The fastest growing GenR chapter in IRC history, GenR: LA is full of diverse and caring members with extraordinary backgrounds. In the past four months, we've grown from a group of eight people interested in learning more about the IRC to a group of 83 passionate professionals, working and living in the Los Angeles area. 

In acute emergencies, the IRC establishes emergency water, sanitation and hygiene promotion programs, ensuring that life-saving services can be initiated efficiently. As countries evolve from emergencies to rebuilding, the IRC works to build stronger community and government oversight on improved water, hygiene and sanitation services, and maintenance of systems.

The City of Turlock aims to provide a warm welcome to new refugee arrivals. On Refugee Civics Day, refugee clients and interpreters of the IRC are invited to engage in conversation about the city's inner workings and practical skills like how to dial 9-1-1. Refugee families who have fled war and persecution are made to feel safe for the first time in many years are they arrive on U.S. soil. Refugees from Afghanistan and Syria participated in the activities at Turlock City Hall and reflected on how far they had come since their initial resettlement and what they hope to achieve with their new chance at life.

This summer, The IRC in Dallas partnered with the George W. Bush Institute to be a part of their Liberty and Leadership Forum.

When Vivien Jacob came to the United States as a refugee through the IRC in 1990, little did she know she would one day end up serving as the Director for the IRC's Turlock/Modesto office. The following interview by community engagement outreach intern Perry Fishel takes a look at Vivien's nearly 20-year legacy with the IRC.

Nearly 100 asylum-seekers are arriving daily in Phoenix, fleeing violence and persecution in their home countries for the safety and freedom of the United States. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) and our partner organizations are providing critical humanitarian assistance to these families when they arrive, including food, shelter, and medical assistance.

Perspectives from Fatou, Veronica and Amrah

Peggy is a housing set-up volunteer who loves collecting things for the community