Causes: Economic Development, International, International Development, International Economic Development, International Migration & Refugee Issues, Microfinance

Mission: The american refugee committee (arc) works with refugees, displaced people, and those at risk to help them survive crises and rebuild lives of dignity, health, security and self-sufficiency.

Programs: People suffering during the most vulnerable times of their lives know better than anyone what they need. That's why our programs start with refugees and their unique experiences. They let us know what needs to happen to make meaningful change in their communities, and we work together to make it so. Arc brings expertise and non-traditional partners to co-create solutions that add new value to communities. But it is refugees themselves who tell us what makes sense for them. In the following descriptions, you'll see how these people are working through the most challenging times they've seen. You'll get a snapshot of each of the different groups of people we're working with and how they're building a better future. (see schedule o for continuation)our partners are diverse, and so is the work we do. But it's all for the same goal - to help people take back control of their lives. Congo - inspiring hope, one business at a time. For years, congo has been known for its tragic history - for heartbreak, violence, and extreme poverty. And yet, congo is so much more than that. Filled with ambitious dreamers, scrappy entrepreneurs, and communities yearning to find hope again, the people of congo are ready to change their story. That's where asili comes in. A business startup co-created by arc, international partners, and congolese communities, asili is in the business of investing in hope. Asili takes an approach of long-term, sustainable development using business principles. Our health clinics, gravity-fed water systems, and agricultural cooperatives give families access to wellness. But what makes asili different is also how we approach our businesses - always with an eye toward beautiful, unexpected design. Since launching in 2014, asili has held fast to the promise of a new future for congo and for humanitarian aid in the country, one that elevates communities from beneficiary to designer, from victim to agent of change. We believe that together with congolese communities, we can create outsized impact - and change the way the world sees what's possible. Jordan - every child deserves a championyoung people - whether in the u. S. Europe, or the middle east - need a champion, someone to believe in them. For refugee kids who have lost their support system, this is especially true. That's why in jordan and with our partner questscope, our work is all about youth. These are both jordanian kids and syrian refugees who have fallen through the cracks, who may have been out of school for years. Questscope's alternative education program helps them get access to educational opportunities, vocational training, and support they would otherwise miss. In za'atari refugee camp, where thousands of syrian refugees live, our mentorship program and youth center are an oasis. With a deep belief that every young person needs a champion, questscope mentors give youth the individual guidance they need to help them see, and reach, their potential. Myanmar - fighting disease alongside communitiesfor over two decades, myanmar was a closed country. Thousands of people fled instability and violence, finding refuge in thailand. Now, many of these refugees are returning home. Our work in myanmar reflects not only the needs of those returning refugees, but the needs of those who never left. For the past few years, we've been working side by side with communities in remote areas of myanmar, deep in the trenches in the fight against drug-resistant malaria. Arc works with previously inaccessible, transient populations in southeast myanmar, diagnosing, treating, and referring patients to higher levels of care. Our cross-border work to contain the disease and promote prevention education becomes ever more important as more and more people return home.