Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants

Today, on International Migrants Day, we celebrate the strength, courage, and contributions of millions of migrants worldwide who leave their homes in search of safety, opportunity, and the chance to rebuild their lives. This day reminds us of the urgent need to create accessible pathways, ensure protection for vulnerable individuals, and build inclusive communities where everyone can thrive. The United States has welcomed over 3.5 million refugees, and immigrants continue to drive innovation, enrich our communities, and contribute to the social and economic fabric of our nation. At CIRI, we are proud to stand with migrants, refugees, and displaced families, offering the support they need to navigate the challenges of starting anew. But the work doesn’t stop here. International Migrants Day is also a call to action—a reminder that we must work toward a world where migration is safe, informed, and full of possibility. Together, we can ensure that no one faces these journeys alone. Every day at CIRI, we see firsthand how access to housing, education, and employment can transform lives—but we can’t do it alone. Thanks to your contributions, we can help more families find stability and success in Connecticut. Your generosity drives this work forward, creating change that lasts. You can make a donation here: https://cirict.org/donate/

Today’s the day—our $50,000 match ends tonight! Thanks to your incredible support, we've made great progress toward our goal, but we still need your help. Every gift makes a real difference, bringing us closer to securing the full match and doubling the impact for the families who depend on our services. The final stretch is here—let’s make this match count! There’s still time to give, and your donation will help us achieve this goal. With the support of the contributions received, families are finding stability and a foundation for growth. Together, we can continue transforming lives. A single donation today can open doors of hope and possibility. Please consider donating here: https://cirict.org/donate/

We’re just one day away from the end of our $50,000 match! Thanks to your generous support, we’ve made amazing progress, but we still need your help to close the gap. Every donation gets us closer to the full match, which will double the impact on the families we serve. Your support is crucial to making this happen. Let’s finish strong together! Your gift today will bring us that much closer to our goal. Donate today to help us reach our match by tomorrow—visit https://cirict.org/donate/ 🏁

The connection between CIRI’s staff and clients reflects a shared journey of growth and transformation, rooted in trust, care, and the belief that every family deserves the chance to thrive. This season of giving highlights the connections built through empathy and the commitment to making a difference. One family from Herat, Afghanistan, exemplifies the strength that emerges even in the most trying circumstances. Forced to flee their home, they sought temporary refuge in Turkey, living in a shelter that flooded with every rainfall. While awaiting the processing of their USCIS application, the parents worked tirelessly to provide for their children, who attended school in a new language and held on to the eagerness to learn. Since arriving in Connecticut, this family has embraced every opportunity to rebuild their lives. The children enjoy practicing their English and math, proudly sharing their progress with our team. Their father, who was permanently injured by a mine explosion over a decade ago, remains devoted to supporting his family, pursuing his dream of truck driving despite significant mobility challenges. With CIRI’s guidance and resources, this family has taken steps toward healing and stability. Their case manager, who has stood by them throughout their journey, is warmly referred to by the father as his "older sister"—a reflection of the trust and care that have grown between them. This family has deeply impacted and inspired her. “I feel so lucky to have them as my clients, they fill my heart.” Our $50,000 match continues until Friday, doubling the value of every donation. Your generosity can provide the foundation for families like this one to find stability. We’re close to meeting our match goal, but we can’t do it without you. To donate, visit: https://cirict.org/donate/

Exciting news—our $50,000 match has been extended until Friday! Thanks to your incredible support, we’re making great progress toward our goal, but we still need your help to get there. Every gift brings us closer to securing the full potential of this match, doubling the impact for the families we serve. Your generosity is the key to getting us there. Let’s cross the finish line together. Your contribution today makes all the difference. Donate now to help us reach our match goal by Friday: https://cirict.org/donate/

This is it—the final 24 hours to make double the impact. Thanks to your incredible support and a generous donor, we’re on the verge of securing a $50,000 match—but we need your help to reach our match goal by Monday. Each donation moves us closer to achieving the full match. Let’s make these final hours count and ensure we reach our goal. Help us make it happen! Click here to donate: https://cirict.org/donate/

Today, CIRI had the privilege of attending the 2024 Community Resource Fair at the Hamden Public Library with Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. Her dedication to supporting immigrants and refugees and her efforts to improve access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities have transformed so many lives. Community support is at the heart of everything we do, and events like these highlight the impact of combining strengths to collaborate and create lasting change. It truly shows the impact we can have when people come together with a desire to uplift others. We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive community for families seeking safety and a fresh start. Thank you, Congresswoman DeLauro, for your leadership and for standing with those who need it most. It’s an honor to work alongside you. 💜🤝

If you missed Giving Tuesday, there’s still time to make an impact. This season of giving is far from over. Thanks to your incredible support and a generous donor, we’ve secured a $50,000 match—doubling the power of your gift for the next 72 hours. Together, we can provide twice the resources, twice the opportunities, and twice the hope for families working to rebuild, grow, and thrive in their new communities. To maximize your impact, help us reach our $50,000 match goal by Monday. Click here to make a donation: https://cirict.org/donate/

Don't forget to vote for CIRI—you can cast a vote every single day until December 20th! 🗳️

Lend a helping hand this Giving Tuesday and be part of a movement that empowers families to thrive. 🙌 Immigrants and refugees come to America seeking safety, opportunity, and the promise of a better life. Their journeys are filled with courage and sacrifice, driven not just by their own aspirations, but by a deep hope for their children. They come here to give their families a chance to dream to thrive in ways that were once unimaginable. At CIRI, we stand with these families. We are here to ensure that, no matter the challenges they face, children have access to the essential resources they need—education, healthcare, and a community that welcomes them with open arms. We know that when children are supported, entire families can begin to heal. Every service we provide, such as connecting families with housing, guiding them toward meaningful employment, or creating spaces where children feel safe and seen, is only possible because of your support. Your generosity turns moments of uncertainty into stories of hope, providing families with the tools they need to build a brighter future. On Giving Tuesday, every contribution strengthens CIRI’s ability to serve immigrants and refugees in Connecticut. Giving Tuesday is a global day of generosity—a time for communities to come together and uplift the causes they care about. By supporting CIRI, you’re helping us continue our work of empowering refugees and immigrants to thrive, ensuring they have access to the resources and opportunities they need. Your gift today isn’t just support—it’s a lifeline. Let’s make a difference, one family at a time. Donate here: https://cirict.org/donate/