American aid is a mighty defense against conflict, poverty and despair, especially in countries where war and violence has forced millions to flee from the places they once called home. 

The IRC in Oakland's HOME program helps families with a housing subsidy, welcome home setup, and mentorship. The Jebran family from Afghanistan reflects on their past six months in the U.S. with the help of their HOME team and their hopes for the future.

Emily Tomsick, the IRC in Silver Spring's summer anti-trafficking intern describes her experience.

Umeeda Shalizi, 23, gives the impression that she’s going places and that she will not be hindered by the places she’s been.

Immigrants and refugees make up a sizeable minority of businesses for California and the Turlock/Modesto region. In that vein, the IRC in Turlock/Modesto is spotlighting refugee-owned businesses here in the Central Valley. The following is an interview with Baktash Rafiqyaar, owner of Mr. Gil's Market & Grill in Modesto.