IRC’s New Roots program focuses on food access and the nutritional needs of families upon arrival in the United States.

When Patricia and Fabian traveled to the United States to seek asylum, they brought something to share with the local Venezuelan community.

Abbas Altamr and his wife fled war torn Syria and arrived in Jordan in 2010 but they did not know that their greatest journey was just beginning. They remained in Jordan for six years and had three children before it was time to go. Some of their friends had already left Jordan to move to the United States and Abbas was ready for his family to join them.

The inclusion of therapeutic activities in a community gathering opens up the space for engaged conversations and meaningful connections. Wellness activities can range in their therapist potential. On April 31st, the Safety and Wellness Department partnered with the New York Public Library (NYPL) Tompkins’s Square branch on a workshop to build community and create art with individuals from Ukraine who had recently arrived in the United States. This was a meaningful activity for the Ukrainian community and one that the IRC in NY hopes to do again!  

Many refugees manage to meet the challenges of adjusting to life in the United States, but for some the trauma they experienced in the past and present become too much to bear. Mental health crisis can be the most pressing issue they face – and the most challenging to address. Fortunately, new refugees in Colorado who are experiencing serious mental health issues have access to the IRC’s Family Stabilization Program

When Vivien Jacob came to the United States as a refugee through the IRC in 1990, little did she know she would one day end up serving as the Director for the IRC's Turlock/Modesto office. The following interview by community engagement outreach intern Perry Fishel takes a look at Vivien's nearly 20-year legacy with the IRC.

Under current law, no person may be appointed as a deputy sheriff of any county or police officer of any city, village, or town unless that person is a citizen of the United States. This bill allows the sheriff of a county or the appointing authority of a local law enforcement agency to elect to authorize the appointment of aliens who are the subject of a notice of decision from the federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS) granting deferred action under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program and who are in receipt of a valid employment authorization from the DHS as deputy sheriffs or police officers. The bill also prevents the law enforcement standards board from preventing such an alien from participating in a law enforcement preparatory training program.

In the heart of Northern California—one of the most diverse parts of the United States—volunteers play a critical role helping newcomers welcomed by the IRC.