Conflicts in Ukraine, Afghanistan, Syria and around the world have created a global refugee crisis. Join Chris George for his final appearance as part of IRIS to discuss the future of refugee resettlement – and his role in transforming refugee resettlement nationally.
Chris has been Executive Director of IRIS – Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services – for 18 years. He spearheaded the organization’s growth to help resettle 1,000 per year in Connecticut in 2023 from 150 a year in 2005. Throughout his tenure, he has made CT a model for refugee resettlement in the U.S. Join us as we celebrate the work of IRIS and bid Chris farewell in his next adventures.
The Details
When: Wednesday, January 24th at 6:00PM | Doors open 5:45PM
Where: Studio A at CT Public | 1049 Asylum Ave, Hartford, CT 06105
Tickets: $20 donation | RSVP here
Please consider adding your support for this program with a $20 donation when registering
About the Speaker
Chris George served as the executive director of Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS) for 18 years. In his leadership role, Chris helped IRIS become a national Welcome Corps PSO and Connecticut’s largest refugee resettlement agency, working with community groups nationwide to welcome thousands of refugees and immigrants to their new homes. Chris played a central role in IRIS’ commitment of piloting sponsorship models in the U.S. Chris’ passion for serving others started in 1977 when he became a Peace Corps Volunteer in Muscat, Oman. Over the course of his 12 years of experience in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, he held leadership roles at Save the Children, American Friends Service Committee, and in 1989 he made headlines as the first American abducted and held hostage in Gaza. Since then, he has only grown more devoted to helping those in need. In addition to this, Chris negotiated the terms of the first fact-finding missions to Syria and Iran as Executive Director of Human Rights Watch – Middle East. Chris is a driven and compassionate leader whose work has positively impacted countless lives. His commitment to helping others has made him an invaluable asset to the IRIS team and the communities they serve.
About IRIS
Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS) is a non-profit agency whose mission is to help refugees and other displaced people establish new lives, strengthen hope, and contribute to the vitality of Connecticut’s communities. Welcoming persecuted people from other countries is America’s most noble tradition. IRIS helps newcomers on the road to self-sufficiency by providing lifesaving support during their transition to life in the United States.
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