Over the past decade, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Montana has supported hundreds of individuals as they secure a job in the United States. Behind every successful placement there have been countless hours of relationship‑building, cold‑calling businesses, touring facilities, and researching job postings on Craigslist and other job boards. Staff have also spent many hours talking with employers about how the IRC can help meet their hiring needs with dedicated, motivated workers.

Many new Americans face the reality of starting in entry-level positions as they build language skills and become familiar with a new culture and workplace environment. For individuals arriving with professional backgrounds, such as engineers, professors, lawyers, or business owners, this transition can be especially challenging. With the right employer partners, these first jobs become stepping stones to stability, confidence, and renewed purpose.

A strong partnership began in 2017, when the IRC started worked with Providence St. Patrick Hospital to connect individuals to employment opportunities. Since then, the collaboration has flourished. According to Danita, Assistant Director of Environmental Services, the department has hired “more than 50, but less than 100” individuals through the IRC, placing it among the Hospital’s top two applicant pipelines. 

While the partnership has not been without challenges, Danita shared that the experience has been transformative for the department itself and has improved internal hiring and training practices. 

“It has helped us improve in a lot of different aspects including the time we spend getting to know our people and their needs,” she said.

Dakota, the Environmental Services Director, reflected that language barriers were one of the primary challenges early on. The department had to think creatively about how to support employees who were still learning English, which required a complete “revamp” of their training approach. The department applied for and received funding to purchase 10 pairs of translating headphones, allowing colleagues to communicate more effectively and confidently on the job.

Looking back, Dakota noted the broader impact of the partnership: 

“What IRC has done, without knowing it, is elevate our department to something that it wasn’t before,” he said. “Having these amazing folks here has elevated how we train, address, and communicate with people. It is completely different now than what it was in the past.”

As employees gained English language skills and confidence, the department was able to offer additional trainings and create pathways for growth. Over time, individuals who once needed additional language support became trainers themselves, helping onboard new employees with more limited English proficiency.

Danita shared a story that continues to inspire her to this day. One employee, hired without basic computer skills, was eager to learn. Danita spent time working with her one‑on‑one, patiently teaching her foundational tasks. 

“Next thing you know she [was] teaching everyone else how to do their timecards and [how to] claim their benefits,” she said. “I showed her the basic things, and then she taught everyone else. It was really cool to see how fast she thrived.”

Dakota also added, “not only us, but the hospital as a whole sees how completely hard working and dedicated, they are to everything they do.” 

While supporting new Americans required an upfront investment of time and energy, Dakota emphasized that the impact far exceeded expectations. 

Beyond the workplace, the partnership has fostered genuine connection and joy. Staff and colleagues now share stories of cultural exchange. They learn from one another, try new foods, laugh over TikTok dances, and gather for potlucks. At one potluck, individuals even roasted a piglet underground, bringing a meaningful piece of their culture to share with the team.

“We have learned so much from them,” Danita said. “They have enriched the lives of all the staff.”

Together, the IRC and Providence St. Patrick Hospital demonstrate what’s possible when employers lead with flexibility, curiosity, and heart. 

To help the IRC continue to build partnerships like this, please consider donating to Missoula Gives from April 30 - May 1. On April 30th, Kamoon Arabian Restaurant is donating 10% of sales back to the IRC and on May 1st, Biga Pizza is creating a specialty pizza with proceeds going back to the IRC.