News from Seattle, WA
Get the latest updates and event listings from the International Rescue Committee in Seattle, WA, and learn how you can help welcome newly arrived refugees.
Confessions of a summer intern
IRC interns Christina and Riley share how the IRC's summer school program makes a difference in the lives of refugee students, as well as the lives of the interns who are essential to making the program a success.
Back to school
Refugee students are well-equipped to start school this fall thanks to generous donations of backpacks and school supplies from local businesses and community groups.
Creative acts of kindness
Luanne and Elsa – two friends from Lake Forest Park, WA – are on a mission to change the world, one welcome mat at a time.
Volunteer Spotlight: Alyssa Ortiz, Immigration Intern
“This work has put it all in perspective for me. What I once only read about or heard about in the news, now has a face to it. The struggle refugees and immigrants go through, how much they want to contribute to their new country – they just want a normal life. A safe life.”
Empowering Refugee Seniors
The IRC’s new Refugee Senior Program provides opportunities for refugee elders to make friends, share resources with one another, and explore the Seattle area together.
Workshop helps 30 become permanent residents
The IRC hosted its first-ever green card workshop for 30 community members. A hard-working group of interns worked alongside IRC immigration specialists to complete a month's worth of green card applications in just one day!
Omid's Story
“My name is Omid. I am an Iranian. I am a refugee. I am a nutritionist. And, I am a gay man. But above all, I am a human being.” In honor of Pride Month, Omid shares a first-person account of his journey, as well as his hopes for LGBTQ refugees around the world and here in the U.S.
Exploring Careers with KEXP and La Marzocco
The IRC's Connect2Work program - a career exploration and prep program for refugee teens - took a field trip to La Marzocco Cafe & Showroom and KEXP.
IRC Supporters Rally for Refugees and Immigrants
While the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments regarding the travel ban, IRC volunteers and staff joined a rally in support of refugees, immigrants, and the Muslim community.
Rock for Refugees
Rock for Refugees not only brought Nathan Hale High School senior Emmett Lucas one step closer to graduation, it took his senior project outside of the classroom and onto the stage. The event drew more than 150 people and raised an estimated $1,400 in support of the IRC.