Senate Press Release: Leader Atkins Names International Rescue Committee Nonprofit of the Year

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins today honored the San Diego chapter of International Rescue Committee (IRC) as Nonprofit of the Year for 2019 in District 39.

“These days, it’s as important as ever to have trusted organizations that provide assistance to vulnerable immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers, and do it with care and empathy,” Atkins said. “International Rescue Committee in San Diego is a true leader in welcoming people fleeing harm and hardship and helping them create a new, better life in the United States. I couldn’t be more grateful for their incredible work.”

“We are sincerely honored by Senator Atkins' recognition of our efforts,” said Donna Duvin, IRC’s executive director for U.S. programs in San Diego. “At the IRC in San Diego, we have the privilege of assisting so many resilient and inspiring families to rebuild their lives – to call San Diego their safe new home. We can’t do this work of empowering others without the support of many, and we’re so gratified to have Senator Atkins’ support.”

The IRC in San Diego served 7,717 unique clients from more than 100 countries in 2018. The organization continues to be a vital resource for newly arrived refugees, asylees and Special Immigrant Visa holders, in addition to thousands of low-income San Diegans who had either come to the U.S. as a refugee, asylee or visa holder in the past, or are native-born U.S. citizens.

The IRC’s programs and services include: refugee resettlement, immigration case management, citizen preparation, vocational language classes, employment case management, career development, business counseling, microlending and financial education, as well as youth programs.

The organization has been active in San Diego for more than 40 years. In 2018, it operated with 66 staff members who spoke 19 different language and whose efforts were augmented by more than 350 volunteers who put in more than 22,000 hours.

The IRC was one of numerous nonprofit organizations from across California honored during a luncheon today on the south lawn of the State Capitol.

Photo: Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins honors International Rescue Committee, represented by Donna Duvin, executive director for U.S. programs in San Diego.

###

Toni G. Atkins is President pro Tempore of the California Senate. Having previously served as Speaker of the California Assembly, she began her tenure in the Senate in 2016. As Senator for District 39, she represents the cities of San Diego, Coronado, Del Mar and Solana Beach. Website of President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins: www.senate.ca.gov/Atkins