Since opening in 1979, the IRC’s locally funded office in Atlanta has welcomed close to 30,000 refugees from over 65 countries to resettle in communities across Georgia. A committed staff of more than 150 professionals—many of whom were refugees themselves—work together with community supporters to assist families in rebuilding their lives. In this video, some of them share their stories.

Bothina Matar, who fled the war in Syria in 2015, describes the situation her family is facing and her message to the president-elect: “I hope he will keep his promises.”

Christelle, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, is an aspiring actress and model, a college student, and a resettlement assistant at the IRC, helping other refugees start their new lives. She is also a cherished friend to some of the first people who welcomed her to Boise, including Janna Brown, 29, and Charlee Andree, 16.

The International Rescue Committee has partnered with World Central Kitchen, founded by Chef José Andrés, to provide food for communities in New York City hit hard by the coronavirus.