In 1982, a small group of concerned citizens responded to the call to help refugees by creating Interchurch Refugee and Immigration Ministries.  Thirty years later, “Interchurch” is now RefugeeOne.  During that time, the organization has resettled thousands of refugees from every major conflict around the globe:  Pol Pot’s Killing Fields, people fleeing genocide in Rwanda, Milosevic’s Serbia, Jews from the U.S.S.R., Kurds from Iraq, Iranians fleeing the Islamic Revolution. For thirty years, some of the most mistreated people in the world were helped by compassionate people throughout northern Illinois through the organization.

Over the years, many people have raised their voices for refugees.  Volunteers gave their time and expertise.  Staff advocated for better resettlement conditions. Board members helped strengthen the agency and improve services. Donors who helped with everything from paying refugee’s first months of rent to keeping the electricity on at the main office.  Thirty Years.  Many Voices.  One Vision:  refuge.

Today, RefugeeOne honors its founders’ vision by continuing to offer refuge – safety – to people fleeing war, persecution and terror.  During the upcoming months you will see notices about events and anniversary happenings that culminate at our annual event on Friday, April 27, 2012.

Is Yours One of RefugeeOne’s Many Voices?

We are looking for refugees, volunteers, donors and former staff members who’d like to share a story about their experiences for our 30th Anniversary.  If you’d like to share your experience with RefugeeOne, contact us at info@refugeeone.org .

30 Year Anniversary Events

2012 Many Voices. One Vision. Annual Event