The International Rescue Committee provides opportunities for refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, survivors of torture, and other immigrants to thrive in the United States. These individuals have survived against incredible odds. Each year, thousands of people seeking protection from violence and persecution are welcomed into local communities in the U.S. In Turlock and other offices across the country, the IRC helps them rebuild their lives.
We support people who have been displaced from their homes by things like conflict, violence, and persecution. Though their technical status may vary, one thing these individuals have in common is that they are seeking safety and an opportunity to move their lives forward.
This includes people with refugee status, those seeking or recently granted asylum, victims of human trafficking, survivors of torture, and more. In recent years, many have come from countries like Afghanistan, Ukraine, Syria, Guatemala, El Salvador, Eritrea, and Iran.
Those with refugee status come to the U.S. through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, which partners with the IRC and nine other national resettlement agencies to help them restart their lives. Out of the 35.3 million refugees worldwide, fewer than 1 percent are considered for resettlement.
United States has a rich history of sheltering those fleeing conflict, violence, and persecution—a tradition the IRC is proud to carry on in Turlock today.
Communities across Northern California are some of the nation’s most welcoming and are rich with resources to support refugees and immigrants. That’s why so many newcomers have made their home here.
With support from people like you, the IRC helps newcomers as they rebuild their lives and regain control of their futures. Together, we walk alongside our new neighbors from the moment they arrive, helping them find work and start businesses to become self-reliant, enroll their children in school, and access the healthcare they need to recover from trauma and illness.
As families adjust to life in the U.S., the IRC provides holistic support, ensuring they remain in stable housing, have access to nutritious food and quality health care, and develop computer, job, and financial literacy skills. We also provide legal services to help individuals become residents, citizens, and reunite with their families.
There are many ways that you can get involved with the IRC’s work in Turlock. You can:
Donate: Give a tax-deductible financial contribution either via the website or sent to our office.
Volunteer Process and Opportunities: Read the steps you need to go through to become an IRC volunteer and see our current list of volunteer opportunities here.
Internship Opportunities: See our current list of internship opportunities here.
New or Gently Used Items Needed for Refugees: We’re collecting welcome kits for newly refugees. See how you can help.
Spread the Word: Consider hosting your own fundraising campaign. Stay connected via our newsletter, follow us on Facebook, and ask others to do the same!
Other Ways to Get Involved: Employ refugees, connect us to affordable housing option.
Once they acclimate to their new environment, refugees contribute to their communities in many ways as they build their careers, purchase homes, and gain citizenship. They help enrich our local communities by creating cultural and social diversity.
Additionally, research shows that refugees contribute more to the U.S. economy than they consume in public benefits and start businesses and higher rates than their native-born counterparts.
35,000
people in the U.S. received asylum and protection support.
IRC offices across the U.S. provide immediate aid--including food, housing and medical attention—among other support.
Learn about resettlement and asylum2,697
people were assisted to become new U.S. citizens.
The IRC offers high-quality, low-cost immigration legal services and citizenship assistance in cities across the U.S.
Learn about immigration15,000
Our economic empowerment support includes financial coaching, vocational training and asset building.
