Having fled their home countries and languished in limbo for months, or even years, refugees arrive to the United States with next to nothing. Help restart their household by providing a Welcome Kit with everything a family needs. You can do this as an individual, as a family, or even rally a community group together to create many Welcome Kits! 

Hashi Restaurant in Abilene extends a spirit of family to local refugee employees.

Phoenix and America must, day in and day out, live up to the legacy, and the strength, of our “common immigrant heritage.”

Originally from Cote d'Ivoire, Adama arrived in the US less than six years ago. He attended the Refugee Youth Summer Academy (RYSA) and then enrolled into 9th grade at Brooklyn International High School. He and his mom participated in the Academic Coaching program, and a few years later, Adama became a "Leader in Training" - including working as a Peer Mentor at RYSA in 2014 and 2015. Meanwhile, he honed his artistry. When he graduated high school in 2015, he enrolled at the Borough of Manhattan Community College studying liberal arts, playing soccer, and painting. 

An Afghan SIV client reflects on his success gained through the IRC's Career Pathways program in Sacramento.

The IRC in Oakland's HOME program helps families with a housing subsidy, welcome home setup, and mentorship. The Jebran family from Afghanistan reflects on their past six months in the U.S. with the help of their HOME team and their hopes for the future.

Participants in the IRC's Senior Empowerment Program made valentines for loved ones using dried botanicals. Check out photos from this fun activity!

Recently nominated for the Washington Governor's Volunteer Service Award, Victoria shares how she got her start at the IRC, the work she’s focused on in her volunteer role, and some heartfelt wishes for IRC clients in the coming year.

Since coming on board as a English as a Second Language (ESL) Volunteer in 2016; IRC volunteer, Sheri has gone to great lengths to make the ESL classes a warm and inviting place where IRC clients are comfortable and actively  engage in classroom activities. Sheri works tirelessly to ensure that every detail attended to, always going the extra mile to add improve lesson plans and develop special activities that students have come enjoy.

Prior to their arrival in Wichita, the IRC must set up a household that includes essential items for the arriving family. One way community members and organizations can contribute is to donate these goods which allows clients to to utilize limited resettlement funds on pressing needs such as rent and utilities as they work towards self-sufficiency.