News from Wichita, KS
Get the latest updates and event listings from the International Rescue Committee in Wichita, KS, and learn how you can help welcome newly arrived refugees.
IRC Wichita to receive LDS commodities donations
The IRC in Wichita has been given a grant from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) to purchase household goods and groceries for IRC clients.
IRC hosts briefing for Kansas Legislators
On March 13th, the IRC hosted a briefing for Kansas legislators. The briefing received bipartisan support and more than 30 Kansas legislators attended.
IRC Wichita to host citizenship workshop
The IRC will host a citizenship workshop on Saturday, March 24th, 2018 from 9:30am-12:30pm.
Welcome kits provide refugees with essential items
Prior to their arrival in Wichita, the IRC must set up a household that includes essential items for the arriving family. One way community members and organizations can contribute is to donate these goods which allows clients to to utilize limited resettlement funds on pressing needs such as rent and utilities as they work towards self-sufficiency.
IRC volunteer given DeVaughn James “Pay it Forward”award
Since coming on board as a English as a Second Language (ESL) Volunteer in 2016; IRC volunteer, Sheri has gone to great lengths to make the ESL classes a warm and inviting place where IRC clients are comfortable and actively engage in classroom activities. Sheri works tirelessly to ensure that every detail attended to, always going the extra mile to add improve lesson plans and develop special activities that students have come enjoy.
Kansas Refugee Economic Empowerment Program Trains AmeriCorps VISTA members to build capacity of IRC office to provide better economic opportunities for refugees resettling in Wichita.
The IRC in Kansas is launching into it's third year of the Kansas Refugee Economic Empowerment Program. The program aims to place VISTA members throughout Wichita and southwest Kansas communities to build capacity through new program development and community relations.
IRC advocacy team reaches out to community
In October, 2017, the IRC Kansas initiated it's outreach and education activities aimed at building support of continued refugee resettlement to educate, strengthen community support and enlist support from elected officials at all levels.
Harvester Arts to support IRC through December Final Friday Event
On December 29th, Harvester Arts will be displaying art created by a local artist that will embody the mission of the IRC. The art will be officially dedicated and unveiled on the December 29th Final Friday Events.
Local Starbucks Locations to host Giving Wreath Gift Drive for IRC clients
Community members are invited to pick a gift tag from one of the IRC's Giving Wreaths at any local Starbucks location in Wichita or Derby. Items will be given to refugees who have been resettled in Wichita or for those who may arrive in 2018.
Donations Needed: Winter Coats and Blankets for Refugees
The IRC is currently accepting new and gently used donations of winter coats and blankets.