International Rescue Committee

I’m a volunteer with the IRC’s refugee resettlement program, and I love what they do.
Thousands of political refugees enter Dallas each year. They are hosted by a select few government-​approved refugee resettlement organizations. The IRC is one of these, and the best I’ve worked with. They meet the refugees, get them an apartment, give them introductory language and cultural orientation classes, help them find a job, and help administer the government subsidy they receive for the first few months.
This is where I come in. These refugees arrive to an entirely new and foreign situation. It’s absolutely insane how resourceless they are at first. They’re very determined and able to adapt, but it’s lonely and facing the bills is scary. I’m a volunteer mentor. They pair me with a newly arrived family and I meet with them weekly… to do whatever is needed. I’ve taught basic English, helped them read their mail, taken them to the doctor, thrown baby showers, helped them check out at Fiesta with their food stamp card… essentially just been their friend and walked with them through that crazy first year in the country.
It’s a privilege. I wish more people did this, because these refugees are the type of people America is built on. They are forced out of their home countries by war and persecution, they arrive in the US without anything, and they build a life for their children. If we help them, they become productive and helpful members of this society within a few years.
Here is the IRC’s worldwide description:
The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-​changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster.
At work today in over 40 countries and in 22 U.S. cities, the IRC restores safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.