worked hard to complete the process with Barb’s support.  

Another volunteer, Jane, who joined the IRC’s volunteer team in November, was motivated by current events to get involved. She commented, “I decided the best way to have any influence was to work within my own community…I continued with the IRC because this work is helping me more than I can possibly help the families I interact with.” 

Jane received the “Everything, Everywhere, All At Once Award” for jumping into multiple roles all at one: from supporting gift deliveries during IRC’s annual holiday gift drive to supporting health transports, bus orientations and—most recently—becoming a family mentor, Jane’s contributions directly support local refugee families as they strive to achieve self-sufficiency.  

“I’ve learned that what most of these families have endured in order to come to the United States is infinitely more difficult than what I thought I knew,” Jane shared. She also had a message for others looking to volunteer: “I would tell others that if they are really a patriot, a true American, and they believe in the foundation and ideals of the United States of America, then the IRC is a place where they can take action to support those ideals.” 

Dylan Cole, volunteer coordinator, expressed his appreciation for every community member who steps up to support as a volunteer: “Volunteers contribute to the work of the IRC in so many ways! They greatly expand the capacity of the IRC...Volunteers show clients that Utah is a welcoming state that wants to see them succeed...I have met some of the most dedicated, caring, and inspiring people...I am incredibly grateful for the volunteers in our office!” 

At the IRC in Utah, we would not be able to accomplish our work and our mission without the support offered by our volunteer team. They pitch in to support our front desk, transport clients, support as tutors and employment mentors, and so much more—increasing our capacity to help families reach self-sufficiency and accomplish their goals. To all current and past volunteers: THANK YOU! 

If you haven’t joined our volunteer team, today is the day! Learn more about our current volunteer roles by visiting Rescue.org/VolunteerSLC. Priority roles currently in need of support include Family Mentor and Front Desk.  

Reach out to Dylan Cole, volunteer coordinator, to learn more about our current needs at VolunteerSLC@Rescue.org.