In September 2021, Suzy Stutzman of Golden Optimists reached out to the IRC in Denver, offering refurbished bicycles to refugees. Golden Optimists, a volunteer-run non-profit in Golden, Colorado, has been transforming donated bikes into sustainable transportation for those in need for over 35 years. During the pandemic, they pivoted to support incoming refugees, including many from Afghanistan. This partnership has provided over 100 bikes to IRC Denver clients, enhancing their mobility and integration into the community. The collaboration highlights the profound impact of community support and the ongoing need for volunteers to sustain these efforts.

One afternoon, a new client Abdul traveled with Carey Hobart, a volunteer from Bike Walk Wichita (BWW), to pick out bikes for he and his family. Along the way, Abdul began to describe his home in Afghanistan and the bicycle shop that he owned

On Valentine’s Day, the IRC in Atlanta’s staff, clients and volunteers joined nearly 300 fellow advocates at the Georgia State Capitol for the tenth annual New Americans Celebration (NAC).

The IRC’s Boise office offers a variety of unpaid internship opportunities throughout the year. Prospective interns must go through the volunteer process and should be currently enrolled in an educational institution or a recent graduate.

The IRC provides opportunities for refugees to thrive in America. In Los Angeles and many other regional offices across the country, the IRC helps them rebuild their lives and achieve self-sufficiency. To accomplish this, IRC LA relies heavily on efforts by our interns and volunteers.

Refugee and immigrant community members in the West Hill neighborhood of Kent are growing fresh, organic produce for their families at a brand-new community garden site. Thank you to the countless community partners and volunteers who have brought this exciting project to life!

On a rainy Saturday, community volunteers and gardeners came together at Namaste Community Garden to kick off the spring growing season. This beautiful 100-plot garden space is made possible thanks to St. Thomas Catholic Church, which generously donates the land for the garden.

On February 4, the IRC in Tallahassee’s staff, refugee clients and volunteers joined fellow advocates from the Florida Immigrant Coalition and We Are All America at the Florida State Capitol for the state’s first ever Refugee Advocacy Day.

During these unprecedented times, Florida communities, stretching from Tallahassee to Miami, continue supporting refugees, survivors of human trafficking and immigrant youth. It takes all of us—volunteers, clients, donors, employees and community partners—to maintain our 60-year legacy of welcoming and uplifting the voices of our resilient clients.