During a time when everyone feels alone, volunteers ensure that refugee students feel supported as they finish their academic year and look ahead to future goals.

Ibrahim pursued ambitious goals after arriving in the U.S. from Sudan in 2012: from completing high school to becoming a U.S. Citizen, Ibrahim is living his American Dream.

In September 2021, Suzy Stutzman of Golden Optimists reached out to the IRC in Denver, offering refurbished bicycles to refugees. Golden Optimists, a volunteer-run non-profit in Golden, Colorado, has been transforming donated bikes into sustainable transportation for those in need for over 35 years. During the pandemic, they pivoted to support incoming refugees, including many from Afghanistan. This partnership has provided over 100 bikes to IRC Denver clients, enhancing their mobility and integration into the community. The collaboration highlights the profound impact of community support and the ongoing need for volunteers to sustain these efforts.

Over 30 years ago, Sudan’s civil war uprooted 20,000 Sudanese children. They were known as the Lost Boys.

On February 13, 2024, the IRC in Atlanta’s staff, clients and volunteers joined over 200 fellow advocates at the Georgia State Capitol for the eleventh annual New Americans Celebration (NAC).

Lauren Lehman speaks about her experience volunteering with the IRC as a logistics intern this summer, and about the great responsibility and privilege she feels in setting up apartments for newly arriving refugees and ensuring that they feel safe and welcome in their new homes.

Learn more about our emergency fundraising needs in New Jersey.

Spring 2021 internship opportunities

From October through the end of December 2021, the IRC in NJ has increasingly helped move in and prepare apartments for arrivals, including Afghan families.