One of the biggest challenges of the resettlement is securing employment and reaching financial security. Many newcomers not only have to try to get a foot into the competitive US job market but may also need to overcome barriers to secure employment such as learning a whole new language (most US jobs require fluency in English), navigate transportation and many more. 

The Early Employment program supports newly arrived refugees and other eligible populations with reaching economic self-sufficiency through employment within the first 6 months of arrival. Newcomers enrolled in the Early Employment program receive both one-on-one and group employment services. These services include but are not limited to: developing resumes, mock interviews, education of US job market, soft and hard skills training, creating job seeking online accounts such as LinkedIn, ESL practice and many more. Employment Specialists of IRC Seattle also provide case management services to enrolled newcomers. The Early Employment program additionally offers resources and financial assistance that newly arrived job seekers would typically need in order to secure employment such as permanent housing, financial support for utilities, cash assistance, transportation and other direct support as needed. 

 

How to support

Gather your community group, colleagues, co-workers, friends, family or loved ones and run a donation drive or a kit assembly party! We have two types of kits that donors can help to assemble and donate to newcomer job seekers:

  1.  Starter Employment Kit ($250 Equivalent):
    • 1 $25 Uber or Lyft Gift Card
    • 1 Messenger or Laptop Bag
    • 1 New or Like-New Cellphone
  2. Pro Employment Kit ($500 Equivalent):
    • 1 $25 Uber or Lyft Gift Card
    • 1 New or Like-New Tablet or Laptop
    • Male, Female or Gender Neutral Business Casual Clothes (must be new and never worn, department store gift cards are welcome)

 

FAQs

Can I donate used items?

We only accept new and never worn clothing. We will NOT accept any used clothing. We prefer electronics and digital devices to be either new or in like-new condition. Items must be functional. 

What size clothes are you looking for?

Please reach out to us at [email protected]for specific sizes that we are in need of. 

When is the deadline to deliver donations?

We will be accepting donations all year long. 

Where can I ship my donations?

International Rescue Committee Seattle warehouse located at 2365 S 200th St. SeaTac, WA 98198. 

Can I drop off donations in person?

Please reach out to [email protected] to schedule a drop-off at the IRC warehouse in SeaTac, WA. 

Can I add on items?

Please email [email protected] for any specific donation questions - but other employment tools are always welcome if in new or like-new condition. 

Can I include a card with my donations?

Yes! Cards or notes with messages of welcome are encouraged. You will not know the exact person the coat will be given to, so a general message of welcome and kindness is best. Please avoid religious messages or iconography. 

Are the items I donate tax deductible?

Yes. The IRC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and both financial and in-kind donations are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. Please include an itemized list of donations with your shipment, or email the list to IRC after you've delivered your items. IRC will issue you an acknowledgement for tax purposes. Donors are responsible for assigning a value to in-kind donations for tax purposes. Save those receipts! While not required, it is very helpful if you also provide IRC with copies of your receipts. This allows IRC to maintain accurate documentation of donations received by clients, a requirement of many of our government-funded programs. 

Have additional questions?

Email [email protected] for more information or to ask specific questions!