In honor of this past month being designated Social Work Month by the National Association of Social Workers, we are proud to feature Shakira Gibson, a Master of Social Work intern from California State University Stanislaus. Shakira has been assisting the IRC in Turlock/Modesto since September with its Afghan Path Towards Wellness program, which focuses on the mental and physical well-being of Afghan women who have come to the United States as refugees or other special immigrants. (Interview by Perry Fishel)

Earlier this year RAI-US launched the Pathways to Careers in Resettlement, Asylum, and Integration Scholarship Opportunity, as a new resource to diversify and enhance the talent pipeline, specifically targeting RAI-US internships. The scholarship’s main objective is to promote career paths in humanitarian work for BIPOC and/or immigrant populations and further our commitment to a diverse and inclusive internship experience. After receiving 35 applications from RAI-US interns, 8 interns have been selected to receive a $5,000 scholarship. One of those eight was chosen from the IRC in Oakland. Oakland is excited to introduce this year’s scholarship recipient: Gianna D’Arrigo!

The IRC Volunteer Who Is Credited with Obtaining Furniture and Household Items for Nearly Every Refugee Family Resettled in Colorado since 2020

The IRC in Tucson offers several team oriented activities. These activities range from group work days at a refugee garden to organizing a fundraising events. Gather a group of friends, family members, or co-workers and get involved!

In conflicts around the world, the targeting of civilians and their homes, schools, hospitals and other infrastructure has become routine. People are cut off from food, water and lifesaving assistance. The IRC advocates with global leaders for actions that uphold the laws of war, protect civilians in conflict, hold violators to account and allow humanitarian organizations to have greater access to people in need.

Meet Averil Loucks from the IRC in Denver. After working in the humanitarian sector across the globe, she's back home in Colorado, making a difference one day at a time.

Child Health at the International Rescue Committee