Lauren Lehman speaks about her experience volunteering with the IRC as a logistics intern this summer, and about the great responsibility and privilege she feels in setting up apartments for newly arriving refugees and ensuring that they feel safe and welcome in their new homes.

Jadim's journey from her homeland in Burma to Salt Lake City has been one filled with resilience, determination, and a passion for sharing her culture through food. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, her story teaches strength and entrepreneurial spirit of refugee women around the world.

COVID-19 continues to shape the lives of refugees living in Salt Lake County, leading to a staff-wide effort to gather and deliver basic necessities to families in need.

The World Bazaar PHX was a chance for refugee and immigrant business owners to not only sell their products, but also to learn.

On June 20, our community gathered at Play Faire Park for a memorable World Refugee Day celebration. The event featured an interactive mural, a mini golf fundraiser, and activities for all ages, showcasing the resilience and creativity of refugees. The mural, symbolizing hope and solidarity, will be displayed at the ArtWalk on July 11, 2024, at the Center for Contemporary Arts. The mini golf fundraiser highlighted refugee experiences while raising vital funds to support our programs. Thank you, Abilene, for your incredible support and making this day special! Together, we create a welcoming community for all.

Kezia Ahimina has never been to Burundi, the country her parents fled before she was born. But this fall, she may get a “dream” opportunity to finally visit: as a member of the Burundi National Soccer Team. 

Among the many challenges that 2020 brought to many around the world, the closing of international borders and travel restrictions as a result of the pandemic further limited the already dwindling number of refugees accepted by the Trump Administration. Prior to the pandemic, the Trump Administration had reduced the number of refugees the United States was committed to welcoming. At the onset of the pandemic, the arrivals of refugees to Tallahassee halted altogether, and it wasn’t until the end of 2020 that new families began to arrive across Big Bend communities. This time, the newly arrived families were coming from Latin America. This was a first for the IRC in Tallahassee’s short four-year history, which has historically welcomed families from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Syria.

The IRC in Phoenix is partnering with the IRC in San Diego to bring the annual Refugee Film Festival to the Arizona community! We're bringing award-winning documentary film and engaging conversation to your home throughout the month of April through this virtual event. Films will be available to stream starting the Saturday before each live Q&A event, which will take place Wednesdays April 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th at 6 pm.  Join us for a celebration of international film, with education on issues facing displaced people and inspiration to get involved. Funds raised through this event will support the work of the IRC in Phoenix.