Announcement
Rawan Ismail (she/her/hers) begin volunteering with the IRC in New Jersey office at the beginning of this year. She works with the Refugee Support Services department assisting Haitian clients by collecting move-in supplies from the office's donation storage, managing data, tracking and entering case notes, and meeting with clients to discuss available programs and services.
Rawan asked to write her story. Read on for her experience in her own words! Rawan's advice for someone considering volunteer for the IRC? “Do it, right away. It makes you feel great, makes you feel that you’re helping others and making a difference. I’d say do it, right away.”
In her own words
I wanted to take a moment to express my deep gratitude for the incredible experience I've had volunteering with the Refugee Support Services department at the IRC. My journey with IRC has been nothing short of transformative, and I wanted to share with you in more detail what makes this experience so special to me.
Four years ago, when I was eagerly searching for an internship opportunity, my mother, who works as a child development specialist, reached out in network connections with one of her client's parents a couple of years ago. During this search, upon her client's parent learning about my passions and future aspirations, she recommended the IRC without hesitation. Their confidence in the organization's alignment with my goals and values was truly inspiring, and it ultimately led me to this amazing opportunity to contribute to such a meaningful cause. Here I am now a couple of years later volunteering with the IRC.
From the moment I stepped into the IRC in New Jersey, I was greeted with a warmth and sense of purpose that has only grown stronger with each passing day. The environment here is not just welcoming but also fosters a deep sense of community. The dedication and supportiveness of everyone involved, from fellow volunteers to staff members, have made my volunteer experience exceptionally rewarding. I have witnessed firsthand how everyone is always willing to go above and beyond, not just in their roles but also in supporting each other as colleagues and friends. This spirit of teamwork and camaraderie has made every day a joyous one, knowing that we are all united in our mission to make a positive impact on the lives of refugees.
Coming from an Egyptian household, I have a profound appreciation for the resilience, hard work, and sacrifices that individuals make to build better lives, especially in unfamiliar and often challenging environments. This background has fueled my passion for helping others improve their lives and has given me a unique perspective on the importance of empathy and understanding in our interactions.
Volunteering at the IRC in New Jersey has provided me with a platform to channel this passion into meaningful action. It's incredibly humbling to be part of an organization that not only provides essential support to refugees but also empowers them to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. Knowing that my contributions, no matter how small, can positively impact someone's journey toward a brighter future fills me with a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment.
On a related note, I recently learned that the IRC has a long history of impactful collaborations with global leaders and organizations. This legacy of partnership and innovation further underscores the significance of the work we do here and has inspired me to continue contributing to IRC's mission.
I am more than grateful for this opportunity and am committed to continuing my efforts to support the IRC in New Jersey and its mission. I firmly believe that the work we do here not only changes lives but also inspires others to join in creating a more compassionate and inclusive world.
Thank you once again for the chance to be part of something truly special. I look forward to continuing this journey of service and making a lasting impact.