News from Seattle, WA

Run for Refugees is a campaign to combine a love of running with helping newly-arrived refugee families. Join IRC staff & supporters participating in the Rock 'n' Roll marathon series in June or start a running-themed fundraiser in your own community.

Join us for our first advocacy meet-up of the year on Thursday, March 22nd. All are welcome!

In the middle of the night, Ali and his family raced in an ambulance from SeaTac Airport to a team of waiting doctors at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Fleeing the threat of death at the hands of extremists and battling time to save the life of his gravely ill seven-year-old son, Ali had spent the last two and a half years pleading for a chance to leave Iraq, to exchange home for safety. Now, with the support of the Seattle community, Ali and his family begin the journey of rebuilding their lives.

Recently nominated for the Washington Governor's Volunteer Service Award, Victoria shares how she got her start at the IRC, the work she’s focused on in her volunteer role, and some heartfelt wishes for IRC clients in the coming year.

Participants in the IRC's Senior Empowerment Program made valentines for loved ones using dried botanicals. Check out photos from this fun activity!

Two of our outstanding administrative volunteers share their hopes for the new year and why they devote time every week to help make refugees welcome in Washington.

Elsa - an 11th grader from Bellevue - shares why she volunteers every week helping refugee students and why she hopes other young people will follow her lead.

On January 6th, more than 100 refugee families who arrived in Washington this past year received a warm welcome to our community! Hundreds of community members joined us for the Winter Welcome Festival, where we celebrated the new year together with food, games, gifts, and lots of fun!

Borka Paponjak, the IRC in Seattle's resettlement and immigration program manager, recently celebrated 20 years of service with the IRC! During these years, she has welcomed and assisted thousands of refugees in the Seattle area.

Join our Immigration team this summer as an intern and support refugee and immigrant community members on their paths to permanent residency and US citizenship.