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Ithaca Welcomes Refugees

Ithaca Welcomes Refugees walks alongside refugees and immigrants resettling in Tompkins County, New York. Whether finding a place to live, enrolling in English classes, or rebuilding community, we help newcomers navigate unfamiliar systems and environments, providing needed support.

Current Needs

Donate items for refugees who have arrived in our community
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Volunteer

Assist our refugee partners in their resettlement journeys
Join the volunteer team

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Jan, an Afghan Refugee, and Glen Robertson, an IWR volunteer, smile in front of the United States and Afghanistan flags

Featured Story

With Support from IWR Volunteers, an Afghan Refugee Navigates the Hills and Valleys of Resettlement in Ithaca

As I sat with Jan and IWR volunteer Glen Robertson, their comfort with one another suggested they’ve been friends for years. Yet the two were only introduced in January 2022, when Jan arrived in Ithaca as a refugee from Afghanistan.  

Read the full story

Latest Story

Meet IWR Board Member Pedro Molina
March 13, 2025
For an internationally acclaimed political cartoonist familiar with discomfort, Pedro Molina did not anticipate the physical shock of his first few days in Ithaca. He arrived from Nicaragua in the dead of winter, knowing very little about the area. Having been invited to teach a course at Ithaca College, Pedro perused photos online before his arrival. Unfortunately for his expectation-setting, all the photos he saw contained summer scenes. “Beyond the weather, I soon felt very welcome,” he says with a laugh.
Learn more

Current News

Under a new presidential administration

IWR Executive Director Casey Verderosa outlines the impact of executive orders issued in January 2025 on refugee resettlement and immigration.

Sanctuary City Apparel at Sunny Days Supports IWR

'Ithaca Is a Sanctuary City' T-shirts, totes and more are now on sale at Sunny Days of Ithaca on the Commons. Each one sold helps IWR families - check them out!

Global Roots Play School has openings!

IWR’s family centered international preschool for ages 18 months to 5 years in now enrolling. For details and to express interest, visit http://globalrootsplayschool.org/enroll

Key Sponsors

We are grateful to the following organizations currently supporting our programs through grants and sponsorships. 

City Federation of Women's Organizations
Community Foundation of Tompkins County
Legacy Foundation of Tompkins County
Social Service League of Ithaca
United Way of Tompkins County Impact Partner

Stay Connected

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