Supporting Resettling Refugees

According to the UN Refugee Agency, 103 million people are currently forcibly displaced around the world. Seventy-two percent of them originate from just five countries. These people are forced to leave their homelands for various reasons, including war, ethnic or political violence, and religious or political persecution. When refugees are able to relocate, they often face new challenges, such as losing all their possessions and their close-knit communities for support. That’s why Integrated Project Management Company (IPM) chose to support resettling refugees for its most recent Integrated Project Mercy activities.

Los Angeles

IPM volunteers from the Los Angeles office supported Miry’s List. The nonprofit organization began as a way for neighbors and friends to welcome refugee families arriving in their communities. The charity provides necessary personal items needed to survive, thrive, and feel at home in a new place. IPM’s LA team packed 16 boxes of clothes, shoes, and household supplies for nine newly arrived families.

Boston

In Boston, IPMers partnered with the Los Angeles office to support Miry’s List as well. They wrote 50 welcome letters to include with the LA team’s supply boxes. They also made origami crafts with inspirational messages to lift the families’ spirits.

Chicago

A team from the Chicago office volunteered at a local World Relief warehouse. They cleaned refugee transport vehicles, sorted winter coats for families, and created “welcome home” kits filled with kitchen, bathroom, and cleaning supplies. Their efforts helped both World Relief—an international organization that empowers local churches to serve vulnerable communities—and the Ethiopian Community Association of Chicago—a Chicagoland nonprofit dedicated to serving educational, cultural, psychological, and socio-economic needs of Ethiopians living in the area. One IPMer personally donated a large collection of furniture for refugee homes.

Chicago IPMers also supported Building Peaceful Bridges, a nonprofit whose mission is to nurture multicultural relationships by assisting with the integration of refugees into American culture and society. Representatives from the organization spoke to IPMers during an internal meeting to share the life story of one of their refugees. IPMers provided an estimated 1,000 pieces of clothing for eight of the organization’s refugee families.

Minneapolis

In Minneapolis, IPMers donated to the International Institute of Minnesota to support the recent arrival of Ukrainian refugees. The International Institute of Minnesota helps refugees in in the state through several initiatives, including workforce development, education, citizenship, and resettling help.

New Jersey

Volunteers in New Jersey donated to One World, One Love. The volunteer-run nonprofit coordinates with local resettlement agencies to ensure that newly arrived refugees feel welcomed, safe, respected, and supported. The team’s contribution funded programs that aid both the short- and long-term needs of refugees granted entry to the United States.

San Francisco

A team from the San Francisco office led a Welcome Home event for a newly arrived refugee family. The event supported the International Rescue Committee, an organization that helps those affected by humanitarian crises. IPMers purchased, built, and unpacked beds, dressers, lamps, bedding, kitchenware, bathroom items, cleaning supplies, and other basic necessities. After a three-year journey to arrive safely in the United States, a refugee family from El Salvador has settled into their new home.

St. Louis

In St. Louis, a team collected supplies to create 75 first-aid kits for incoming refugee families. They also wrote letters to welcome families settling in the St. Louis area. They supported Welcome Neighbor STL, a nonprofit that connects refugee and immigrant families to people and opportunities that empower them to live their best lives in a new country.

IPM employees lead and participate in quarterly philanthropy efforts through our Integrated Project Mercy program. Visit our careers page to learn more about joining the IPM family.