Who We Are

The Idaho Office for Refugees supports our nation’s founding belief of offering refuge and safety to people forced to leave their homes due to persecution of their religious beliefs, political opinions, or ethnic heritage. We create opportunities for refugees and the larger community to come together over their shared values of hard work, family, faith, and freedom, through English Language education, cultural events, and programs like Global Gardens and the Refugee Speakers Bureau.

The IOR has statewide responsibility for assistance and services to refugees. The IOR is a private sector initiative, replacing the traditional state-administered program for refugee assistance and services. Under agreement with the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement, the IOR eases the difficult transition refugees experience as they adjust to life in the US.

Our Role

Through contracts and cooperative agreements, the IOR supports:

• The provision of interim financial assistance
• English language training
• Employment services
• Immigration assistance
• Language assistance
• Case management and social adjustment services