The IRC in Atlanta’s partnership with the Technology Career Program (TCP) at TechBridge—an Information Technology (IT) training course—has helped more than 20 refugees and immigrants to gain a head start in the rapidly growing technology industry over the past year. One recent TCP graduate, Maiwand—who was evacuated from Afghanistan last fall—has gone above and beyond in his commitment to the program, and shares with us below his journey to rebuilding his life and career here in Atlanta.

Rabia Afghan and her family arrived in the United States in April 2022 as part of “Operation Allies Welcome,” fleeing the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan. Initially welcomed by IRC staff member Bill Tuffin in Virginia, their paths crossed again in January 2023 when Bill, now an Employment Specialist at the IRC in Denver, was tasked with helping Rabia find employment. Despite language barriers and the challenges of resettlement, Rabia secured a job at a local hotel and, through determination and support from the IRC, was promoted within two years. Her story highlights the critical role of community support in helping refugees rebuild their lives and the ongoing challenges they face in their new homes.

The IRC in LA is helping refugees and migrants climb the 'credit building ladder' through a new micro-loan program, thanks to the partnership and support of Citi Community Development. The new program has been especially helpful in offering 'emergency grants' and 'resilience loans' to those affected by COVID-19.

Gender Based Violence is a global epidemic. The IRC estimates that 14 million refugees and displaced women and girls were subjected to sexual violence in 2019. However less than 0.2% of all global humanitarian funding between 2016-2018 was allocated to GBV prevention and response, and women and girls are often invisible in country's action plans for the Sustainable Development Goals. This report highlights some of the links between GBV and key SDGs to show where GBV prevention and response needs to be integrated across sectors to address the double disadvantage faced by women and girls in crisis.

The IRC in Boise launches an appeal to support its immigration and citizenship program. There is a high demand from refugees and immigrants for citizenship support.  People who have held green cards for many years are stepping forward to finish the process.  Families have sometimes before made difficult decisions to protect one family member and not others due to the cost. Now, with the support of IRC's dedicated donors, these families will not have to face these gut wrenching decisions.  Any funds raised in excess of those needed for the immediate needs of the clients will support the IRC in Boise's immigration program, including coordinating large scale citizenship workshops, promoting know your rights workshops and citizenship exam prep classes.

Ranna Jajju, owner of Threading by Ranna in Linda Vista, is a former refugee from Iraq, who resettled to San Diego back in 2009. Since then, she has opened up two businesses and most recently shined as a stellar example as a small business leadership and resilience during a global pandemic.

April is National Volunteer Month, where we honor the generous volunteers in our communities who make our work possible! Tommy Thompson is a dedicated mentor in the IRC in Tallahassee’s volunteer-led Youth program which helps middle-and high-school refugee students learn English and better adjust to their new home.