International Rescue Committee in Missoula

IRC’s Community Night at Cambie Taphouse + Coffee has been rescheduled, and you’re all invited! Please join us next Thursday September 12th at Cambie between 5pm and 8pm to support the IRC in Missoula and kick off !

Welcoming Week (September 13 - 22) is a national initiative that brings together neighbors of all backgrounds and celebrates the growing movement of communities that fully embrace newcomers and their contributions.

$1 from every drink sold, including non-alcoholic drinks, will be donated to support the IRC in Missoula to support new Americans. Bring your friends and family, we hope to see you there!

Meet Ibrahim (pictured) and Sondos👋, two of the newest graduates of the IRC in Missoula’s Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL) program.

Earlier this summer, the IRC in Missoula launched VESL, a new and innovative program designed to prepare English Language Learners to pursue their career goals through an intensive and bi-lingual language class format. Spanning 8 weeks, the first VESL cohort of 10 individuals focused on career readiness topics and explored various vocations all while building skills and confidence in English language proficiency. Read the full article on our website to learn about Ibramhim’s and Sondos’ experiences in the program: https://www.rescue.org/announcement/irc-missoulas-inaugural-vesl-cohort-completes-program

We’d also like to give a shoutout to Seedlings 4 Solidarity , Montana Ace Hardware , and Home ReSource for their generous in-kind contributions that further enriched the vocational and experiential learning components of the program.

If you or someone you know is interested in joining a future VESL cohort, please fill out an interest form: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=jDHxBYNnJkO3Kb9TenYduIoukie8nk5AlCukR7IzpbZURUhZNzM5UlRCUTlMUksxR0lIN0ozUVA2MC4u

Exciting opportunity alert! This fall, the The Lifelong Learning Center (LLC) is offering an introductory language course in Swahili, taught by our very own Paul Mwingwa! Karibu means “welcome” in Swahili, and Paul would like to welcome all to this upcoming class.

Last fiscal year, nearly 1/3 of the individuals that were resettled by the IRC in Missoula were from the Democratic Republic of Congo, the official language of which is Swahili. Missoula has a vibrant and growing Congolese community, which means there’s no better time to learn! Spots are limited, so be sure to sign up ASAP. Visit LLC’s website to register or call 549-8765!

Hey Missoula, what a crazy storm we had last night! Our wonderful hosts at are currently without power with no telling when it will be restored. We have decided to postpone our community pint night fundraiser that was scheduled for this evening. We will reschedule soon!

We hope everyone is safe and our hearts go out to all those who were impacted by the storm.

Beat the heat and join us for a community pint night at ! For each drink purchased, including non-alcoholic drinks, $1 will be donated to the IRC in Missoula to support new Americans! Bring your friends and family - we hope to see you there!

Bob Marshall and Michael LaPointe of B**a Pizza have gone above and beyond to support new Americans in Missoula. In 2020, B**a Pizza began partnering with the IRC in Missoula to employ newly arrived refugees. Michael, with over twenty years of restaurant experience, has been instrumental in this initiative, recognizing the challenges refugees face and providing them with the support needed to adapt to a new culture and work environment. This commitment has not only benefited the employees but has also enriched the entire Missoula community, showcasing the profound impact of compassion and inclusivity in business.

Read Michael's story at https://www.rescue.org/announcement/biga-pizzas-recipe-success-supporting-new-americans

Last week, we gathered at Imagine Nation Brewing for ! We shared food & drinks, had great conversations, and joined together in advocating for robust funding for refugee resettlement, and humane immigration policies.

World Refugee Day provides a wonderful opportunity to uplift refugees and celebrate the contributions new Americans make in our community. However, it is also an important time to make our voices heard and ensure that our legislators understand the value and benefit of continued refugee resettlement and creating a culture of welcoming.

Thank you to all who joined us to .

Over the last fiscal year, the International Rescue Committee in Missoula celebrated triumphs, faced challenges, and continued to welcome new Americans to Missoula.
For the first time, we invite you to read our FY23 Annual Report to learn more about the impact the IRC in Missoula strives to make in our community!

