Ritiek (Reh - teek), her mom, and her younger sister were one of the many families forced to flee Afghanistan in 1995. Four years later, they were welcomed in Tucson, Arizona in the summer of 1999. She and her family were the first Afghan refugees to be resettled in Tucson, Arizona. 

For the fourth year running, the Dallas community has shown our refugee and immigrant families just how welcoming our city can be.  Home for the Holidays, our annual giving program, has expanded to help 60 families during this holiday season. That is 243 mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters whose lives were changed by our community.

The mission of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a leading, non-sectarian, non-profit organization providing emergency relief, protection, rehabilitation assistance, resettlement services, and advocacy for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. Domestically, our 29 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency. The Des Moines, IA office was opened in July of 2022, serving more than 200 refugees in its first year.

Support refugees and immigrants by becoming a volunteer with the IRC in Atlanta. Opportunities range from English class teaching assistance and career development guidance to donation drive organizing and group volunteer projects.

The IRC in Tallahassee received a $5,000 grant from the Community Foundation of North Florida to support the Housing Security Program, providing essential resources to help newly arrived refugee families transition to permanent housing and achieve self-sufficiency

Private donations contribute greatly to the success of the IRC's work. Although we receive state and federal funding for initial resettlement and employment services, the assistance we provide to refugee families beyond their first few months in the U.S. would not be possible without community support.

In partnership with Salt Lake Community College and with generous support from Marriott International, the IRC in Salt Lake City provides training to refugees who are seeking to gain skills needed to enter a career in the hospitality sector.

Private donations contribute greatly to the success of the IRC's work. Although we receive state and federal funding for initial resettlement and employment services, the assistance we provide to refugee families beyond their first few months in the U.S. would not be possible without community support.

Since late September, the IRC in Salt Lake City has welcomed more than 190 Afghan refugees to Utah, With support from community partners like the Utah Muslim Civic League, the IRC is there to help families rebuild their lives in our community.