News from Miami, FL

Miami, FL, Apr. 29, — The International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Florida is thrilled to announce Justin Howell as our new Executive Director for the IRC’s offices in Atlanta, Miami and Tallahassee. Justin is a professional educator with over a decade of teaching experience working with international populations—originating in the DeKalb International Student Center (Georgia) where he worked with newly arrived refugee students with less than five years of education in their home countries—and has established public charter schools and developed community-based ESOL programs. 

In March of 2021, approximately 19,000 unaccompanied children attempted to enter the United States through the border with Mexico. For a small percentage of these children, Florida communities are their new home, where they still face challenges. Many of these children have endured traumatic experiences, and many of them find themselves in a state of limbo as cases clog up a fragile and unprepared immigration system, exacerbating their isolation. 

Join the IRC and our partners as we host the 3rd annual Refugee Advocacy Week at the Florida State Capitol. Directly impacted communities, refugee service providers, faith leaders, advocates and supporters will mobilize virtually across the state to educate legislators, elevate the voices of the refugee community, and celebrate the contributions of new Americans in Florida.

In March, the pandemic will have officially been a part of our lives for a year and the lasting effects it will have are still to be determined. In Miami, unaccompanied children were among those hit the hardest by the isolation, economic uncertainty and emotional toll the pandemic has brought to us all. However, by their own resilience and the support of community members--like you--many unaccompanied children have continued to adapt and thrive to their new homes.

Throughout 2020, communities across Florida came together to ensure they remained welcoming to refugees, survivors of human trafficking and immigrant youth. Last year tested our communities in unprecedented ways. Despite these challenges, together we walked alongside our clients, learned from and supported one another as we navigated these times with resilience and grace. We now look forward with a renewed sense of hope and an understanding of the obstacles ahead.

On Thursday, January 28, the IRC in Tallahassee is participating in National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month by inviting the community to join a free, live online panel discussions regarding human trafficking in North Florida.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is providing the following information for refugees, asylum-seekers and immigrants about U.S. elections and the Presidential inauguration.

The IRC responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 25 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure.

The IRC in Miami is seeking an intern for the Unaccompanied Children Program.

We are excited to welcome David Oliver, our new deputy director! David brings leadership and expertise in program design from his tenure at the IRC in Atlanta. David's commitment to serving the community and his deep understanding of client-centered programs will enable us to continue our growth in supporting our resilient clients as they seek to heal and rebuild their lives.

The South Florida Human Trafficking Task Force (SFHTTF) was established in 2018, by the IRC in Miami with support from the Department of Justice and in collaboration with service providers, law enforcement agencies and individuals from the community. The purpose of the SFHTTF is to identify and protect survivors of human trafficking, prosecute traffickers and educate communities across South Florida about the impacts human trafficking has on the community.