You can read the annual report at the link in our bio or by visiting rescue.org/missoula

Curious about the global impact of the International Rescue Committee? View the 2023 global report at https://tinyurl.com/ircglobalreport (link also in bio!)

120 Million displaced. This World Refugee Day, join the IRC Missoula in advocating for policies that treat refugees and migrants less like numbers... and more like people.

We'll be at Imagine Nation Brewing tonight from 5:30 -7:30 pm! Come by to learn how you can support refugees in Missoula and write an advocacy post card to our legislators.

Every number has a story | World Refugee Day 2024 In a year when refugees are being cast as a crisis, it is more important than ever to remember the people behind the numbers. Each one has a unique story to ...

Everyone has a story. At the IRC in Missoula, we strive to look behind the numbers and recognize the stories of each individual we serve. In our work, respect for the humanity of all refugees and immigrants drives everything that we do.

This , we invite you to join us as we look behind the numbers and uplift and celebrate the over 700 refugees who have arrived in Missoula since 2016. 700+ new neighbors, colleagues, teachers, students, and friends.

Tonight, at 5:30pm, join the IRC in Missoula at Imagine Nation Brewing to advocate to continued resettlement services through post cards to your legislators, button making and more! Plus, $1 of every drink sold goes directly to the IRC. We'll also have small bites and treats to share. We hope to see you there!

Don't (orange) chicken out! Get your Panda Express fix this Friday and 20% of your order will go directly to support Economic Empowerment programs at the IRC in Missoula.
Order online in the Panda Express App or in-person all day! BUT be sure to use our code or show the digital flyer (next slide) to ensure your order is counted towards the fundraiser.

Thanks for supporting the IRC in Missoula🥠🥡

Join the IRC in Missoula at Imagine Nation Brewing on World Refugee Day this Thursday.

Recent UNHCR data revealed that over 120 million individuals have been forcibly displaced. Together, we will advocate that our elected officials pursue policies that treat refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants less like numbers- and more like people.

It is vital that the U.S. robustly invest in the refugee resettlement program to meet global demands and to ensure that new Americans and the communities and organizations that welcome them can thrive.

and join us on 6/20. We hope to see you there!

Is homeownership a goal for you and your family? Join the IRC in Missoula and Horizon Credit Union for a workshop on the home buying process!

This class is limited to 15 participants, so please RSVP with Sandy if you plan to attend.

Over 110 Million individuals are currently living in displacement, worldwide. Nobody wants to be just a number—one among millions. This World Refugee Day, join the IRC in Missoula at Imagine Nation Brewing to look behind the numbers and advocate for the millions of individuals experiencing displacement, who bring hope and resilience to our communities. We'll be sharing information about our work in refugee resettlement, writing advocacy post cards to our legislators, and making buttons! Plus, $1 of every drink sold will be donated to the IRC in Missoula!

We hope you'll join us in standing with refugees this June 20th!

"Throughout the months I've worked at the International Rescue Committee, I've learned language is not the key to forming bonds and trust. A smile can communicate more gratitude and happiness than a shared language." -Renna Al-Haj, BSW Practicum Student
The IRC in Missoula is proud to regularly collaborate with the University of Montana School of Social Work to provide practicum opportunities for social work students at the Bachelor's and Master's level. This year, we've been lucky to work alongside 3 students who've made great contributions to our organization, Virginia and Whitney (pictured) and Renna.

Whitney (MSW) and Renna (BSW), took a moment to reflect on their experience working with new Americans and the IRC. You can read their reflections at https://www.rescue.org/announcement/learning-through-service-social-work-practicum-students-making-difference

Our VITA program ended almost one month ago and we're proud to have offered this service to our community. Our staff and VITA volunteers saved taxpayers nearly $300,000 this year 🤑 ..
Interested in serving Missoula through the VITA program next spring? Email [email protected] for more information!

📣 The International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Missoula is looking for compassionate, dedicated individuals to join our team and help serve new Americans in Montana
If you're passionate about making a difference in your community, we want to hear from you!

👉 To apply, visit: www.rescue.org/careers and search for "Missoula, MT."

