We are abundantly grateful for our volunteers and interns—like Carol and Bob—whose dedicated service to the IRC changes lives. Coalition and collaboration are essential to sustain welcome and human dignity across our communities for refugees, immigrants and survivors of human trafficking. Join us! 

Originally from Illinois, Carol and her husband Bob began their journey in refugee resettlement in 1998 after attending a concert where a presentation about refugee support moved them deeply. They knew immediately that helping newcomers find their footing in the United States would become a lifelong calling—and for the past 27 years, they’ve proven that to be true. 

Prior to joining the IRC as volunteers, they started out as a host family, welcoming newly arrived refugees into their home for one-two weeks at a time as they adjusted to life in the United States. Over the years, they met people from across the world and gained a profound understanding of the resilience and struggles of those forced to start over. 

After a long and rewarding volunteer career supporting refugee families through various agencies in Illinois, Carol and Bob moved to Colorado. Though their own family lives in Fort Collins, they chose to settle in Denver—close to where they could continue serving refugee communities. “When we retired back in 2007, we knew one thing for sure—we wanted to keep working with refugees.” 

Today, Carol and Bob are an integral part of the IRC in Denver’s operation, supporting the office through co-sponsorship and volunteer coordination, continuing a legacy of compassion and welcome that has shaped their lives for nearly three decades. 

Tell us about how you got involved with the IRC.  

Bob: We were at a music festival back in Illinois, and one of the presentations was on refugee resettlement. There we were, comfortable suburbanites at a concert, and suddenly we were hearing stories that completely opened our eyes. We both grew up with the belief that we’re all connected, that we’re all children of God, and hearing about what refugees had endured really struck something in us. We wanted to be part of it. 

Carol: When the IRC opened in Denver in 2017, I was at their door probably the day they opened.  

What motivates you to volunteer?  

Carol: It’s such a gift to sit with someone at their kitchen table and hear their dreams. I remember one mother telling me she’d always wanted to ride a horse—or go skydiving! I’m not sure either of those will happen, but to see her light up when she talks about her hopes, or about wanting her son to become an eye doctor—it’s just beautiful. We have just loved the volunteer experience.

I also see how much the IRC staff carry. Case managers are juggling so many families at once, trying to make sure everyone has housing, documents, jobs. It can be overwhelming. So we try to ease that burden however we can—helping organize files, mentoring families, just being another set of hands and hearts. 

Describe your current volunteer roles.

Carol: Bob and I are part of the co-sponsorship program. When we joined, we were given a list of about 30 possible tasks—everything from helping with school enrollment to setting up bank accounts—and were asked to pick around ten we felt confident taking on. 

Co-sponsorship gives you a much deeper look into the resettlement process than mentoring alone. You see all the small but crucial details that case managers juggle: Social Security paperwork, driver’s licenses, library cards, housing applications. One of our caseworkers had to complete a 30-page housing application for a family... it’s overwhelming work. So when we take on tasks like that, we’re not just helping the families; we’re helping relieve the load on the staff, too. 

Bob: Because of my background in special education, I volunteered to help one family get their son into special education programs. I attended meetings at the school with his mom, made sure interpreters were present, and helped coordinate his case studies and placement. Others on our team handled the medical side or banking. It really takes a group effort—everyone finds their niche. One volunteer helped the son learn to swim, another helped him enroll in English classes at the college and another hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for the family.

With our most recent family, the plan was to support them for six months, but it’s been nearly two years. Their son’s medical situation was complicated, and we just couldn’t step away. It’s become more than a contract—it’s a relationship. 

Carol: Right now, I’m also helping to coordinate volunteers. When new applicants sign up, I conduct the interviews before passing along their information to staff. It’s such a joy talking to them; people are so interesting and committed. One of the new volunteers even helped start Engineers Without Borders! Everyone brings a story, and that’s what I love most—hearing what led them here. 

What’s one of your favorite stories about working with our clients? 

Bob: I’ll never forget sitting with a family of Meskhetian Turks—a group I hadn’t even heard of before. They didn’t speak English, but we sat down with a map, and the father pointed to where they used to live by the Baltic Sea. Then he’d gesture to show how they were forced to move again and again, through no fault of their own. All four children were born in different locations. Stories like that really opened my eyes to people’s resilience. 

Carol: And I especially loved spending time with the women; laughing, cooking together, sharing stories. I remember one mother from Africa who was amazed when her children played outside in the snow for the first time. She felt their cheeks afterward and couldn’t believe how cold they were! Moments like that— the mix of joy, learning and connection— are what make the work so meaningful. 

What do you value about working with the IRC? 

Carol:I think the people at IRC are just wonderful, hardworking and creative. Take Ginny in the Denver office, for example. When she realized she was losing some funding, she went out and wrote a grant to support unhoused refugee families. Now there are 19 apartments that serve refugee families with residents from nine different countries. They can attend ESL classes right there and really get to know their neighbors. I think that’s incredible. It shows how forward-thinking and resourceful the IRC team is, always finding new ways to support the people coming here. 

Bob:  I agree. Every resettlement agency has great people. But what stands out to me about IRC is that it’s not just focused on the U.S. It’s part of something much bigger—an international network. That broader reach gives it a different perspective and I really appreciate that about IRC. 

Why would you encourage other people to get involved with the IRC? 

Bob: For us, it’s been an amazing experience. Both eye-opening and humbling. We were both raised in families and communities that emphasized peace, social justice and the belief that we’re all brothers and sisters. So when there’s suffering, we’re called to listen and to act. 

We lived very comfortable lives in suburban Chicago, raised our kids there, and only later realized how small that bubble can be. Once you step outside it, you meet people whose lives are completely different and it broadens your view of the world in the best way. 

You start to see that, yes, circumstances differ, but at our core, we’re all the same. 

What amazes me most about the families we’ve met is their resilience. They’ve faced struggles we can hardly imagine, and yet they’re strong, resourceful and hopeful. They’re heroes, honestly. Just being able to witness that strength and share a small part in their journey—it’s inspiring. 

Carol: I ’d absolutely encourage others to volunteer. There are so many ways to get involved. I’ve worked at the front desk at another agency, and even something as simple as greeting families, making them feel welcome, and showing them that people care—it matters so much. 

But mentoring and co-sponsorship are what we love most. Watching a family grow more confident over time is incredibly rewarding. When they first arrive, everything feels scary and unfamiliar. But as they get to know people, learn English, find jobs, and buy their first car—you can see their sense of safety and belonging grow. 

And even if you can’t volunteer, donating makes a real difference. We’ve never had a lot of money, but we give what we can because we’ve seen firsthand how much work goes into helping families get here and get settled. The IRC has such a strong reputation—not just locally, but internationally—for doing this work with compassion and integrity. 

We’ve had comfortable lives, and when you see how many people haven’t had that same opportunity, it just feels right to give back. Everyone deserves the same chance—the same pursuit of happiness. 

Explore service opportunities at Rescue.org/Volunteer by searching Denver’s location.  

Donate to support the IRC’s mission in Denver. 

Explore more! Celebrating 25 years of IRC volunteer service transforming lives in Virginia.