Yesterday, the Colorado Afghan American Association celebrated Eid Mela (the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting) in Thornton, Colorado. Hundreds of Afghan community members, including many newly arrived families, participated in the important event, sharing happiness and enjoying the Eid Al Fitr celebration.

IRC in Denver's newly appointed Executive Director Tanya Vitusagavulu and many other staff members joined in the festivities, celebrating their organization's success in resettling numerous Afghan families and Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders, especially during the Afghan Placement and Assistance (APA) time.

"We wanted to reaffirm IRC in Denver’s commitment, show our respect and love for our new Afghan neighbors, and of course enjoy the celebration ourselves"

says Homayoon Milad, IRC's APA Community Sponsorship Coordinator.

"The Afghan community, which I myself am a part of, truly appreciates the tremendous efforts the IRC in Denver undergoes to help this refugee community thrive."

Written by: Hanna Simmons