Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants

Right now, many in the immigrant and refugee community are facing unimaginable challenges, and while we cannot control these circumstances, we can ensure they are met with warmth, nourishment, and kindness. At CIRI, we are dedicated to supporting those rebuilding their lives, and this winter, that means ensuring everyone has access to food and warm clothing. How You Can Help: 🛒 Non-Perishable Food Drive – No one should have to worry about their next meal. We’re collecting canned goods, rice, pasta, cereal, cooking oil, peanut butter, and other shelf-stable essentials to help families stay nourished. 🧥 Winter Clothing Drive – Many of our clients are experiencing their first Connecticut winter and need help staying warm. We’re collecting new hats, gloves, socks, and gently used winter coats to ensure no one is left in the cold.  Ways to Donate: -Drop off donations at our office: 670 Clinton Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06605 - Shop our Amazon Wish List and have items sent directly to us: Food: https://lnkd.in/g4VYCvtm Clothing: https://lnkd.in/gyjCNBrW This is a difficult time, but community is about showing up for one another when it matters most. Thank you for standing with us and the families we serve. Your kindness truly makes a difference.

Coco has a special talent for knowing when it’s time to take a break. At CIRI, we’re committed to supporting our clients, and we know that doing meaningful work also requires moments of reflection and rest. As we head into the weekend, we’re taking Coco’s lead and recharging for the important days ahead. Wishing you all a happy Spring, and a wonderful weekend! 🌷🐾

Last night, CIRI had the privilege of joining the Bridgeport Regional Business Council at Housatonic Community College for The Road to Resettlement: Understanding the Refugee Experience. Our event provided an opportunity to share the realities of resettlement—the challenges, resilience, and support that shape the journey of starting over. A major thank you to the Bridgeport Regional Business Council (BRBC) Leadership & Development Network for their partnership, and to everyone who took the time to engage in this meaningful conversation. Events like this highlight both the urgent needs of those we serve, and the power of collective action in creating a more welcoming and supportive community. If CIRI’s mission and the work we do resonate with you, we invite you to stand with us. Every contribution is a step toward something greater—helping someone secure a job, reunite with family, or finally feel safe. What seems small in the moment can be the foundation for an entirely new beginning. You can donate by visiting our website: https://cirict.org/donate/ Thank you for your support. 🤝

Join CIRI and Bridgeport Regional Business Council (BRBC) at Housatonic Community College this Thursday, March 13th, from 6:00–7:00 PM for The Road to Resettlement: Understanding the Refugee Experience. This discussion will explore the realities of resettlement—the challenges, resilience, and support that shape the journey of starting over. 📍 Event Center, 2nd Floor, Beacon Hall, Room 214 Be part of the conversation and learn how our community can make a difference. We hope to see you there!

Today, CIRI had the honor of hosting Governor Ned Lamont at our Clinton office as he signed Bill 7066 into law, strengthening support for immigrants, refugees, and survivors across Connecticut. This legislation includes $62,500 in funding for CIRI, ensuring we can continue delivering critical legal services, case management, and economic empowerment programs to those seeking safety and stability. This investment also supports IRIS: Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services and JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES OF GREENWICH, emphasizing the essential role of community organizations in helping individuals and families navigate the challenges of resettlement. By funding organizations like CIRI, this bill expands access to vital resources and creates more opportunities for long-term success. We are grateful to Governor Lamont, our state representatives (Kate C. Farrar and Jennifer Leeper) and all who advocated for this work. Your support strengthens our ability to serve those in need, ensuring they have the resources to rebuild and thrive. Today was a milestone for CIRI, reaffirming our commitment to dignity, opportunity, and inclusion for all who call Connecticut home.

Today, on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible women who make CIRI what it is—our staff, clients, volunteers, and supporters who bring strength, compassion, and determination to everything they do. This week, we had the joy of celebrating one of our own, Rose, as she prepares to welcome a baby girl into the world. It was a beautiful reminder that the future is bright, shaped by the powerful women of today and the generations to come. The women of CIRI create change in countless ways—mothers building new beginnings, advocates championing justice, and leaders strengthening their communities. Their impact is felt every day, and today, we celebrate them all. To the women of CIRI and beyond: thank you for your strength, your kindness, and your commitment to creating a better world. You inspire us. ✨💪🩷

In these fast-changing times, federal policy changes are impacting our ability to serve those who need us most. But our mission stands firm: to protect immigrants, refugees, unaccompanied children, and survivors of trafficking. Your support is more critical than ever. Thanks to years of strategic planning, CIRI’s financial health is strong, and we have successfully diversified our funding sources. However, as public resources become more restricted, private philanthropy must play an even greater role in sustaining our vital programs. Your donation will have a direct impact on the clients we serve. Funds raised will allow us to stay nimble and responsive to these uncertain times, ensuring that we continue to provide essential services to those at greatest risk. Please consider making a gift today. Together, we can continue to be a lifeline for those who need us most. Thank you for standing with us. Your generosity embodies our belief that together we thrive. To give a gift, please visit our website under “Donate.”

Mark your calendars—we’re bringing the funk, soul, and good vibes to Park City Music Hall with live music from Band Central for a night you won’t want to miss! Join us for Rhythms of Resilience, our 7th Annual Benefit Concert, as we come together to celebrate community and support refugees, immigrants, and survivors in Connecticut. CIRI's 7th Annual Benefit Concert Date: April 10, 2025 Location: Park City Music Hall Doors: 6:30 PM | Show: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Featuring Band Central Tickets: $100 An email is required to access the ticket purchase page. For more information or to secure your sponsorship, please contact Krista Johnson at kjohnson@cirict.org. To purchase tickets, please visit our website at https://lnkd.in/eZwdSyJy We can't wait to see you there! 🎶✨🎤🎵🎟️💃

Make an Impact: Intern with CIRI! Interns play a vital role in advancing CIRI’s mission, contributing their time and skills to support refugees, immigrants, asylees, and survivors of human trafficking. Through hands-on experience, interns develop valuable skills while actively contributing to essential services like employment support, legal assistance, refugee resettlement, and youth programs. Explore our available internships on our website, https://lnkd.in/dJXzMvE, and take the next step in making a lasting impact. 🤝

📢 Happening Tomorrow! Join CIRI and Bridgeport Regional Business Council (BRBC) for The Road to Resettlement: Understanding the Immigrant Experience—a meaningful discussion on the journey of resettlement, the strength it takes to rebuild, and how our community can provide support. We hope to see you there!