The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a non-profit humanitarian aid organization that was founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein and serves to aid refugees and asylees worldwide. Since its foundation, the IRC has expanded to over 40 countries and 23 U.S. cities. Each year, thousands of refugees are invited by the U.S. government to seek safety and freedom. Forced to flee conflict or persecution, many have survived for years against incredible odds. They step off the plane with next to nothing but their dignity, hope, and determination. The IRC provides opportunities for refugees to thrive in America by offering assistance with education, employment, citizenship services, as well as many other areas of service.
The Los Angeles office was founded in 1975 to help resettle the large number of Vietnamese refugees that were arriving on the West Coast. Today, the office is located in Glendale, California and serves refugees from all areas of the world. In particular, the LA office is well-known for its success and reputation in family reunification services for incoming clients. At the IRC, we work hard to assist the refugees and asylees that come through our office by providing them with case management services, referrals to benefits, and employment assistance. The impact we are able to make in the community and in the lives of refugees and asylees in Los Angeles is greatly dependent on the time and commitment dedicated by our volunteers. Because of this, the IRC is always looking for volunteers to help in a variety of ways, including:
• Mentoring families on their journey to adjust to a new life in the US.
• Working with IRC Case Workers to provide administrative and logistical support to staff and refugees.
• Aiding with English Language Services and tutoring for clients.
• Interning for one of the IRC’s specific departments in Citizenship Services, Immigration and Employment Services.
• Volunteering at any of IRC’s single-day community events.
• Acting as job mentors for clients to help them begin a job search and understand the nuances of the job application process.
For further information on the volunteer opportunities available, please email the volunteer coordinator intern at Brittany.aldredge@rescue.org. Lastly, although there are absolutely no language requirements to volunteer at the IRC, they are incredibly helpful and currently the IRC is in desperate need of any volunteers who speak Mandarin, Farsi or Arabic. We would love to have the support from your university and hope to hear from some of you soon! Please like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/IRCLA.
