An instructor at a non-profit that teaches skateboarding to children, Belqisa’s dreams of pro competition were put on hold when she had to escape Afghanistan. Now she’s seizing a chance for a new start.

Meet a doctor, a refugee herself, who works with the IRC along the Thailand-Myanmar border providing essential care for 150,000 patients a year.

On August 19, the Georgia House Study Committee on Innovative Ways to Maximize Global Talent convened for its first legislative meeting, commencing an important and exciting bipartisan initiative to maximize the economic contributions and workforce participation of our foreign-born neighbors here in Georgia.

Meet Ivan Gant, our first UHP/OIRS client. From Ukraine to Los Angeles, Ivan navigated uncertainty, language barriers, and cultural shifts to rebuild his life in a new country. Through it all, the IRC was there to provide guidance, resources, and real, transformative support. Today, Ivan is a professional actor, DJ, and event host—with big dreams of starring in leading roles and performing on major stages. His journey is a testament to resilience and determination, and urges everyone to keep moving forward. "Everything changes if you are ready to change your life."

Signpost, led by the IRC, delivers vital info to crisis-hit communities via digital hubs. Active in 30 countries, 25 languages, it uses service mapping and AI to support displaced people.

For individuals migrating to or seeking refuge in the United States, obtaining legal status is often the pivotal moment in their resettlement journey, granting them protection from deportation and access to crucial economic opportunities. Unfortunately, in recent years, the path to legal status has become increasingly challenging. With the immigration backlog at an all-time high and refugee and immigrant rights at stake with the upcoming election, many are left feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about their future.

After dedicating 20 years of service to the IRC in all, IRC Virginia Executive Director Harriet Kuhr announced she would retire at the end of 2024. We sat down with her for an interview in December to get some final reflections on refugee resettlement in Charlottesville and her impactful nonprofit career.