In 2021, the Sayed* family, Ahmad, Farzana and their children, arrived in the U.S. seeking safety and long-term stability. Since arriving, Ahmad found work as a delivery and rideshare driver, the children enrolled in local schools and the family developed a local community. In December 2025, the Sayed family welcomed a healthy newborn to their family and worked with the International Rescue Committee’s (IRC) Intensive Case Management (ICM) team to navigate the American healthcare system to ensure that Farzana and her child’s needs are met.  

For many newcomers navigating medical needs in the U.S., attending medical appointments may be intimidating or confusing. To ease this transition, the IRC in Silver Spring’s ICM team provides newcomers with specialized needs, such as disabilities or chronic medical conditions, with additional wraparound services and support. Last year, the ICM team served nearly 100 beneficiaries with specialized needs in our communities. Newcomers working with ICM staff learn when and how to schedule medical appointments, what to expect while at the appointment and how to advocate for themselves in a medical setting.   

ICM caseworker, Chris, supported the Sayed family as they prepared for the birth of their child: “At the IRC, guiding [newcomers] to finding and retaining medical services that are accessible, and where they feel comfortable, is just one of the many ways that we try to assist them in being able to lead fulfilling lives,” says Chris. Chris ensured the family could confidently and independently navigate maternal care services, in part by educating them on how to request interpretation services and the importance of asking questions to clarify medical recommendations.  

Understanding doctors’ orders and [advocating] for ourselves in a medical setting is something that is easily taken for granted, but when coming from a different county with different medical practices and norms, having a safe space where one is comfortable asking questions is an invaluable asset in helping [newcomers] feel welcome and safe, explained Chris.

After working with the ICM team, the Sayed family independently scheduled and attended appointments throughout Farzana’s pregnancy. ICM assisted the family in completing the appropriate paperwork to set their most recent child up with a Social Security card, Medicaid coverage and vaccinations. The IRC supported the family with household and baby goods to lessen the financial strain which comes with having a newborn. Ahmad expressed his gratitude for caseworkers like Chris and the IRC’s services.  

“I received a great community. All of the staff at the IRC helped me with things when I asked for help.”

 The IRC in Silver Spring is grateful for the support that the ICM team provides newcomers as they navigate the complexities of the American healthcare system and welcome new life in their new homes.   

*The family’s name has been anonymized for confidentiality purposes