Dear IRC Volunteers & Interns,

In response to the Coronavirus outbreak, the IRC is moving ahead with some changes to our programs and operations in order to help prevent the spread of the illness in our community and to protect the health of our clients, onsite partners, volunteers, and staff. There has been no known Coronavirus exposure at our office, other program sites, or among our staff, volunteers, onsite partners and clients. These measures are precautionary and based on guidance from experts from both within the IRC and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

One step we are taking currently is reducing the number of people coming and going from our office and program sites. As such, the IRC has suspended all on-site volunteer and intern activities at the IRC office and in client homes effective 5pm on Friday March 13 to Friday April 3.  Additional details on IRC staff working remotely and on the suspension of certain program activities will follow in a separate communication.

All volunteers and interns should email their supervisor or established point of contact in the IRC to discuss whether there are options for you to continue your volunteer/intern service remotely, if this is something you are interested in. If you are an intern or practicum student and concerned about meeting your hour requirements for school, we are happy to work with you and your school to ensure there are no adverse effects on your academic standing or progress toward your learning goals. Please reach out to us if this is a concern.

We will share updates on the situation in two weeks. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Volunteer and Family Mentor Coordinator Kyle Monsees ([email protected]) with questions or concerns.

I want to thank you for supporting the staff and clients of the IRC with your time and effort. We cannot sustain this work without community support!

Sincerely,

Ruben Chandrasekar | Executive Director
Resettlement, Asylum and Integration (RAI)
International Rescue Committee in Maryland