International Council For Refugees And Immigrants Inc
About International Council For Refugees And Immigrants Inc
ICRI helps refugees and immigrants in Omaha and surrounding areas tackle the practical stuff that comes with starting over, housing, school, work, health care, and legal paperwork. The organization’s services are built to be culturally and linguistically appropriate, so people can get help in a way that actually fits their lives. For donors, that means backing an organization that does immediate support and long-term stability work at the same time.
What sets ICRI apart is who is leading the work and how the work shows up. It is refugee-led, with staff and board members who bring lived refugee and immigrant experience, and its services are delivered in multiple languages. It also brings direct support, advocacy, research collaboration, youth development, and legal help under one roof for families and individuals in Omaha.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Youth Programs
Holistic support for youth ages 10 to 24, helping them with academic, social, and personal development.
Amplify STEM After-School Program
After-school STEM activities that promote academic growth and interest in science, technology, engineering, and math.
At-Home Academic Support
English assistance and homework help for students facing language challenges.
Bridge to Prosperity Mentoring Program
Personalized coaching and mentoring for academic, social, and behavioral challenges.
Youth Workforce Development Program
Preparation for educational and career paths for older youth.
Career & Economic Advancement
Support for financial independence and career success through skills development, economic empowerment, and community resilience.
Employer Engagement Program
Partnerships with employers to create training that develops job-specific skills and supports career advancement.
Refugee Career Pathways Program
Career counseling, credential assessment, and access to educational and job opportunities for highly skilled refugees.
Refugee Microenterprise Development Program
An incubator and accelerator for refugee entrepreneurs that offers financial support, business training, and technical assistance.
Health, Mental Health and Peer Support Program
Peer counseling, primary and mental health support, personalized case management, wellness groups, and connections to community resources.
Domestic Violence Program
Culturally appropriate support for survivors, including emergency housing, education, mental health care, workshops, and referrals.
Housing Program
Housing case management, housing education, financial literacy, landlord support, temporary housing assistance, and help toward homeownership.
Case Management Program
Client-centered support that includes cultural orientation, language access, employment assistance, school enrollment, public benefits, legal guidance, healthcare, childcare, and food assistance.
Immigration Services
Affordable legal support for family reunification, status adjustments, naturalization, asylum, visas, TPS, travel documents, and employment authorization.
Refugee Resettlement
Reception and placement support for refugees, including housing, public benefits, employment, cultural orientation, language support, medical screenings, legal assistance, and education resources.
International Program
Programs in Somalia, Kenya, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic focused on mental health, public health, education, youth skills development, economic development, and women’s entrepreneurship.
Advocacy & Research
Collaboration with scholars and institutions on evidence-based service models, plus advocacy that educates policymakers and supports refugee and immigrant communities.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
International Council for Refugees and Immigrants (ICRI) delivers immediate philanthropic support to equip vulnerable and underserved refugees and immigrant populations by providing culturally and linguistically appropriate, client-centered services and advocacy.
Who they serve
Refugees, immigrants, asylees, human trafficking victims, and refugee youth in Omaha and surrounding areas.
Their impact
- Welcomes around 300 refugees each year through its Refugee Reception and Placement program.
How your donation helps
- Youth programs
- Housing assistance
- Health and mental health services
- Immigration services
- Domestic violence support
- Case management
- Refugee resettlement
- Microenterprise and business support
Our story
Dekow Sagar founded ICRI in 2009 after spending his late childhood and early adulthood in the Dadaab refugee camp. He started it to create a space for creative solutions to gaps in service delivery for refugees.
Need help?
How someone in need can access International Council For Refugees And Immigrants Inc’s services.
People can contact ICRI’s Omaha office at (402) 949-3470 or use the contact page to ask about refugee resettlement, case management, youth programs, health and mental health support, housing, domestic violence services, and immigration services.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
I’m deeply grateful to the ICRI Youth Program for their support, from assisting with my sibling’s school needs to helping me find my first job after more than a year of searching. They helped me with a lot of job applications, transportation to interviews and doctor appointments, which led to my first job experience as a barista.
The support provided by ICRI has been invaluable and truly inspiring. Transitioning into a healthcare career would not have been successful and easy without the commitment and expertise of their dedicated career coaches.
Securing this loan was a game-changer for my business. It provided the vital boost I needed to expand and bring my vision to life. With financial support, I’ve been able to accelerate growth, increase opportunities, and take my business to new heights. I’m beyond grateful for this opportunity and excited for what the future holds.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles International Council For Refugees And Immigrants Inc has shared.
Volunteer opportunities
- Refugee support
- Youth program support
- Education and training support
- Health services support
- Administrative support
Recognition & press
Awards & recognition
- Department of Justice recognition through the Office of Legal Access Programs for immigration services
In the media
- KETV, Afghan refugees concerned about pause of resettlement program
- 3 News Now, Omaha resettlement groups look for clarification on executive orders
- WOWT, Omaha refugees talk impacts of Trump’s executive order
- KETV, Omaha advocates call for reinstatement of refugee resettlement program
- Omaha Foundation News, new mental health initiative focused on cultural competence for immigrants and refugees
- KETV, Grants help refugees start businesses
Press & mentions
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
Who can receive services from ICRI?
ICRI serves refugees, immigrants, asylees, human trafficking victims, and refugee youth in Omaha and surrounding areas.
What kinds of help does ICRI provide?
ICRI offers case management, immigration services, youth programs, housing support, health and mental health peer support, domestic violence services, refugee resettlement, and career and economic advancement programs.
How does the refugee resettlement program work?
ICRI welcomes around 300 refugees each year through its Refugee Reception and Placement program, then helps with housing, public benefits, employment, cultural orientation, language support, medical screenings, legal assistance, and education resources.
What does the youth program include?
ICRI’s youth programs include STEM after-school activities, at-home academic support, mentoring, and workforce development for youth ages 10 to 24.
How does ICRI support refugee entrepreneurs?
ICRI’s Refugee Microenterprise Development Program provides financial support, business training, technical assistance, and help with licensing and documentation.
Similar nonprofits
Other human service organizations nonprofits in NE.