Join Nataly Kogan’s online celebration of the launch of her book The Awesome Human Project. A brilliant creative, author, former refugee, TEDx speaker, and awesome human, Nataly INVITES YOU on February 8, 4pm EST via Zoom, to the Awesome Human Day Virtual Event! This FREE online event is for awesome humans like YOU to learn how to overcome burnout and embrace the best version of yourself through the practice and pursuit of meaning and joy! In efforts to welcome more inclusive conversations about wellness, the IRC in NYNJ extends this invitation to our IRC community, who we hope can join the Awesome Humans family as well!  

In observation of Ramadan, the IRC in NY hosted a beautiful Iftar in the office on Wednesday, April 12th. The staff gathered to transform the office into an elegant dining space, setting up tables with dates and water, for clients and friends in attendance. The staff teamed up to host, decorate, and prepare the food for the Iftar. Ahmed, our Senior Finance Manager led the Adhan (call to prayer), after which friends and family prayed the sunset prayer and of course, ate!  

Growing up in Afghanistan, Fatima was taken out of school at a young age and never learned to write her name. After she and her family left their war-torn country to come to Turlock in 2018, she enrolled earlier this year in IRC's Afghan Path to Wellness course. Now, after finishing the course, Fatima can write her name and has obtained her learner's permit.

IRC offices across the nation have offered New Roots programs for many years, providing opportunities for refugees to participate in sustainable agricultural practices and receive nutrition education. Yet in the heart of California’s Central Valley—the agricultural hub of the state—no such program had existed. That all changed May 8, as four Afghan families helped launch a new sustainable agriculture program for the IRC in Turlock/Modesto. Participants gathered at Turlock Community Gardens to plant crops typically grown in their home country such as okra, muskmelons and Persian cucumbers as well as fruits and vegetables more commonly grown such as tomatoes, strawberries and bell peppers.

Led by Ukrainian Caseworker, Katya Galytska, and with live interpretation provided by Ukrainian Case Aide, Alina Linchevska, the workshop brought around 50 new Ukrainian neighbors—including many families with small children—to the IRC in Atlanta office for coffee and breakfast, socializing and networking, and opportunities to engage with and ask questions of expert staff from across our programs.