In the middle of the night, Ali and his family raced in an ambulance from SeaTac Airport to a team of waiting doctors at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Fleeing the threat of death at the hands of extremists and battling time to save the life of his gravely ill seven-year-old son, Ali had spent the last two and a half years pleading for a chance to leave Iraq, to exchange home for safety. Now, with the support of the Seattle community, Ali and his family begin the journey of rebuilding their lives.

Last month, the IRC in Silver Spring spoke on a panel about organizations serving vulnerable groups in Maryland.

Learn more about RAIVS and watch the recordings.

Interested in volunteering, but short on time? Short-term, high-impact service projects are a great way to welcome and support refugees who are new to our community! Team up with a group of friends, family, classmates, coworkers or other IRC volunteers for any of the activities below.

Women are able to improve English and progress towards employment and furthering their education through IRC's Women's Empowerment Program.

Open House at the IRC in New Jersey

The IRC in Seattle helps people fleeing violence and persecution make Washington their new home. We continue to work alongside refugee communities and other Ukrainian partners and groups to welcome and support Ukrainians and other refugees in urgent need of safety. We plan to welcome Ukrainian newcomers and provide as much support as we can where needed. Such support may include housing, food security, youth education enrollment, and employment and career efforts. The depth and scope of IRCs work is paramount and immense to refugees, unaccompanied minors, victims of abuse, survivors of human trafficking, and asylees.