IRCO (Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization)

Honoring 50 years of IRCO: A Letter from Executive Director, Mr. Lee Po Cha Dear Friends, As we begin a new year, IRCO is honored to mark a historic milestone: our 50th anniversary. For five decades, IRCO has been an essential safety net and source of hope for newcomers in the community. Built by immigrants and refugees, for immigrants, refugees, and people across generations and cultures, we remain firmly grounded in the belief that everyone, no matter where they come from, deserves the opportunity to belong and thrive in the Pacific Northwest. This anniversary is a moment to reflect on where we began, how far we've come, and the values that continue to guide us forward. Looking back IRCO was founded in 1976 by eight Vietnamese, Laotian, and Cambodian refugees under the name Indochinese Cultural and Service Center (ICSC). At a time when Oregon and Washington were among the first states to welcome Southeast Asian refugees—often without adequate infrastructure—our founders stepped forward to help newly arrived families navigate life in the United States. I joined ICSC in 1981, five years after its founding, as a summer youth counselor during my first year of college. We had about 15 staff members and worked out of an old house in Northeast Portland... Read the full statement here: /honoring-50-years-of-irco/

DID YOU KNOW over 1/3 of IRCO's programs are federally funded?   For nearly 50 years, IRCO has provided the essential services people across cultures need to thrive. Now, that work is more critical than ever. IRCO is facing: ➖Budget Cuts: IRCO relies on federal funding for over 30% of our operating and program costs. ➖Staffing Impacts: Over 140 IRCO jobs could be lost or impacted by federal funding cuts. ➖Program Losses: Thousands of community members in Oregon and SW Washington depend on IRCO services each year.   A brighter future starts with each of us. You can help by making a donation today at /donate/. Whether you can give $10 or $100, your contribution helps sustain key supportive services for refugees and immigrants in our community. 💙

📢 Deportations Are Tearing Families Apart—We Must Speak Out At IRCO, we believe that everyone—no matter where they come from— deserves the opportunity to live safely, build a hopeful future, and thrive with dignity. But right now, families across the country are living in fear as deportations tear apart communities, separate loved ones, and deny people the chance to feel safe in the only home they’ve ever known. The impact is heartbreaking and real. Children are left without parents. Workers vanish from their jobs and communities. Neighbors disappear overnight. This is not justice—this is deep and lasting trauma. ICE is currently holding a record 59,000 immigrant detainees, most of whom have no criminal record, and at least 70 of whom are U.S. citizens. IRCO stands in solidarity with the protesters in Los Angeles, Portland, and across the country who are demanding an end to these inhumane practices. We will continue to serve immigrant and refugee communities—because belonging is a human right, and no one should be criminalized simply for existing. Now is the time to act. Raise your voice. Check in on your neighbors. Share stories. Call your representatives. Together, we can build a future rooted in dignity, safety, and justice for all. Support IRCO’s work with immigrant and refugee communities by donating or volunteering at irco.org.

We are heartbroken by the unexpected passing of Cayle Tern, a beloved Portland community leader, advocate, and champion for immigrant and refugee communities. We extend our deepest love and condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and everyone whose lives were touched by his care, leadership, and generosity. A refugee from Laos, Cayle dedicated his life to uplifting and advocating for communities across Oregon. Since joining IRCO’s Board of Directors in 2022, he brought compassion, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to every space he entered. He was one of the first Iu Mien community members elected to serve on the Reynolds School District Board, served as Community President for the Iu Mien Association of Oregon, and spent the past seven years supporting IRCO’s Pacific Islander & Asian Family Center (PIAFC) through its advisory council. Cayle was deeply devoted to community care and collective wellbeing. Through his many roles, he advocated tirelessly for education, food security, healthcare access, community safety, and immigrant rights. His impact extended far beyond titles or positions. Cayle made people feel seen, supported, and valued. He led with humility, integrity, and genuine heart, always putting community first. Read more here: /remembering-cayle-tern/

Thank you to everyone who competed, donated, and came out to watch the inaugural Wy’East x IRCO Rail Jam! Our student government worked hard to make this a great event. We were proud to raise funds for IRCO Upward Bound, a local Portland-based organization helping first generation students prepare for college. We can’t wait to see you all next year! And most importantly, thank you to everyone who dunked @alt_babs We got her good!

