Refugee Resettlement Update
This year, the majority of refugees being sent to the Chicago area are Iraqis who are are targets of religious persecution or persecution due to their assistance of U.S. efforts in their country. Additionally, we are resettling Burmese people who fled the military junta in Myanmar (site of Cyclone Nargis), and Bhutanese people who fled an ethnic "cleansing" initiative by the monarchy of their Himalayan homeland. Many of these people, particularly the Burmese and Bhutanese, have spent years in refugee camps.
Refugees sent to IRIM for resettlement by the U.S. State Department are provided a full range of services that help newcomers quickly integrate into American society. These include providing transitional housing and other basic needs, orientation to public transportation and American money, English training, vocational training, job placement, medical referrals, and help with filing all necessary government papers. IRIM has special programs for particularly vulnerable refugees such as youth, seniors, and women.
Learn more about IRIM's services
On average, it costs $5,000 - $8,000 to help a refugee become self-sufficient. To achieve this, IRIM needs the help of community groups, businesses, faith communities, and individuals who can provide financial support for a refugee family as they acquire the skills they need to succeed in the United States.
How your tax-deductible donation helps refugees in the Chicago area:
$5000 - $8000 provides for the first 3 months of a refugee family’s needs (apartment rent, groceries, personal items, etc.) as they work towards self-reliance
$1000 provides furniture and beds for a family of four to six people
$750 provides one month’s rent for a one-bedroom apartment
$500 provides household items for a family of four and groceries for two weeks
On May 8, 2009, Interfaith Refugee and Immigration Ministries (IRIM) gathered our community of supporters for our fourth annual fundraiser, “Celebration of Hope: Coming Together, Changing Lives.” The sold-out event at the Chicago Cultural Center featured a video presentation on IRIM’s work with refugees in the Chicago area; a silent auction; dinner; and entertainment by IRIM’s refugee youth program participants, kora player Morikeba Kouyate, and the Occidental Brothers African Jazz Quartet.
IRIM is pleased to announce that despite the current economic challenges, this year’s fundraiser earned an additional $85,000 for refugee services! Funds earned through this event support programs that help refugees become self-sufficient, contributing members of the Chicago area community: English Language training classes, job training and placement, computer classes, caseworker services, and more. We thank our supporters for their generosity!
Help us meet our overall event fundraising goal of $100,000! Join in with your contribution and provide opportunities for refugees to build new lives of safety, dignity, and self-reliance. Please donate here.
Thank you to our Honorary Chairs and Co-chairs of the event:
Richard M. Daley, Mayor, City of Chicago
Jan Schakowsky, U.S. Representative, 9th District of IL
Mary Ann Smith – Alderman, 48th Ward, Chicago
Helen Shiller – Alderman 46th Ward, Chicago
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Thank you to our Event Sponsors:
Bridgeview Bank Group
Episcopal Diocese of Chicago
Kriezelman Burton and Associates, LLC
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Thank you to the following businesses, organizations, and artists that provided in-kind donations for the event:
Eugenia Abramson
Allure Designs
American Theatre Company
Bess and Loie
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Bonneville Radio Group – WDRV 97.1 fm The Drive
Karen Carter
Chicago ATA Blackbelt Academy
The Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Bulls
Chicago Children’s Museum
The Chicago Cubs
Colorrific Coiffure
Lorin Klein Costolo
Criswell Design
Davis Imperial Cleaners
The Eli’s Cheesecake Company
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Enoteca Piattini
Equinox Fitness Clubs
Elisa Foshay
Fresh Farms
Fyusion Dining
Hazel Boutique
Andrea Hopkins
Howard Brown Health Center
Italian Village
The James Hotel
Mayu
Emily Murphy
Museum of Contemporary Art
Old Town School of Folk Music
Leslie Orenstein
Karen Patinkin
Robert Jillson Photography
Rohner Letterpress
Beth Rooney
Keiko Sakan
Sevan Gallery
Ross Shavel
The Shedd Aquarium
The Signature Room
Stawski Distributing
Whitehouse Post
Wilderness Hotel and Golf Resort
Wines for Humanity
Zanies Comedy Nite Club
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