In recognition of National Volunteer Week, beginning on April 17th, the IRC in Silver Spring shares the experience of our Community Engagement team’s Transform Mid-Atlantic AmeriCorps VISTA, Michalina Kulesza, who began her year of service with the IRC in July 2022.

The third annual Kite Flying Event, held at the picturesque New Roots Garden at Ellis Elementary, brought a wave of joy and unity to the IRC in Denver's refugee community.

How many people do you know with three names?  Probably none. Well, now you do…

Ethiopian refugee Tefere Gebre was just 15 years old when he arrived in the United States—starting over in a new world alone, without any family by his side. Over 30 years later, he is executive vice president of the AFL-CIO, the largest labor union in the world.

Tolassa Elemaa put his dream of being a world-class runner on hold when he became a refugee. But on Nov. 4 he completed the New York City Marathon.

On August 19, the Georgia House Study Committee on Innovative Ways to Maximize Global Talent convened for its first legislative meeting, commencing an important and exciting bipartisan initiative to maximize the economic contributions and workforce participation of our foreign-born neighbors here in Georgia.

Meet Ivan Gant, our first UHP/OIRS client. From Ukraine to Los Angeles, Ivan navigated uncertainty, language barriers, and cultural shifts to rebuild his life in a new country. Through it all, the IRC was there to provide guidance, resources, and real, transformative support. Today, Ivan is a professional actor, DJ, and event host—with big dreams of starring in leading roles and performing on major stages. His journey is a testament to resilience and determination, and urges everyone to keep moving forward. "Everything changes if you are ready to change your life."

Hear from Jamila, who has been participating in the Afghan Women’s group for almost two years now, and Asra and Usra, two Afghan sisters excited to continue their educational journeys in the United States!