MARCH 2025 NEWSLETTER
IRIS EMERGENCY FUND: ALL federal funding for refugee resettlement has been frozen — including the funds that cover essential expenses like rent, food, and case management. For 20 years, IRIS has provided legal and social services to refugees, asylees, migrants and other displaced persons fleeing persecution.
BENEFIT SCREENING FOR IRIS: "Mariupol: Survivors" is a compelling documentary feature that marks the directorial debut of artist Mariia Mykhno. This poignant film captures the essence of an unsettling refrain, where three resilient women at its core recount the horrors of war as though they still bear witness to its haunting presence.
In Ukraine, Anastasiia was a journalist and a television announcer. In 2022, she was living in Kyiv with her wife, Mariia. They had just bought a new apartment with new furniture. They spent vacations with family on a beautiful island that she describes as similar to Venice, Italy. They hoped to open a cafe. On February 24th, 2022 all of that changed.
When Russia’s military came into Ukraine, Anastasiia, Mariia, and their beloved dog fled to Poland. Eventually, her wife was offered a job in United States, and Anastasiia was able to get refugee status. Unfortunately, after they arrived, the job Mariia had been offered fell through. But there was no turning back. Even that beautiful vacation island would be destroyed by Russian bombs.
Once they had arrived in the U.S., Anastasiia took it upon herself to research and find organizations that might help them. She found IRIS and discovered that it was close by, and she decided she would get in contact with them. She explained that it was difficult for them to find an apartment since they had brought their large dog with them from Ukraine. IRIS was able to help them with finding a safe and stable home.
Anastasiia has been able to find some Ukrainian community in Los Angeles, but she has noticed and struggled with a disconnect between those who have been in the diaspora for a longer time, and those (like Anastasiia) who are more recent arrivals. Anastasiia’s wife is a filmmaker, and together they made a film about the war in Ukraine. IRIS is honored to host a screening of this documentary. This screening is an opportunity to help build community and raise funds for services for Ukrainian immigrants in Los Angeles. Due to the nature of the film, it is recommended that views are 21 or over. Seating is limited, reserve your ticket today.
Free Citizenship Application Clinics: IRIS is a Department of Justice (DOJ) Recognized Agency with accredited staff and an on-site immigration attorney. IRIS provides workshops with free legal assistance and support with the application process. Learn more: IRIS Citizenship Application Clinics — Interfaith Refugee and Immigration Service