As some of the earliest hit states in the pandemic, NY and NJ responded with empathy, resourcefulness and energy to ensure all new arrivals and established refugees weathered the storm.

As the child of former refugees, who left the Soviet Union along with hundreds of thousands of others in the 1980s, Dax (‘Dan-Knee’) whose pronouns are they/them, has always felt connected to immigrant communities growing up in Philadelphia. Years later, they are now working at the IRC -- one of the largest resettlement agencies in the country -- as a Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) Coordinator.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Los Angeles is working alongside communities and partners to support Afghans living in Southern California and ensure a warm welcome for those families soon to arrive in the coming weeks and months. Here are four ways you can help.

This summer, the IRC Charlottesville Youth Team has been busy providing a lineup of activities for local students focused on celebrating academics and preparing for the future. Summer activities have included community building celebrations and goal-oriented field trips. Through special events, educational field trips, and community picnics, the team is creating meaningful spaces for young people to connect, learn, and grow.

Refugee clients received fun and informative safety training from the Elizabeth Police Department and Fire Department to strengthen community engagement and safety.

On April 23, 2023, Colorado Afghan American Association celebrated Eid Mila in Thornton, CO.

The Governor of Missoula and state legislators sit and learn about the experiences of refugees who are now apart of the Missoula Community.

“This work has put it all in perspective for me. What I once only read about or heard about in the news, now has a face to it. The struggle refugees and immigrants go through, how much they want to contribute to their new country – they just want a normal life. A safe life.”

The IRC in NY's Small Business Workshop series concluded in November, following several special guest speakers.