ONE YEAR LATER

Dear Friends, 

As I complete my first year as Executive Director of IRM, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared. This past year has brought meaningful change—transforming the way our agency functions and strengthening our ability to serve our community with compassion, purpose, and resilience. 

Thanks to the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and partners, IRM continues to provide essential services that offer hope and opportunity to our new neighbors. These services help bridge the gap between arriving in the United States and becoming full, thriving members of our community. 

Currently, IRM is proud to offer: 

• English Where You Are classes, designed to meet learners in comfortable, accessible environments 
• Ongoing cultural adjustment experiences, helping individuals navigate life in a new country 
• Family and community events, fostering connection and belonging within our local area 
• Support for critical needs, including documentation, healthcare, food, and housing 

These efforts reflect our shared commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where every individual has the opportunity to build a bright future. 

I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together and excited for what lies ahead. Thank you for being part of this journey and for continuing to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. 

Warm regards, 

Debi Miller 

Executive Director 

A note from the Director

For 32 years, IRM has welcomed over 3400 refugees,

providing the essential support they need to become

independent members of our community. This support has

included housing, food, English classes, medical

appointments, and job readiness training during their first

90 days in the U.S. We have carried out this work in

partnership with the federal government, assisting fully

vetted refugees through official contracts.

However, on January 20, President Trump paused new

refugee arrivals, and on February 27, all federal contracts for

new arrivals were canceled. As a result, the U.S. refugee

admissions program, which has been in place since 1980, is

now effectively dismantled.

Despite these challenges, IRM remains committed to

assisting the 93 individuals who have arrived since October

1, as well as the record 273 refugees who arrived in FY24.

These families came with the assurance that the U.S. refugee

program would provide support as they worked toward

financial independence. Unfortunately, congressionally

allocated funds remain unavailable, leaving us uncertain

about future funding for these critical services.

We have been awarded a $25,000 grant from the Shapiro

foundation who will match it dollar for dollar. We also have

our main fundraiser Dinner on 5 Continents coming up on

March 15th and tickets are still available. You can call the

office or go to our website to make a reservation. The New

Bern community has always provided support with

volunteers and donations. The encouragement from our

community, means more than ever.

We are also in need of more volunteers to help these

families with more English practice, financial literacy, digital

literacy, and other life skills as they integrate into our

community. Introduce them to our parks, the library, help

them learn to use CARTs. You do not need to speak the

language, or have special training. We will fully support

volunteers as their role is even more important.

-Debi Miller, Executive Director

Read more in our March Newsletter

Tickets are now on sale for our annual Dinner on 5 Continents event!

Click here to buy your tickets

WHEN: Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 6:00 PM

WHERE: Harrison Center, 311 Middle Street, New Bern, NC

Dear Friends,

I used to know very little about refugees, but that changed when I

learned that being a "Refugee" means having a legal status in the

U.S. that allows people to start fresh after needing to flee their

home countries. This realization opened my eyes to a broader

world. In 2010, I started working for Interfaith Refugee Ministry

after being hired by Susan Husson, who was the Director of

Interfaith Refugee Ministry at that time.

My first job was to manage one of the organization's grants and to

learn how to help those in need as a case manager. Over the past

15 years, I've had the privilege of growing into various roles,

ultimately becoming the Executive Director in November after

Susan's retirement.

Throughout this journey, I've assisted newcomers from all over

the globe, and I've seen how they bring vibrancy and richness to

New Bern and nearby communities. As we enter this holiday

season, a time of generosity and kindness, I hope you'll consider

supporting the work of Interfaith Refugee Ministry. Whether

through donations, volunteering, or simply visiting our office to

learn more about our mission. Your involvement can make a

difference in the lives of these wonderful individuals.

Wishing you peace and joy,

Debi Miller, Exec. Director