United Way of Greater New Haven

Our mission is to help refugees and other displaced people establish new lives, regain hope, and contribute to the vitality of Connecticut's communities.

Description:
Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (formerly Interfaith Refugee Ministry-IRM) welcomes refugees from around the world for resettlement within a fifty mile radius of New Haven. This involves finding housing and employment for new arrivals, helping them access medical and social services and introducing them to the complexities of American society. We offer case management support, employment services and train volunteers to tutor English and serve as cultural brokers. The IRIS program is based upon early self-sufficiency, with most of our families achieving employment and financial independence within six months after arrival.

History:
Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services began as Interfaith Refugee Ministry (IRM) as the refugee resettlement arm of Episcopal Social Service, Inc., welcoming its first family in 1982. In 25 years of its existence IRIS has resettled over 4,000 people. Last year IRIS welcomed 112 refugees from 19 countries. Nearly one half came from Africa.
IRIS also receives funding from the Connecticut Department of Social Services, private foundations, faith communities, and individual donors.

Contact people:

Bill Rufleth, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email) Chris George, Executive Director, (phone), (email)

Address:

235 Nicoll Street New Haven, CT 06511 (See a map)