About IRIS
In 2016, the U.S. government has invited 85,000 refugees from all over the world to come to this country, after a rigorous Department of Homeland Security screening process that can take up to three years. About 500 come to Connecticut, where they are placed with one of three refugee agencies, including IRIS, based in New Haven. IRIS addresses the critical needs of hundreds of refugees; about 420 will arrive in New Haven and surrounding towns in 2016. Refugees come from a wide range of war-torn countries, including Sudan, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Their needs are significant and IRIS is their primary resource as they begin to rebuild their lives after years of persecution and displacement. IRIS helps refugees on the road to self-sufficiency by providing lifesaving support during their transition to life in the United States. IRIS case managers greet refugees and take them to apartments — rented by IRIS and furnished with donated furniture. After being served a warm, culturally appropriate meal and after having a good night’s sleep, our clients will begin the initial work of being integrated into the fabric of the United States.
Full of Joy Yoga & IRIS
With the state of our country the way it is right now, all of my fundraising efforts will go to IRIS – Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services. Refugees and immigrants make our nation the diverse, amazing country it is and I am saddened by what this administration is doing to inhibit them from coming here. I will do family yoga classes throughout the year to benefit this organization- you can find them here or on my Open Classes page. Or below!
Family Yoga Classes
Where: Breathing Room Yoga Center, New Haven, CT
What: Family Yoga for IRIS
Day: (mostly) First Fridays in 2018: Sept 7, Oct 5, Nov 2, Dec 7
Time: 5:30pm-6:15pm
Ages: all ages!
Cost: Parent & Child | $16 or Families of 3 or more | $25
a % of the money goes to support IRIS