When Mukabera Uwamaria was 15 years old, she fled the Democratic Republic of the Congo. After five months on the run, she arrived at a refugee camp in Rwanda, where she lived for the next 20 years. There, she met her husband, Eugene, and had four children. The oldest of whom is Elysee Ishimwe. Today, the family has a home in Dallas, Texas. Elysee, now an 11 year old attending Sam Tasby Middle School, was recently the recipient of a $1,000 scholarship from his elementary school. He will be awarded the money upon high school education to go towards continuing education.

The City of Turlock aims to provide a warm welcome to new refugee arrivals. On Refugee Civics Day, refugee clients and interpreters of the IRC are invited to engage in conversation about the city's inner workings and practical skills like how to dial 9-1-1. Refugee families who have fled war and persecution are made to feel safe for the first time in many years are they arrive on U.S. soil. Refugees from Afghanistan and Syria participated in the activities at Turlock City Hall and reflected on how far they had come since their initial resettlement and what they hope to achieve with their new chance at life.

Prior to their arrival in Wichita, the IRC must set up a household that includes essential items for the arriving family. One way community members and organizations can contribute is to donate these goods which allows clients to to utilize limited resettlement funds on pressing needs such as rent and utilities as they work towards self-sufficiency.

New skillsets help refugees start a career and provide for their families. Abilene businesses can inquire about hiring refugees.