A crucial barrier to prosperity for many refugees is a lack of credit and access to financing. To meet this challenge, the IRC launched the Center for Economic Opportunity (CEO), which offers credit building, auto, personal and business loans. As of 2023, CEO made more than 6,000 loans totaling more than $25 million to refugees across 20 states.

Forced to undertake a long and dangerous journey, those already returning to Afghanistan are in urgent need of humanitarian support.

Artist Marc Chagall is known for his poetic, colorful paintings. He was also a refugee.

Meet some of the inspiring women contributing to the IRC in Northern California, from our volunteers and staff to the resilient newcomers we welcome.