IRCO Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization

IRCO Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization Welcoming, serving, and empowering refugees, immigrants, and people across cultures and generations.

Growing a business takes hard work, determination, and the right support. When Mohammad M. arrived in the United States ...
08/26/2026

Growing a business takes hard work, determination, and the right support. When Mohammad M. arrived in the United States in 2016 as a Rohingya refugee, he brought with him years of farming experience and a dream of growing food again. After fleeing Burma and spending years in Malaysia, he rebuilt his life in Oregon. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he took a leap of faith and turned his lifelong passion into a business.

Today, Mohammad is the owner of Sufiya Farm LLC, growing fresh produce on rented farmland in Boring, Oregon, and selling it at farmers markets throughout the Portland metro area.

Through IRCO's Small Business Technical Assistance (SBTA) Program, funded by Business Oregon, Mohammad was connected with culturally responsive resources tailored to his experience as a refugee entrepreneur with limited English proficiency. Working alongside local, regional, and statewide partners, IRCO helped connect him with business guidance, technical assistance, and financial resources that strengthened and stabilized his growing farm.

Mohammad's journey is a testament to the resilience of refugee entrepreneurs and the power of community partnerships. With access to the right resources, his knowledge, perseverance, and passion have grown into a successful small business that helps nourish our community.

This summer, IRCO's Early Learning program at Indian Hills Elementary hosted a graduation event to celebrate the end of ...
08/25/2026

This summer, IRCO's Early Learning program at Indian Hills Elementary hosted a graduation event to celebrate the end of the year and our students' growth at the Preschool Promise classroom in Washington County.

Families were invited to join us for a ceremony, slide show, snacks, photo booth, dance performance, and donated backpacks with educational supplies.

Congratulations to our preschool graduates, who will be attending Kindergarten in the fall!



Photo credits: Jens Haetty,

In June, more than 200 IRCO staff from across our offices came together to celebrate World Refugee Day and Juneteenth—a ...
08/04/2026

In June, more than 200 IRCO staff from across our offices came together to celebrate World Refugee Day and Juneteenth—a celebration of community, culture, and belonging that reflects the diversity and strength of the communities we serve.

In Portland, staff and their families gathered at Columbia Park for an afternoon of food, games, live music, dancing, and connection beneath the trees. In Ontario, staff celebrated with a potluck featuring regional dishes, trivia, prizes, and plenty of laughter. As part of IRCO’s 50th anniversary, staff also received commemorative 50th anniversary T-shirts in recognition of this milestone year.

Thank you to our incredible staff for making this celebration so special and for the dedication, compassion, and care you bring to our communities every day.

View the full photo album: https://lightroom.adobe.com/shares/ef9aedec669e4887b40ae5892e7d87e8

📸 Photos by Sela Mafi (Ataleleii Photography), Chris Havel, Christian Chase, and Tamara Chacon.

IRCO's Early Learning team recently partnered with volunteers from Lam Research for a meaningful day of service benefiti...
07/27/2026

IRCO's Early Learning team recently partnered with volunteers from Lam Research for a meaningful day of service benefiting children and families in our programs.��Together, 24 volunteers assembled 140 canvas bags for children ages 0–3 and 135 backpacks for children ages 3–5, each filled with books, educational toys, art supplies, learning materials, and family support resources. Throughout June, these items were distributed to families during home visits and graduation celebrations across our Early Learning programs.��Thank you to the Lam Research volunteers for your generosity and to our Volunteer team for helping make this partnership possible. Together, we’re supporting young learners and helping families thrive. 💙��

Celebrating this year’s Engage Program cohort! 🎉Hosted by IRCO’s Community Development team, the Summer Send-Off at Port...
07/13/2026

Celebrating this year’s Engage Program cohort! 🎉

Hosted by IRCO’s Community Development team, the Summer Send-Off at Portland City Hall recognized the cohort’s accomplishments and looked ahead to new opportunities for civic engagement and positive change in their communities.

