News from Phoenix, AZ

The Finance and Administration Department is responsible for the IRC in Phoenix’s financial accounting functions and the oversight of the financial accounting processes of the office to support programs.

The IRC's Manufacturing Works Career Course prepares refugees for high-paying careers in manufacturing.

Financial Opportunity Center is seeking an intern or volunteer to assist the Financial Coach in working with Refugees seeking financial stability.

Aaron Rippenkroeger was recently appointed as the Interim Executive Director for the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Phoenix in July 2018. Aaron brings 19 years of experience in refugee service, including many years of experience with the IRC, to the position.

The Refugee Youth Summer Program, jointly led by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Phoenix and Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, provides an opportunity to better prepare refugee youth for their classes in the fall. The goal of the program is to empower youth, through building social skills, facilitating adjustment to the U.S. academic environment, and connecting them to their community.

Seeking asylum is a legal right for families and individuals fleeing from violence and persecution. However the asylum-seeking process can be difficult and lengthy, leaving them in prolonged vulnerabilities and uncertainties. The IRC in Phoenix has seen a large increase in asylum-seekers and asylees seeking services. In fiscal year 2018 alone, the IRC has served 49 asylees and 31 asylum seekers, primarily from Latin America and Africa.

When refugees arrive in Phoenix, a new phase of their journey begins as they learn about US systems which enable them to better integrate into their new community.  Building financial independence is a key factor in this successful integration. Over the past decade, the IRC has partnered with Desert Financial Credit Union to increase financial literacy and financial independence for these new Americans.

When refugees arrive in Phoenix, the IRC provides donated goods to support them on the path to self-sufficiency. Diapers are a key donation for many families. Luckily, the IRC has partnered with the Diaper Bank of Central Arizona for many years to meet this need. This year alone, the Diaper Bank donated 8,500 diapers and 6,600 baby wipes to refugee families!

Hawkar, a refugee from Iraq, was resettled in Phoenix in 2016. With the IRC's help, he adjusted to life in the US quickly and learned how to navigate the US financial system.

Join us on June 23rd for the World Refugee Day Celebration Dinner!