News from Elizabeth, NJ

IRC in Elizabeth is adjusting to new protocols under COVID-19 response and prevention conditions. Please read below for updated information.

Milagros Apolaya joins the immigration team at IRC.

The determination of IRC's Education & Learning Youth Coordinator led to new hopes for a young client and his family.

A new program for teenage clients, Rising Leaders offers wellness curriculum, college and career readiness training, and community building weekly during the school year. And as an added bonus, soccer!

Newly arrived Congolese client Chishimba Muyambo has brought his impressive painting skills to New Jersey.

In its fourth year, the Refugee Youth Summer Academy brought 90 refugee students together at Kean University for three wonderful weeks this summer.

The IRC in New Jersey seeks volunteer tutors to support English language learning among recently arrived adult refugees who have fled persecution in their home country and are rebuilding their lives in New Jersey. IRC will pair tutors with students based on mutual availability. Tutors may support students during ESL classes or during individual or small group sessions. Tutors should be available to volunteer at least 3 hours per week. Strong preference will be given to volunteers who can tutor for a period of six months.

The Adult Education Intern assists newly arrived refugee clients in a multi-level and culturally diverse English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESL) classroom to gain English literacy and comprehension skills. This intern will also assist in supporting logistics for cultural orientation classes, where newly arrived refugee clients gain an understanding of community resources and expectations for the resettlement period.

The IRC in New Jersey seeks volunteers to teach Cultural Orientation classes,  where newly arrived refugees learn about the basics of life in the U.S. Wide-ranging topics such as emergency services,  transportation, and school are covered so that refugees can begin to thrive in their new environment. Volunteers will also help newly arrived refugees explore their neighborhoods and provide follow-up support for individuals needing additional one-on-one assistance.

The IRC in Elizabeth's Refugee Youth Summer Academy (RYSA) visited Alstede Farms for a field trip this month. Fresh peach picking, animals, and sunflower mazes made for a great day!