International Rescue Committee Spokane

This the face of a client whose family’s green cards just arrived in the mail. #RefugeesWelcome

Our Economic Wellbeinging Team works hard every day helping refugees and forced migrants obtain employment. Whether it’s their first job or career re-entry, rhey work alongside our clients to create resumes, apply for jobs, complete practice interviews, and participate in job readiness training and skill building workshops. It’s always rewarding to see those efforts pay off when a client gets hired, and last month was no exception! We’re celebrating that 24 of our clients were hired and have begun working over the last few weeks. We want to give a shoutout to these employers, Davenport Hotels, Xanitos, JK Boots, Northern Quest Resort & Casino, European Delicatessen, Walmart Spokane, Greater Spokane League, Spokane Produce, and Green Gable Children’s Learning Center, for recognizing the exceptional skills our clients bring and for giving them this opportunity on the path to self-sufficiency.

“Humanitarian aid is food. Humanitarian aid is clean water. Humanitarian aid is medicine. Above all, humanitarian aid is transformative—and life-saving. These are just a few examples of the impacts when governments like the United States make cuts to humanitarian aid. The full and long-term effect has yet to be seen, and will likely be much more devastating. That’s why we at the IRC urge world leaders not to turn their backs on vulnerable people around the world and commit to investing in these critical programs.”

"It is important for women to know that they have a place; They have a voice, and their voice matters. This is an environment where they can get that voice strengthened." Thank you to KHQ Local News for covering our International Women's Day event and showcasing the courage, resilience, and strength of refugee and immigrant women in Spokane and the impact they have on our community.

“To celebrate the bravery that it took for each of these women to leave home and the strength that all women hold is a special thing.” Thank you 4 News Now for highlighting our International Women’s Day event, and for sharing the inspiring stories of refugee and immigrant women in our community whose talents, cultures, and experiences make Spokane a more diverse and beautiful place!

Happy International Women’s Day to all of the incredible women around the globe and in our very own community whose resilience, triumphs, and accomplishments shine bright and make our world a better place! We gathered today at the Spokane Public Library with over 250 women, children, and partners for our 3rd annual International Women’s Day event! It was a beautiful day honoring women and girls who inspire us by demonstrating love and leadership in the choices they make in their day to day lives, and the impact they have on their families, friends, colleagues, and communities. It was a fun, full day with 25 partner organizations sharing community resources, delicious treats from Feast World Kitchen, henna, flower crown making, crafts and activities for children, and a donation room where women could shop for free for brand new items, including toys, baby supplies, and thousands of dollars worth of makeup and self-care items from Project Beauty Share. We ended the afternoon with a Mayoral Proclamation to commemorate the day and a beautiful presentation by talented women from the refugee and immigrant community, including Council Member Navarrete, who shared their inspiring stories and perspectives. We want to give a huge thank you to everyone who made this celebration possible, especially to our generous sponsors Community Health Plan of Washington, Better Health Together and Providence Inland Northwest. We also want to give a heartfelt thanks to all of the IRC volunteers and partners who showed up to support this event and celebrate the contributions of women from all backgrounds! #InternationalWomensDay #RefugeesWelcome #WeAllBelong

Our Immigration team has been working around the clock to provide legal support for naturalization, adjustments of status, employment authorization, and Temporary Protected Status. In the midst of all of the applications and deadlines, they hosted a workshop for Ukrainian parolees on immigration policy changes that have potentially serious implications for them. This session included a review of some of the rights granted by our constitution to everyone in the United States. We are here for our clients every step of the way to help navigate, educate, stabilize, and rebuild as they begin a new chapter of their lives in Spokane.

Our International Women’s Day event is just around the corner, and we couldn’t be more excited! It’s more important than ever to celebrate and highlight the voices, perspectives, and accomplishments of women from the refugee and immigrant communities, and we hope to see you there! Join us for free food, giveaways, and activities for women and children. Learn about programs and resources from organizations in the community, and hear from inspiring women. We hope to see you there!

Across the world, Muslims will fast from dawn to sunset with a special focus on reflection, prayer, community, charitable giving, and time with loved ones. Ramadan Mubarek, wishing health and happiness to all who observe!

“In the face of considerable uncertainty, IRC staff across 29 U.S. offices have continued to serve refugee clients with professionalism and grace. Through community support, local government engagement, and private sector partners, IRC will find ways to continue this critical work to serve refugee families. “Furthermore, the U.S. government should urgently restore the longstanding and effective programs and partnerships that have protected refugees for decades and re-affirm America’s commitment and leadership in ensuring people fleeing persecution can reach safety.”