Our monthly Member Spotlight highlights a member working diligently to foster equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplaces in our region. This month, we are highlighting IRCO, Immigrant and Refugee Community. IRCO provides culturally specific services to immigrants, refugees, and other diverse community members.
The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO), founded in 1976 by and for refugees, has been serving immigrant and refugee communities for nearly 50 years. Since its founding, IRCO has grown from primarily serving clients in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area (and at one time occasionally providing services in Texas and Florida), to now serving clients in Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Marion, Baker, and Malheur counties of Oregon, and Clark County in Washington state. Our advocacy efforts extend nationally through our networks. Our Mission is to welcome, serve, and empower refugees, immigrants, and people across cultures and generations to reach their full potential.
For the last several years, IRCO has been on a journey to deliver best practice, equity-centered, trauma informed, and anti-racist services to build and sustain a healthy and resilient workplace culture. Staff participate in our robust, globally centered DEIB training and strategic and equity plan-aligned activities, and/or join our current affinity groups, IRCO Pride, and the Equity Team. IRCO also centers employee wellness by investing in dedicated staff who deliver supportive training, information, and resources.
IRCO’s employee body represents 74 countries of origin and speaks 86 distinct languages. Many of our staff are cultural and ethnic community leaders. This allows IRCO to offer an unequaled array of culturally and linguistically specific programming to clients across generations. 
In addition to our foundational work resettling refugees in Oregon and SW Washington, we offer workforce development, SUN School Site and School-linked services, Community Health services, services to those trafficked for sex or labor, and housing placement and retention services. IRCO is excited to announce our latest housing initiative, Aldea at Glisan Landing, this is a brand new 96-unit building currently completing construction, with expected initial occupancy in late February of 2025. The complex is located at NE 75th and Glisan and will open with an on-site preschool, as well.
As a Partners in Diversity member, IRCO has enjoyed attending the Annual Partners in Diversity Equity Summit, Say Hey events, and the various available training opportunities. I hope you will join us on May 22, 2025, for the IRCO Gala at The Redd. It promises to be an exuberant celebration of culture, service, and the strength of a diverse community.
