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PRODID:-//IRIS-Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN
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X-WR-CALNAME:IRIS-Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://irisct.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for IRIS-Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services
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TZID:UTC
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DTSTART:20230101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250205T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250205T193000
DTSTAMP:20260425T164644
CREATED:20250202T192822Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250202T192822Z
UID:29438-1738778400-1738783800@irisct.org
SUMMARY:Light Up the Night for IRIS Vigil
DESCRIPTION:In these early days of the new administration\, federal funding for a host of worthy agencies has been suspended\, eliminated\, and then\, (maybe?) partially reinstated.  Few who depend upon that funding believe that the threat has gone away.  Meanwhile\, livelihoods and support services throughout the country hang in the balance. \nAmong the many worthy agencies affected across Connecticut\, IRIS (Integrated Refugee and Immigration Services) in New Haven has experienced tremendous whiplash.  Depending on which order is being considered\, and when\, it appears that IRIS stands to lose millions of dollars in funding\, preventing them not only from helping to resettle refugees\, but also hindering their ability to assist people in need all across the state.  Losing that funding would place thousands of people in jeopardy. \nThe First Congregational Church of Old Lyme\, together with two other churches in town (St. Ann’s and Christ the King) as well as many other residents of no particular faith\, have partnered with IRIS for the past decade\, ever since the beginning of the Syrian refugee crisis in 2015.  Indeed\, our community was the first in the state to reach out to IRIS during that crisis\, though many others soon did the same.  Before long\, a Syrian family arrived in Old Lyme and has remained here ever since\, just the way Syrians arrived in communities all across Connecticut.  Since that time\, we have helped resettle five additional families in our area from many different parts of the world\, a pattern that has unfolded all up and down the Connecticut Shoreline\, and throughout the entirety of the state. \nIRIS is one of the crown jewels of Connecticut\, helping to make us the welcoming\, hospitable\, and culturally rich state that we are.  Our communities have been improved by welcoming refugees\, and supporting immigrants\, which IRIS has facilitated. \nIf this is an opening salvo from a hostile new administration\, then the time is right for Connecticut residents who continue to believe in the sanctity of hospitality to come together\, and to push back the night. \nWith that in mind\, the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme invites friends and supporters of IRIS to join us for a candlelight vigil on Wednesday evening\, February 5th\, at 6:00 PM.  We’ll sing\, we’ll offer words of prayer\, and we’ll light up the night.  But we also have a goal: to raise $100\,000 as a gesture of goodwill and support for IRIS.  That won’t be enough.  But if similar events took place around the state\, it would go a long way. \nIRIS has given our communities so much.  They have offered support and protection to so many\, and they have enriched our lives for the relationships they helped to create.  It’s time to give a little back. \nBut more to the point\, it’s now time\, like Miriam\, to emerge from the bulrushes\, and to push back against the Pharaohs that continue to afflict the vulnerable. \nIt’s time to show who we are as residents of a diverse and welcoming state\, one that we can all be proud to live in. \nRev. Steven R. Jungkeit\, Ph.D.\nSenior Minister\nThe First Congregational Church of Old Lyme \nAll are welcome to attend the vigil on Wednesday evening.  The First Congregational Church of Old Lyme can be found at 2 Ferry Rd.\, Old Lyme\, CT 06371.
URL:https://irisct.org/event/light-up-the-night-for-iris-vigil/
LOCATION:The First Congregational Church of Old Lyme\, 2 Ferry Rd.\, Old Lyme\, CT\, 06371
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://irisct.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/vigil-for-iris.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250126T163000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250126T180000
DTSTAMP:20260425T164644
CREATED:20250122T172335Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250122T172335Z
UID:29261-1737909000-1737914400@irisct.org
SUMMARY:Free Concert to benefit IRIS
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://irisct.org/event/free-concert-to-benefit-iris/
LOCATION:450 Whitney Ave.\, New Haven\, CT
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://irisct.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/concert-to-benefit-IRIS.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250115T173000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250115T190000
DTSTAMP:20260425T164644
CREATED:20250110T204855Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250110T204855Z
UID:29191-1736962200-1736967600@irisct.org
SUMMARY:New London Town Hall - A discussion on protecting our immigrants
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://irisct.org/event/new-london-town-hall-a-discussion-on-protecting-our-immigrants/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://irisct.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/New-London-Townhall-English.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250109T163000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250109T173000
DTSTAMP:20260425T164644
CREATED:20250106T222427Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250107T150257Z
UID:29092-1736440200-1736443800@irisct.org
SUMMARY:Meet Your Neighbors
DESCRIPTION:Santa Vasquez is originally from the Dominican Republic and immigrated to the United States with her children in 2021. She will share her personal story\, and provide some insight into experiences of Caribbean-Americans.
