The past year has presented many challenges for our community, but it’s also shown us the tremendous power we have when we come together as neighbors to support one another. Read about how the IRC - with help from our partners and supporters - has helped newcomer families cope with the health, social, educational, and economic impacts of COVID-19.

Murtaza Mohammad Hossain, a refugee from Afghanistan, overcame numerous challenges with the help of the IRC's Matching Grant program, eventually securing a job and a donated car that transformed his family's life in the USA. His journey highlights the importance of support systems in achieving self-sufficiency and the profound impact of community assistance.

Human trafficking continues to be prevalent across Florida as online platforms become powerful tools for luring children and other vulnerable populations. Learn more about online child exploitation and ways you can keep your family safe.

Hafiza, 21, was born while her family was on the run, fleeing violence in South Sudan. Today she works with the IRC in a refugee camp in Ethiopia, providing support to women survivors of violence and abuse, and campaigning for women’s rights. 

The IRC in NYNJ will continue to support Afghan individuals and families, and newcomers from across the Globe in their long resettlement journey. The crisis in Afghanistan has shaped the methodology of resettlement case management at the IRC to bolster proactive and client-facing services and programming. With your support, the IRC in NYNY can defy the temporal pressures and limits that inflate the emotional and financial burden faced by newcomers.

On December 3, the International Rescue Committee in Silver Spring brought together over 50 clients, volunteers, and staff for a Thanksgiving meal and afternoon of festivities. Sampling traditional American fare such as roasted turkey and cranberry sauce alongside delicacies like homemade dolmas and Syrian pastries, refugee families and IRC volunteers and staff had an opportunity to share their cultural traditions with each other and express the things that they are thankful for in their lives.

In 2023, the IRC in Los Angeles helped resettle 578 refugee families, and we anticipate this number to increase in the new year. We need your support to continue to give refugees the warm welcome and help they deserve. Learn more about the various ways you can get involved below.

A French-English bilingual worksheet for families to use with their children.

The IRC in NY chatted with one client who is a mother figure for her younger sister. They both left Afghanistan in early fall with the hope to be safe. Their mother had passed away and they left behind their family members. The older sister made it a priority to concentrate on what she could change.

The IRC’s office in Silver Spring is closed to protect the health of clients, partners, staff and the community during the coronavirus pandemic. Our staff will continue to work remotely and will maintain regular remote contact and appointments with the individuals and families we serve.