International Rescue Committee: Nonprofit Partner of Denver Fashion Week

Denver Fashion Week (DFW) It’s not just a showcase of the city’s creativity and style; a vibrant gathering where fashion meets community, culture and purpose. This season, which will start with the highly anticipated Sustainable show on Saturday, November 9, will not be an exception. As designers, models and vendors prepare for the event, Denver’s diverse community is also preparing to come together to support a deeper purpose.

Get Your Denver Fashion Week Tickets Here.

This season, DFW is partnering with: International Rescue Committee (IRC) As a 2024 Nonprofit Partner. IRC is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides support to refugees, individuals seeking asylum, victims of human trafficking, victims of torture, and other immigrants to help them build successful lives in America. By doing so, they help bring health, security, education, economic prosperity and empowerment to people devastated by conflict and disaster.

International Rescue Committee Supports Individuals and Communities Similarly

Every year, thousands of people forced to flee violence and persecution find safety and freedom thanks to the generosity of the American people. Their mission is to help individuals and families survive, regain control of their future, and strengthen their communities. To provide support and security resources, IRC collaborates with government agencies and community organizations in Denver, more than 29 U.S. cities, and more than 50 countries worldwide.

Economic Empowerment Manager at IRC Homayoon Miladhe has seen firsthand how the organization can impact individual lives and communities as a whole. A former customer of the organization, now he pays it forward by empowering others to regain their quality of life.

“The IRC in Denver has made a significant impact by providing essential services to Special Immigrant Visa holders, Refugees, Asylum Seekers, and Torture Survivors, including safe housing, medical care, and job training,” said Milad. “These efforts help individuals become self-sufficient, enrich the cultural fabric of Denver metro areas and contribute to the local economy.”

Milad’s words underscore IRC’s important role in empowering its clients in Denver: offers not only immediate assistance but also long-term support that promotes self-sufficiencyenables them to contribute to sustainable security and their communities. This mission of empowerment lasting effect To everyone involved, from customers to IRC staff, including people like Milad who now work within the organization to provide the same support to others.

“As a former client and current Economic Empowerment Manager of the IRC in Denver, I can attest to the transformative impact this organization has had on my life. IRC in Denver helps me connect with the community, seize new opportunities, advocate for the rights of refugees and immigrants, and Express the needs of the refugee population.” said Milad. “It also allowed me to raise hope for my friends who shared the experience of being a refugee.”

This sentiment is shared throughout the organization as a whole.

said Hanna Simmons, IRC’s Denver Development Manager. It further supports the fundamental impact that IRC services can have and shares how this impact reflects on the community, Spreading positivity and support fuels her motivation every day.

“As an immigrant from Germany who was warmly welcomed in America, I consider the United States my second home,” he said. “Working for the IRC in Denver It gives me a deep sense of meaning and belonging. To support less fortunate people to improve their lives, “It’s incredibly satisfying.”

“I think there comes a time in everyone’s life when they question whether working solely for financial gain is enough. if their work needs a greater purpose, if they need something more,” Simmons said. “For me, the answer is clear. Among my colleagues from all over the world, I have met some of the best people I have ever known. Many have survived unimaginable hardships, but they show up every day in a positive and supportive way, eager to make a difference in the lives of others. “For me, this shared commitment to making a difference in our communities is really why I go to work in the morning.”

How to Support the International Rescue Committee?

Like other nonprofit organizations, the IRC’s operations rely heavily on donations. It’s crucial to support the IRC in Denver during the holiday season, as one-third of the IRC’s annual funding is typically raised, especially as the year draws to a close.

An effective way to contribute Donating to IRC on Colorado Gives Day. Although this event technically takes place on December 10, contributions are already open from November 1. Every donation, regardless of size, brings IRC closer to its goal of providing stability and strength to people facing tremendous challenges in the Denver Community. .

Another critical program is IRC’s Survivors of Torture (SOT) program. this program Managed by Survivor Health Center (SWC) In collaboration with the University of Denver Trauma and Disaster Recovery Clinic and Denver Health. Founded in 2018 This program is the only program in Colorado that offers comprehensive support to torture survivors, providing trauma-informed care, legal assistance and mental health services. By providing additional funding for this program, the IRC can continue to provide essential services to individuals who face great challenges, often coming with complex traumas and unique needs that require specialized support.

Currently, the SOT program is at capacity due to increased demand from newcomers and the high need for specialized services, especially for clients who speak rare languages ​​and have unique health needs. Donations made directly to the Torture Survivors program can help shorten waiting lists and expand the program’s capacity, ensuring survivors have timely access to critical services. With Support for the Torture Survivors program, You are helping provide a path to recovery and integration for some of Denver’s most vulnerable residents.

TO READ: Denver Fashion Week Announces Sustainability for Opening Night and Tickets

This season, Denver Fashion Week is much more than a celebration of the city’s creatives: It’s a chance to elevate a vital cause and strengthen social impact. Through its partnership with the International Rescue Committee (IRC), DFW invites participants to support refugees, asylum seekers, and torture survivors in our community as they rebuild their lives.

Denver Fashion Week Fall 2024 will run from November 9-17. Tickets can be purchased Here.