URL:https://irisct.org/event/meet-your-neighbors/
LOCATION:Fair Haven Public Library\, 82 Grand Avenue\, New Haven\, CT
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://irisct.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/DR-island.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241205T173000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241205T193000
DTSTAMP:20260425T164644
CREATED:20241202T233150Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241202T233336Z
UID:28752-1733419800-1733427000@irisct.org
SUMMARY:Connecticut Immigration Town Hall: Here For You
DESCRIPTION:Townhall Discussion on Federal Immigration Policy: Addressing Community Concerns\nJoin us for an important town hall featuring Attorney General William Tong\, Mayor Justin Elicker\, and Senator Richard Blumenthal (likely)\, as well as IRIS staff. This event is designed to address questions and concerns from our clients and community partners regarding potential federal immigration policy changes under the incoming Trump Administration. \nOur speakers will provide insights into the anticipated actions of the administration\, their potential impact on immigrants in Connecticut\, and how local and state leadership plans to respond to protect and support our community. \nThis is a unique opportunity to hear directly from local leaders\, ask questions\, and discuss how we can work together during this pivotal time. All are welcome! \nThis event will also be available remotely and livecasted via Zoom.\nIn order to recieve the zoom link to attend the event\, please register for the event. Once you have registered\, you will recieve a zoom link to join the town hall 24 hours before the event begins. \n_______________ \nWe kindly request all attendees to maintain civility and respect during discussions on this sensitive topic. Those who disrupt the event or behave inappropriately may be asked to leave to ensure a productive and respectful environment for all. \nRegister on eventbrite here
URL:https://irisct.org/event/connecticut-immigration-town-hall-here-for-you/
LOCATION:Parish House of the United Church on the Green\, 323 Temple Street\, New Haven\, CT\, 06510
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://irisct.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/https___cdn.evbuc_.com_images_907736353_220741286873_1_original.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241020T113000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241020T123000
DTSTAMP:20260425T164644
CREATED:20241017T153314Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241017T155308Z
UID:27296-1729423800-1729427400@irisct.org
SUMMARY:Overview of American Immigration
DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Maggie Mitchell Salem and Tetyana Pavelo\nDate: Sunday\, 10/20/24 \nTime: 11:30am-12:30pm
URL:https://irisct.org/event/overview-of-american-immigration/
LOCATION:Buckingham Congregational Church\, 16 Cricket Lane\, Glastonbury\, CT\, 06033\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://irisct.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/refugees-from-syria.webp
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241015T173000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241203T193000
DTSTAMP:20260425T164644
CREATED:20241008T003915Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241015T234959Z
UID:26916-1729013400-1733254200@irisct.org
SUMMARY:Afghan Women Explore Themes of Identity and Home
DESCRIPTION:The exhibit runs Oct 3 – Dec 3 with a public reception on Tuesday\, October 15 at 5:30pm. Come enjoy our exhibit presentation\, henna by refugee women and a delicious menu prepared by Sanctuary Kitchen and Havenly.  Dari and Pashto interpreters will be provided.\n\nCRIW – The Collective for Refugee and Immigrant Women’s Wellbeing’s Expressive Arts Initiative allowed Afghan women with limited power due to culture\, gender\, ethnicity\, education and health disparities who are often unheard to tell their own stories via photographs and “story cloths”.  This will be an opportunity to learn more about your Afghan neighbors and build community. This exhibit was made possible through the generous support of the International Association of New Haven.
URL:https://irisct.org/event/afghan-women-explore-themes-of-identity-and-home/
LOCATION:New Haven Free Public Library\, Wilson Branch
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://irisct.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/photo-exhibit-promo.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20241008
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20241009
DTSTAMP:20260425T164644
CREATED:20241008T182522Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241009T142700Z
UID:26961-1728345600-1728431999@irisct.org
SUMMARY:Hartford's Commission on Refugee and Immigrant Affairs 10th Anniversary
DESCRIPTION:Hartford’s Commission on Refugee and Immigrant Affairs invites you to join them for their 10th anniversary at the Hartford Public Library. \nTuesday\, October 8th\, 5-6:30pm. 500 Main St.\, Hartford CT 06103 \nYou’ll have the opportunity to view the touring exhibit journey of memories\, meet with community members who care about Hartford’s immigrants and refugees\, as well as hear updates on the commission’s progress and plans for the upcoming year. \nRSVP through email: hartfodcria@gmail.com
URL:https://irisct.org/event/hartfords-commission-on-refugee-and-immigrant-affairs-10th-anniversary/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://irisct.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/CRIA-Flyer_updated-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241003T143000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241003T173000
DTSTAMP:20260425T164644
CREATED:20241008T003527Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250225T204651Z
UID:26906-1727965800-1727976600@irisct.org
SUMMARY:Nuns on a Bus Immigration Roundtable
DESCRIPTION:with Mirka Dominguez-Salinas\, Manager of IRIS’ Community Resource Hub and Maggie Mitchell Salem\, Executive Director\nWe invite you to join us on October 3rd at 2:30 PM for a roundtable discussion with the “Nuns on a Bus”\, as well as Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro\, local legislation and community partners. The roundtable discussion will focus on immigration and how FHCHC is supporting immigrants coming to Connecticut and more specifically\, New Haven.  Once the roundtable discussion is complete\, we will gather outside for a short press conference and the opportunity to sign the bus! \n“Nuns on the Bus” is a social justice campaign initiated by a group of Catholic nuns in the United States. Launched by the Catholic social justice organization NETWORK\, the campaign involves nuns traveling across the country on a bus to advocate for issues such as economic justice\, healthcare access\, immigration reform\, and the need for a more compassionate society.  FHCHC is one of two stops in CT.  For more information on their cross country tour click here:  Our Stops – Nuns on the Bus 2024
URL:https://irisct.org/event/nuns-on-a-bus-immigration-roundtable/
LOCATION:Fair Haven Community Health Care\, 374 Grand Ave\, New Haven\, CT\, 06513\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://irisct.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Rep-DeLauro-0305-notb-072324-2048x1365-1.jpg
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