News from Phoenix, AZ

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!

This World Refugee Day, learn about refugee resettlement in the United States and how you can get involved with local organizations!

“Opportunity Passport is a financial literacy and matched savings program specifically designed for foster youth,” said Gerardo Novoa, IRC’s IDA Foster Care Youth Program Coordinator, who runs the Opportunity Passport program. Opportunity Passport provides classes on financial literacy topics like credit and savings to foster youth, both refugees and native-born US citizens. Youth can then make a match to their savings for an asset purchase, with a lifetime cap of $3000 in matches across 7 categories: Education, Health, Housing, Transportation, Investment, Credit Building, and Microenterprise Development. Since the start of the program, 170 youth have participated, with 123 currently active in the program. Opportunity Passport provides the skills and assets to allow foster youth to achieve financial independence.

Chicha Saleh is an example of the determination of refugees to make a better life for themselves in the United States. For Chicha, a better life means independence and self-reliance for her and her 10-year old son, Cristiano.

Do you speak English and another language? Want to help refugees and immigrants connect with schools, hospitals, and businesses? The IRC in Phoenix is looking for paid interpreters!

Aysar is the first Parent Coach in the expanded Parent Coach Program, which expanded in October 2017 with the help of a generous investment from the IBIS Foundation. The Parent Coach supports parents in guiding the development of their children, ages 0-5. Key behaviors and skills learned during early childhood can have an impact on a child’s success in school, and ultimately in life.