Former International Rescue Committee (IRC) client Patrick Karera -- a Congolese refugee who fled violence in his home country and overcame extensive health complications -- graduated from high school this spring. IRC staff were present to cheer him on.

“This work has put it all in perspective for me. What I once only read about or heard about in the news, now has a face to it. The struggle refugees and immigrants go through, how much they want to contribute to their new country – they just want a normal life. A safe life.”

This National Volunteer Week meet some of our long-term volunteers who help the IRC in Dallas.

The Human-trafficking Outreach, Prevention and Education (HOPE) Program provides comprehensive services to survivors of human trafficking, as well as training and outreach to increase awareness and identification of survivors.

Growing up in Afghanistan, Fatima was taken out of school at a young age and never learned to write her name. After she and her family left their war-torn country to come to Turlock in 2018, she enrolled earlier this year in IRC's Afghan Path to Wellness course. Now, after finishing the course, Fatima can write her name and has obtained her learner's permit.

Since January 2018 the IRC in Dallas has been on a journey to create a space for refugee youth to share their thoughts, experiences, and interests.

Refugees and new American farmers participating in New Roots work hard through the summer growing season to support their families and provide fresh produce at an affordable rate for the communities they live in.

After fleeing persecution in his home country, one political asylee explains how the IRC's Financial Capability program has helped him gain the financial knowledge he needs to not only survive, but thrive, in his new community.