News from Seattle, WA

A cohort of digital tutors have joined to help bridge the digital divide that faces newcomers.

High rates of unemployment and Covid-19 infection among New American community members has contributed heavily to lack of stable access to adequate amounts of nutritious food . Refugees and immigrants have been some of the hardest hit populations in the country, disproportionately experiencing food and nutritional insecurity due to their high rates of employment in “gig economy” and other job sectors like food, hotel, and health which have been heavily impacted by the pandemic. Help new American communities combat hunger with a gift to IRC's food security programs in the U.S.

Community members are vital to welcoming newcomers to Washington - so we asked a handful of volunteers why building a welcoming community is important to them.

June 20th is World Refugee Day - a time to celebrate refugee communities in Washington state, a time to raise awareness of the challenges facing refugee communities locally and globally, and a time to take action in support of our refugee neighbors. Get started today!

Visit the Tukwila Village Farmers Market and purchase fresh, organic produce grown by gardeners from refugee and immigrant communities. The market is open from 4-7pm on Wednesday afternoons from June 23rd to October 13th.

Volunteers, interns, and community members contribute year round to creating a welcoming Washington state. This week - we want to express our appreciation for everything they do!

The past year has presented many challenges for our community, but it’s also shown us the tremendous power we have when we come together as neighbors to support one another. Read about how the IRC - with help from our partners and supporters - has helped newcomer families cope with the health, social, educational, and economic impacts of COVID-19.

The Immigrant Welcoming Task Force at First Congregational Church in Bellevue spent the month of February gathering pantry staples, seasonings, spices, and condiments to stock the IRC in Seattle's emergency food pantry.

This spring, newcomer youth came together to share stories and artwork during IRC's mid-winter break camp.

The IRC in Seattle's citizenship classes support immigrants of all backgrounds as they prepare to take the naturalization test to become a United States citizen. Students in the class study for the test - but also learn about US history, how they can participate in their local government, and the power of civic engagement!