Meet Ivan Gant, our first UHP/OIRS client. From Ukraine to Los Angeles, Ivan navigated uncertainty, language barriers, and cultural shifts to rebuild his life in a new country. Through it all, the IRC was there to provide guidance, resources, and real, transformative support. Today, Ivan is a professional actor, DJ, and event host—with big dreams of starring in leading roles and performing on major stages. His journey is a testament to resilience and determination, and urges everyone to keep moving forward. "Everything changes if you are ready to change your life."

In Kenya, initiatives like TeachWell are demonstrating the essential role of teacher training in improving educational outcomes in refugee communities.

After dedicating 20 years of service to the IRC in all, IRC Virginia Executive Director Harriet Kuhr announced she would retire at the end of 2024. We sat down with her for an interview in December to get some final reflections on refugee resettlement in Charlottesville and her impactful nonprofit career.

Every day, people across Ukraine struggle to survive under relentless shelling, coping with the devastating physical and emotional toll of war.