IRIS: Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services

IRIS: Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services is a nonprofit organization that serves refugee and immigrant communities throughout CT. Based in New Haven and Hartford, they offer numerous volunteer and internship opportunities. Help their clients by volunteering in our Education, Employment, Health, or Resettlement programs. They are also hosting their annual 5K Race: Run for Refugees! They are actively seeking volunteers to assist with the production of this event that will take place on the morning of February 9th, 2025. Without the participation of the community, are not be able to provide the services and support to refugee and immigrant families. Submit an application today! Learn More: https://hubs.li/Q02ZzNWk0

IRIS is proud to be a part of the consortium of partners supporting Americans nationally who are welcoming refugees into their communities. Join us!

As part of our #ThanksgivingSeries, we would like to highlight Omar Yacoub who manages our Youth Education Program here at IRIS. IRIS' Youth Education Program ensures that children of refugees and immigrants can smoothly transition into their new environment during their most critical years. Through our program, each child is enrolled in school immediately, equipped with the necessary supplies, and supported both emotionally and academically - ensuring a strong foundation from which they can make the best of future opportunities. Listen to Omar share his refugee story and the unique perspective and years of experience he brings to the clients that we serve. #ThanksgivingVideoSeries #YouthEducation #Refugee #NationofWelcome

As Thanksgiving approaches, IRIS is proud to shine a spotlight on the incredible contributions of some of our vital staff members — many of whom are immigrants themselves — through our Thanksgiving Video Series. This meaningful project was made possible thanks to the generosity of rob feakins, who volunteered his time and talent to bring these inspiring stories to life. Through this series, we express our deepest gratitude to all our staff members. Their unwavering support, passion, and dedication make it possible for IRIS to fulfill its mission of making Connecticut a welcoming home for those seeking refuge. We invite you to celebrate their remarkable journeys and contributions with us during this season of giving. In our first video, meet IRIS' Health Coordinator, Shafiullah Faizee, as he shares his dedication to IRIS' mission and the reasons behind his decision to join IRIS after immigrating to the United States. #NationOfWelcome #Refugees #Immigrants #ThanksgivingVideoSeries #Connecticut #NewHaven

Your compassion for our mission is so clearly evident in how your camera captures each person and reflects their unique perspectives. Thank you. 💜🙏

On Monday, November 16, 2024, supporters gathered on the steps of the Connecticut State Capitol in Hartford to reaffirm Connecticut’s commitment to being a welcoming state for immigrants. Advocates, leaders, and community members united to send a clear message: Connecticut stands for inclusion and justice. IRIS proudly participated in this important event, with our own Addie Dickens, IRIS Removal Defense Attorney, leading the legal subcommittee of the statewide initiative that organized this impactful press conference. Alongside other CT leaders and advocates, we called on state officials to strengthen the Trust Act and the Family Preparedness Plan to safeguard immigrant families, especially in light of the incoming administration’s plans for sweeping deportation measures. Pictured are advocates Maggie Mitchell Salem, Ana Cardenas, Massita Fadiga, Azad Mousou, and Bob Gribbon (with Azad, Ana, and Massita standing alongside New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker). Together, we are committed to ensuring that Connecticut remains a place where immigrant families feel safe, supported, and welcomed. #WelcomingCT #ImmigrantRights #TrustAct #IRIS #CommunityMatters Read more about the event here: https://lnkd.in/ebGDr2w8 Cover Photo: Aaron Flaum/Hartford Courant

📣 PRESS CONFERENCE ALERT MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, we unite with CT leaders and advocates to reaffirm our commitment to being a welcoming state for immigrants. JOIN US 💜 📆 When: Monday, Nov. 18, 11:30 a.m. 📍 Where: Connecticut State Capitol, 210 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT 06106 With the incoming Trump administration’s plans for extensive deportation measures, immigration advocates are urging state officials to strengthen the Trust Act and the Family Preparedness Plan, ensuring the safety and security of our communities. #CTforImmigrants #StandWithImmigrants #ProtectOurCommunities #UnityInAction

Our Education & Employment Team will be attending (and hosting a booth) at a statewide networking event called "The Big Connect" in New Haven! Our employment team will be at our booth to discuss our skilled, job-seeking clients and the valuable contributions that they can make to your organizations! Register for the event, hosted by the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce, and stop by our booth. We hope to see you there! (Register Here: https://lnkd.in/e6iezHQg)

Today we honor all who served in the U.S. military and those allies who supported them abroad. 🇺🇸 In the last 20 years, this includes Iraqis and Afghans who saved lives and often lost their own. Among our troops are many immigrants whose service has made all the difference. Thank you. 💜 #veteransday #honor #service #immigrants #Afghanistan #Iraq

On a day like today, these photos of 1st time and more “seasoned” #ElectionDay2024 voters may bring a smile. From Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Syria, Côte d’Ivoire, and (originally) Europe. After all, we ARE a nation of immigrants. We will continue to make newcomers feel welcome for as long as we can. 🗽It’s what’s right — and what makes America so beautiful. 🇺🇸 #immigration #refugees