Umniyah Aljandeel works to narrow the cultural gap with refugees in Dallas

Bob Marshall and Michael LaPointe of Biga Pizza have gone above and beyond to support new Americans in Missoula. In 2020, Biga Pizza began partnering with the IRC in Missoula to employ newly arrived refugees. Michael, with over twenty years of restaurant experience, has been instrumental in this initiative, recognizing the challenges refugees face and providing them with the support needed to adapt to a new culture and work environment. This commitment has not only benefited the employees but has also enriched the entire Missoula community, showcasing the profound impact of compassion and inclusivity in business.

The New York Times covers a Congolese refugee family resettled by the IRC in Oakland and their mentor family in Oakland, California.

Kimiya is a health access volunteer and joined the IRC in Salt Lake City in July. Since then, she has provided crucial support for families: from supporting access to health checkups to advocating on behalf of individuals during appointments.

The Nourish to Flourish Initiative works to provide stability for small business owners and restauranteurs while simultaneously addressing food insecurity in vulnerable communities disproportionately affected by the pandemic in Salt Lake County.

The fourth annual, Back to School Bash organized by First Presbyterian Church and Grace Presbyterian in collaboration with numerous community organizations will be held on Saturday, August 10 from 10am-3pm. The event provides refugee families with school aged children an opportunity to pick out backpacks and grade appropriate school supplies, as well as a community lunch.

The New Roots Program of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Tucson empowers refugees and other community members to grow their own food for their families and for the market. Many refugees have agrarian backgrounds, and the program allows them to employ their skills for the economic advancement of themselves and their families. 

This community partner spotlight features Cathy Burds, CEO of Colographic, who faced hiring challenges and turned to the IRC in Denver, hiring her first refugee employee, Marcos. Overcoming language barriers, she ensured his certification and integration. Cathy’s efforts inspired industry changes and increased awareness of refugee hiring practices in Colorado, demonstrating the power of collective efforts and inclusivity.