Five years after the defeat of the ISIS group, millions of Iraqis lack livelihood opportunities, proper shelter, or access to basic services. Women like Sarah have demonstrated great courage in the face of conflict and displacement to provide for their families.

New GenR member Jenny Ma writes about how she got involved and her first Food Stories: From Burma to the Bay event.

The City of Turlock aims to provide a warm welcome to new refugee arrivals. On Refugee Civics Day, refugee clients and interpreters of the IRC are invited to engage in conversation about the city's inner workings and practical skills like how to dial 9-1-1. Refugee families who have fled war and persecution are made to feel safe for the first time in many years are they arrive on U.S. soil. Refugees from Afghanistan and Syria participated in the activities at Turlock City Hall and reflected on how far they had come since their initial resettlement and what they hope to achieve with their new chance at life.

In honor of National Volunteer Week, we asked IRC volunteers why they donate their time and talents to welcome refugees to our community.

When Vivien Jacob came to the United States as a refugee through the IRC in 1990, little did she know she would one day end up serving as the Director for the IRC's Turlock/Modesto office. The following interview by community engagement outreach intern Perry Fishel takes a look at Vivien's nearly 20-year legacy with the IRC.

Learn more about the programs for U.S. allies in Afghanistan.