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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
See what's on the list

Volunteer

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

Donate

Make a gift to support IWR's programs
Make a donation

Featured Story

A Poetry of Care: How Khadija is Healing and Creating

For Khadija, poetry is a means of transforming pain into beauty. Resettling in Ithaca after fleeing the Taliban, she tells us her story.

Read the full story

Latest Story

2026 IWR Summer Picnic Recap
June 24, 2026
On Saturday, June 13, Ithaca Welcome Refugees hosted our annual Community Picnic at the Large Pavilion in Stewart Park. It was a beautiful day, with the sun out, fluffy clouds against a blue sky, and a cool breeze flowing through the pavilion. Cornell Cooperative Extension had set up a craft table in front of the pavilion, laid out with bubbles, chalk, and hand puppets. A handful of kids kicked a soccer ball back and forth, fitting with the 2026 FIFA World Cup commencing just two days before. Others played hide-and-seek and bounced a beach ball around on a blanket. Inside,…
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Current News

Bead Sale to Benefit IWR on Saturday July 11

Hundreds of beautiful beads to choose from: art glass, ceramic, clay, enamel, freshwater pearl, glass, heishi, hippy, novelty, pony beads, seed, shell, semi precious and wood beads. All proceeds to benefit IWR. July 11 9am-3pm at 714 N. Cayuga St.

World Cup Watch Parties Across Ithaca in Support of IWR - 6/11-7/19

From June 11 to July 19 join World Cup Watch Parties at participating locations across Ithaca (Personal Best Brewing, Bike Bar Ithaca, State Eatery, and Bookies Sports Bar and Lounge) - enjoy the game, and look for details on how to donate to IWR during the match!

Follow us on Instagram @ithaca_welcomes_refguees - for weekly schedule posts!

Requesting Gently Worn Jewelry for Fall Fundraiser

To organize, drop off or pickup of donated jewelry, please call Debbie at 607 279-7174 (Dpbenzer@twcny.rr.com) or Yvonne 607-592-2799. The Fall Jewelry Sale date will be announced in late summer.

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

Stay Connected

Subscribe to IWR’s newsletter to keep up to date on our activities and learn about opportunities to help. 

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