The event brought together City of Portland leaders and staff, including representatives from the Office of Civic Life, Portland Bureau of Transportation, and the offices of Councilors Kanal, Green, and Morillo.

District 2 Councilor Sameer Kanal also shared his journey to elected office and reflected on IRCO’s support for his family when they first arrived in Portland.

Congratulations to this year’s cohort and the community leaders continuing to make their voices heard! 👏

Happy Disability Pride Month!Disability Pride Month is an opportunity to recognize disabilities, both visible and invisi...
07/01/2026

Happy Disability Pride Month!

Disability Pride Month is an opportunity to recognize disabilities, both visible and invisible, and celebrate the diverse identities, experiences, and contributions of the disability community. Disability is a natural and valued part of the human experience, and we all play a role in building communities that are more accessible, inclusive, and equitable.

At IRCO, we’re proud to support immigrants and refugees with disabilities through our Disability Legal Services (DLS) program. From helping clients navigate Social Security disability benefits, including SSI and SSDI, to connecting individuals and families with essential resources and wraparound support, our team works every day to reduce barriers and expand opportunities.

This month and every month, IRCO remains committed to advancing access, dignity, and belonging so that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

“Growing up in East County, Portland, I attended SUN programming at Hartley Elementary and Reynolds Middle School. Throu...
07/01/2026

“Growing up in East County, Portland, I attended SUN programming at Hartley Elementary and Reynolds Middle School. Through SUN programs, I made friends, tried new activities, and built stronger connections with school day-staff. Moving into high school, I was connected to 8th Grade Counts, where I gained confidence as I entered a new stage in my education. This helped me feel prepared for the future.

Over the years, I specifically sought out similar after school programs because of how much SUN enriched my academic life. Now, as an IRCO staff member, I am honored to work at Gilbert Heights SUN School serving youth aged kindergarten to 5th grade. It is amazing to see our youth benefit from this awesome programming, as I did!”

-Paola Cabrera, SUN Site Manager,
Gilbert Heights Elementary SUN Community School

Today, on World Refugee Day, we honor the courage, resilience, and contributions of refugees around the world and here i...
06/20/2026

Today, on World Refugee Day, we honor the courage, resilience, and contributions of refugees around the world and here in our own communities.

Fifty years ago, IRCO was founded by refugees who understood firsthand the challenges of starting over in a new country. Their vision was simple but powerful: when people are welcomed, supported, and connected to community, they can build lives filled with opportunity and belonging. Today, that vision continues to guide our work. Every day, we engage refugees, immigrants, and others across cultures and generations, helping people navigate challenges, build connections, and create brighter futures for themselves and their families.

This year, World Refugee Day comes at a time of continued uncertainty for many refugee families. While pathways to safety and support have become increasingly complex, the need for welcoming communities remains as important as ever. As we recognize the strength and determination of those who have been forced to leave their homes in search of safety, we also celebrate the countless ways refugees enrich our communities through their cultures, talents, leadership, and contributions.

For 50 years and counting, IRCO has stood in solidarity with communities from more than 100 countries—welcoming, serving, and empowering families to thrive together.

Today, on Juneteenth, we commemorate the day in 1865 when news of emancipation finally reached the last enslaved Black A...
06/19/2026

Today, on Juneteenth, we commemorate the day in 1865 when news of emancipation finally reached the last enslaved Black Americans in Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

Juneteenth is both a celebration of freedom and an opportunity to reflect on the history that shaped our nation. It is a time to honor the resilience, achievements, cultures, and contributions of Black Americans while recognizing the enduring importance of dignity, opportunity, and belonging for all.

As an organization committed to welcoming, serving, and empowering communities across cultures and generations, IRCO recognizes the vital role Black communities have played in shaping our region and country. We are grateful for the leadership, creativity, and strength that continue to enrich our communities today.

On this Juneteenth, we celebrate freedom, honor history, and reaffirm our commitment to building communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Address

10301 NE Glisan Street
Portland, OR
97220

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+15032341541

Website

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