Blog
Dance Builds Community
February 19, 2026By
Christine UliassiShareTwitter-newTwitter-newFacebookFacebookShare-emailShare-emailCopy URL to clipboardLink
Cornell’s annual PAO Bhangra Exhibition will take place on March 7th! The organizing team discuss the history, their support for IWR and details of the event.
A Decade of Volunteering for IWRÂ
January 26, 2026By
Leila WilmersShareTwitter-newTwitter-newFacebookFacebookShare-emailShare-emailCopy URL to clipboardLink
Susan Tarrow, long-time volunteer and donor, tells of her experiences supporting families through resettlement hurdles and life events, and why she gives her time.
 IWR’s 2025 in Summary
December 18, 2025By
Casey VerderosaShareTwitter-newTwitter-newFacebookFacebookShare-emailShare-emailCopy URL to clipboardLink
IWR’s Executive Director reflects on the resettlement landscape and IWR’s work over the year as 2025 comes to an end.
On the November 26th Shooting of National Guard Troops and Linked Changes to Federal Policy on Refugees and Immigration
December 9, 2025ShareTwitter-newTwitter-newFacebookFacebookShare-emailShare-emailCopy URL to clipboardLink
IWR response to this tragic incident, with information and action points on subsequent changes to federal policies on refugees and immigration.
Giving From Abundance: Krystyna’s Journey to Becoming an IWR Board Member
November 19, 2025By
Yanisa VararaksapongShareTwitter-newTwitter-newFacebookFacebookShare-emailShare-emailCopy URL to clipboardLink
We hear from Krystyna Golovakova, a new member of IWR’s board of directors this year, about her experience of resettling and growth in Ithaca after…
Why I Do This: A Perspective from an IWR Supporter
October 23, 2025By
Leila WilmersShareTwitter-newTwitter-newFacebookFacebookShare-emailShare-emailCopy URL to clipboardLink
An IWR supporter and retired ICSD school teacher shares her insights on IWR’s cause from her own life, and her motivation for supporting IWR over the…
Ithaca Welcomes Refugees is Hiring!
September 29, 2025ShareTwitter-newTwitter-newFacebookFacebookShare-emailShare-emailCopy URL to clipboardLink
IWR is seeking a Half-Time
Housing and Food Security Coordinator. Applications are due by October 17th.
A Poetry of Care: How Khadija is Healing and Creating
September 17, 2025By
Yanisa VararaksapongShareTwitter-newTwitter-newFacebookFacebookShare-emailShare-emailCopy URL to clipboardLink
For Khadija, poetry is a means of transforming pain into beauty. Resettling in Ithaca after fleeing the Taliban, she tells us her story.
Requesting Gently Used Jewelry for Fall Fundraiser
September 17, 2025By
Leila WilmersShareTwitter-newTwitter-newFacebookFacebookShare-emailShare-emailCopy URL to clipboardLink
Find out how to donate gently used jewelry for the Fall Jewelry Sale Fundraiser in aid of IWR.
A Story of Human Connection: The Muralist Bringing Celebration of Immigrants to Ithaca
August 22, 2025By
Leila WilmersShareTwitter-newTwitter-newFacebookFacebookShare-emailShare-emailCopy URL to clipboardLink
IWR is creating a mural celebrating refugees and immigrants. Learn about artist Hugo Medina, leading the project, and the people and ideas inspiring it.
Sowing Seeds and Growing Roots
July 25, 2025By
Catherine MuskinShareTwitter-newTwitter-newFacebookFacebookShare-emailShare-emailCopy URL to clipboardLink
Khurshid Hussainy arrived at Cornell University four years ago as a refugee. With IWR’s help, she has branched out beyond university life. This is her story.
10 year Anniversary Photo Competition
July 24, 2025By
Leila WilmersShareTwitter-newTwitter-newFacebookFacebookShare-emailShare-emailCopy URL to clipboardLink
Seeking your pictures of Ithaca’s spirit of welcome! Extended deadline September 22. Top 12 photos will feature in a 2026 IWR calendar.
IWR Community Celebrates a Decade of Welcome at Annual Picnic
June 23, 2025By
Yanisa VararaksapongShareTwitter-newTwitter-newFacebookFacebookShare-emailShare-emailCopy URL to clipboardLink
Around 80 people gathered for IWR’s 2025 community picnic this month, connecting over food and music, creating art and playing games.
IWR Spring Appeal
May 16, 2025By
Leila WilmersShareTwitter-newTwitter-newFacebookFacebookShare-emailShare-emailCopy URL to clipboardLink
IWR has launched a Spring Appeal! Donate to help us reach our goal of $50,000 for programs supporting refugees and immigrants in Tompkins County.
IWR Response to Trump Administration Actions Affecting Refugees and Immigrants
April 17, 2025By
Casey VerderosaShareTwitter-newTwitter-newFacebookFacebookShare-emailShare-emailCopy URL to clipboardLink
Executive Director Casey Verderosa outlines how IWR has been responding to the changing landscape for refugees and immigrants over the past few months.
Meet IWR Board Member Pedro Molina
March 13, 2025By
Catherine MuskinShareTwitter-newTwitter-newFacebookFacebookShare-emailShare-emailCopy URL to clipboardLink
For an internationally acclaimed political cartoonist familiar with discomfort, Pedro Molina did not anticipate the physical shock of his first few days in Ithaca. He…
Give Gently Used Jewelry a New Home for IWR Spring Fundraiser
February 18, 2025ShareTwitter-newTwitter-newFacebookFacebookShare-emailShare-emailCopy URL to clipboardLink
A Spring jewelry sale fundraiser for IWR will take place in Ithaca on Saturday April 26, 2025! Find out how to donate jewelry.
One Week into a New Presidential Administration
January 27, 2025By
Casey VerderosaShareTwitter-newTwitter-newFacebookFacebookShare-emailShare-emailCopy URL to clipboardLink
IWR Executive Director Casey Verderosa outlines the impact of executive orders issued in January 2025 on refugee resettlement and immigration.
In the Words of a Global Roots Mother
November 11, 2024By
Makai YllanesShareTwitter-newTwitter-newFacebookFacebookShare-emailShare-emailCopy URL to clipboardLink
A mother moved from Iraq to the US with her young family. She recounts what Global Roots Play School has meant to her.
IWR Statement on Hate Speech Concerning Immigrants and Refugees
October 31, 2024By
Casey VerderosaShareTwitter-newTwitter-newFacebookFacebookShare-emailShare-emailCopy URL to clipboardLink
We encourage all voters to inform themselves of the tone and content of candidates’ contributions to debate on immigration and to vote their values.