Make an impact this summer as a Child Care Intern with the IRC in Missoula! This paid opportunity would be great for any student looking to gain hands-on experience in childcare, or working with diverse populations.

🤩Apply today by emailing a cover letter and resume to [email protected]

Looking for a way to support refugee youth and families this summer? You can help youth attending full-time summer day camps by participating in our Summer Camp Kit Drive with the Missoula Organization of REALTORS!

The donation drives end this Friday! Read more below:

Donations sought to help refugees in Missoula with summer camp kits Getting supplies together to send their kids to camp can be difficult for some families.

On Friday, IRC staff gathered for a cooking class led by our favorite colleague and chef-in-residence, Zina! 🥘👩🏽‍🍳Zina is always surprising us with her many talents and we were so lucky to have the opportunity to learn from her.

Zina taught us how to make a few typical south Asian and Middle Eastern dishes: biryani and sambusa. Then she surprised us with Dolmas! Swipe for the big reveal 🤩

It's not too late!

You still have 2 hours to join in the giving and make a donation to the IRC in Missoula during !

Visit www.missoulagives.org or the link in our bio before 7:00pm MST TODAY!

Thank you to everyone who has given so far and made this a success🤩

Are you ready to make an impact? You still have time to and make a donation to the IRC in Missoula during !

Give today at the link in our bio or visit www.missoulagives.org! 📣Giving ends TODAY at 7pm MST

Today is the day! It's time for with the Missoula Community Foundation!

Consider making an impact this year with the IRC in Missoula. Funds raised will be used to ensure that refugee youth can attend full-time summer camp 🌲☀️⚽️🏊‍♀️

and by supporting the IRC in Missoula! You can give at the link in our bio or by visiting www.missoulagives.org and searching for the IRC.

Today for , we're highlighting our volunteer John!

John has volunteered with the IRC since the beginning, providing crucial support to the housing team. John assists with picking up donated furniture and delivery during moves and housing set-ups. We can always count on him and his truck!

John says that he is "driven by a great amount of sympathy for people throughout the world, especially in the Middle East and Africa who experience unimaginable difficulties and oppression and who seek to have better lives for themselves and their families."

Thank you, John, for all you do turning houses into homes for arriving families and ensuring everyone feels welcomed, safe, and comfortable here in Missoula!

Want to join John and ? Email [email protected] to learn more about volunteer opportunities at the IRC in Missoula!

It’s and the IRC in Missoula is proud to have an incredible team of volunteers who to support our housing, employment, health, and casework programs!

Today, we’re highlighting our volunteer, Vanessa. Vanessa supports the employment team with program logistics and training facilitation. She also served as a VITA volunteer this Spring, "helping new Americans navigate the complex system of filing their US taxes for the first time." Vanessa says that "volunteering with the IRC connected my interest in community development work with my broader curiosity about the world, and I'm learning how the IRC staff skillfully navigate the art of working with communities to facilitate positive change at the grassroots level."

Thanks for being part of the change Vanessa! We appreciate all that you do!

Missoula Gives is right around the corner! Looking for a way to make a lasting impact on refugee youth this summer? Consider donating to the IRC in Missoula. Funds raised will be used to ensure refugee youth can attend full-time summer camps.

Keep an eye out for more information in the giving guide in the Missoulian on April 27th and visit our giving profile at https://www.missoulagives.org/organizations/international-rescue-committee-in-missoula to learn more!

📣Calling all University of Montana Students!
Looking for a way to make an impact, while gaining hands-on experience with an internationally recognized non-profit? Interested in learning more about refugee resettlement, social services, or a career in non-profits?

Intern with the IRC in Missoula!

Join us for our internship open house on May 1st, to visit our office, meet our staff, and learn more about what an internship with the IRC can look like for you! We hope to see you there 🤩

April is and we're so grateful to be partnering with to offer 50 free subscriptions to participants of the IRC in Missoula's financial capabilities program!

Access to YNAB will be helpful to many New Americans who are setting their financial goals and striving to invest in their families and their futures🥳 Thanks YNAB!

Cheers to a wonderful night at for our Toast the Town fundraiser!

Thank you to everyone who came out to chat, learn, celebrate, and make buttons with us 💛