Threatened by gangs in El Salvador, Valentina escaped danger by resettling to the United States. She tells her powerful story so others, like her, might have a chance at safety and freedom.

Originally from Burundi, Vital was one of thousands of Burundians forced to flee in 1972. At 19 years old, he lived in a temporary center that hosted refugees in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, formerly known as Zaire. He spent ten years in the DRC and continued his education despite the challenging circumstances.

A cohort of digital tutors have joined to help bridge the digital divide that faces newcomers.

Twenty Airbnb volunteers learned about the plight and resilience of refugees, and how the IRC and New Roots support them to build a new home in the United States.

​While the plight of war refugees is in the news, and deservedly so, the struggle of refugee families from Eritrea is not often in the headlines.  Located in Northern Africa, Eritrea is led by an oppressive regime, with few rights for its people.  Thousands flee each month in search of survival and a better life. Over the last seven years, the International Rescue Committee in Silver Spring has resettled hundreds of Eritrean refugees. Because Eritrean refugees are at risk if they are identified, the subject of our story – who we will call “H” – did not want to be named. This is her story.

The IRC’s Direct Service Team works closely with clients when they arrive in Wichita and provide clients with case management, extended case management and employment services. We wanted to give you a chance to meet our team and learn a little more about them.

Zubaidah, an Iraqi refugee, chose to support her community during the pandemic.