News from Phoenix, AZ

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.

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.

Tek is a refugee from Bhutan. Since resettling in Phoenix in 2009, he has found success as the owner of ABC Mart, a local grocery store. ABC Mart is one of the partners of the IRC in its Healthy Corner Store Initiative to provide fresh produce to refugees and other low-income Americans.

Phoenix and America must, day in and day out, live up to the legacy, and the strength, of our “common immigrant heritage.”

Phyllis Korogodsky, a loan officer with the IRC in Phoenix, was recently recognized by the Center for Economic Opportunity (CEO) with a resolution at their quarterly board meeting. The resolution read: “...[T]he CEO Board recognizes and thanks Phyllis Korogodosky for her exceptional service in her role as a Loan officer and Financial Coach for refugees in Arizona.” CEO is a subsidiary of the IRC that offers participants access to a range of affordable financial products that can accelerate clients’ upward economic mobility.  Recently certified by the U.S. Treasury as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), the Center offers credit-building, auto, and business loans to low-income borrowers. 

The Vita program prepares tax returns for free, for low to moderate income individuals and families.

The Child Watch Center is a safe, enriching, and educational environment for refugee children. By creating this childcare program, refugee parents were able to attend more classes at the IRC.

The IRC in Phoenix began a partnership with the McCain Institute of International Leadership at Arizona State University in 2015. Through this partnership, the IRC hosted Branislav Nesovic, a Next Generation Leadership Fellow. Over one year, Branislav helped formulate a strategy to optimize partnerships with community partners, enabling the IRC to more effectively utilize local resources in Phoenix.

Chanel your purchasing power to support refugee businesses and reinvest in the Arizona economy.

The IRC in Phoenix is committed to bringing our refugee clients from harm to home. As a part of that commitment, we provide them with necessities – such as clothing and household items – they will need to start rebuilding their lives here. To do this, the IRC relies on donated items from community partners that are passed into the hands of our clients free of charge either through our Resettlement Shop or as part of an initial apartment setup.