On April 6th, the IRC, in partnership with Play-well TEKnologies and Peer to Peer, brought 155 students and family members to the University of Maryland for a morning of LEGO-inspired learning. This was the second time that IRC in Silver Spring has had the opportunity to team-up with Play-Well TEKnologies to host a community building event for recently resettled families. “The Play-Well team uses the universal language of fun! Participants ranged from babies to grandparents, all excited to explore a new place and imagine a future at UMD.

Domino’s has launched a new partnership with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) to help grow the IRC’s Housing Pilot Program, which will provide families with access to housing in Northern California.

The Sayid family arrived in early fall 2021 to NYC from the base that temporarily housed evacuating families from Afghanistan. As a family of five, they were focused on resettling as soon as possible. A new beginning for them meant finding a new apartment, setting up social benefits, and enrolling their two children in school. More important is the emotional process of resetting and finding comfort through a difficult transition.

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.

A record high of 110 million people have fled their homes in search of safety and stability. This is more than any other time since World War II.

In Arizona, the IRC is already working to resettle newly arrived refugees while preparing for increased arrivals in the months to come. So far this year, the IRC has resettled 46 refugees in Phoenix and 14 in Tucson. 22 more refugees are currently scheduled in Phoenix and 26 scheduled in Tucson. Additional refugee arrivals are expected to be scheduled as the year continues.

Under the current circumstances, it can be difficult to find a job that feels right. Fortunately, Fateme Seyedahad has found a job that she enjoys and where she can give back. She was assisted in her search by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Tucson Economic Empowerment Program.