Raffle tickets are live! Enter for a chance to win curated prizes while supporting community programs that make a real impact. Gala tickets are still available, but only until May 15. Get raffle tickets and reserve your Gala seats at ircogala2026.auctria.events #IRCO #Gala #VoicesOfTheWorld #Raffle #GetYourTicketsNow 🎟️

This Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we honor the rich cultures and communities, and celebrate the lasting contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander people in Portland and around the world.   We’re proud to spotlight organizations within these communities who are continuing to write their legacies: @irco_updates @portlandjapanesegarden @apanocuf

May marks Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AANHPIHM), a time to recognize and celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of these communities across the United States. Representing more than 20 million people, AANHPI communities reflect incredible diversity—spanning generations, languages, and traditions rooted in countries and islands across the globe. As we celebrate, we also acknowledge the ongoing challenges impacting these communities and stand in solidarity. At IRCO’s Pacific Islander and Asian Family Center (PIAFC), we are proud to uplift AANHPI voices and stories. Throughout the month, we invite you to learn, celebrate, and engage with the cultures that enrich our shared community. Follow along as we highlight traditions, experiences, and meaningful ways to honor this month. IRCO • PIAFC • AANHPI Heritage Month • Asian American • Native Hawaiian • Pacific Islander • Southeast Asian • South Asian • Polynesian • Micronesian • Melanesian • Cultural Heritage • Community • Portland • Oregon • Diversity • Cultural Services

As we're nearing our 50th anniversary gala celebration in May, we want to thank @onpointcu for being our Presenting Sponsor. OnPoint has supported IRCO's services since 2015 and we are grateful to be celebrating this milestone event with them this year! #IRCO #OnPoint #Gala #Sponsor #Thankyou

Ifeoluwa’s Journey to Stability and Hope In December 2024, Ifeoluwa, a dedicated student at Portland State University, began experiencing significant financial hardship. As housing instability set in, it was compounded by emerging health concerns and the growing demands of her academic workload. What should have been a time of focus and growth quickly became a period marked by uncertainty and stress. In 2025, during a pivotal moment, Ifeoluwa found support through a program at IRCO’s Africa House Cultural Center. Through the program, she received seven months of housing support along with additional financial assistance—resources that proved life-changing. With the burden of housing insecurity lifted, Ifeoluwa was able to refocus on her education, prioritize her health, and regain a sense of stability. Beyond meeting her immediate needs, Africa House provided something even more powerful: a renewed sense of belonging and emotional wellbeing. In a time of isolation and challenge, she found community, support, and encouragement. Today, Ifeoluwa describes herself as hopeful and inspired. Her experience has not only helped her regain stability but has also ignited a deep desire to give back. She hopes to one day support others facing similar challenges—just as she was supported during one of the most critical chapters of her life. #IRCO #AfricaHouse #SuccessStory #Portland #Community

Real change takes people who show up and build together. We’re proud to honor Mark Holloway as our Champion of Change. From helping bring Preschool for All to life to investing in leaders, artists, and entrepreneurs, Mark is focused on turning potential into real impact. His impact extends deeply into IRCO’s mission—supporting programs that provide preschool opportunities co-located with affordable housing, removing barriers, and helping children and families thrive. That same impact shows up every day through our work—supporting families, small businesses, and future leaders across our region. Be in the room where it all comes together. Get your tickets now: https://ircogala2026.auctria.events

It is National Volunteer Appreciation Week, and with the return of spring and the close of tax season, IRCO celebrated the incredible impact of our volunteer community with a Volunteer Appreciation Picnic. 🌿 Our volunteers and program staff came together to celebrate community in action—sharing food, enjoying activities, and recognizing our top contributors who continue to show up, support others, and make an impact. So far this year, over 100 active volunteers have supported 60+ roles across IRCO programs, contributing more than 4,000 hours—from tutoring and tax assistance to youth mentorship and special events. IRCO Volunteers transform lives. By giving their time, they help open doors, build community, and make belonging possible.  Thank you to all IRCO Volunteers who joined us and continue to support this work. Small acts create a life-changing impact—Interested in getting involved? Join us—volunteer, connect, and make an impact. Together, we can contribute to meaningful change. Learn more: /volunteer-for-irco/ #IRCO #Volunteers #ThankYOU #Impact #Appreciation