235…

                                                               235 Nicoll Street
                                                               Second Floor
                                                               New Haven, CT 06511
                                                               TELEPHONE:  (203) 562-2095
                                                               FAX: (203) 562-1798
                                                               E-MAIL: info@irisct.org
                                                               WEB: irisct.org



                                                               May 30, 2008
Dear Friend,

Starting a new life in a new country--when you don't know the language, don't have a job, and
don't have any friends--is not easy.

An Iraqi refugee who arrived in New Haven only one month ago told me how he consoled
an Iraqi woman who arrived last week: "She was crying, and said, `I don't know if I can
learn English. I don't know if I can get a job and support my family. I don't know if I can
make it in this country. I worry so much, I can't eat and I can't sleep.' I told her not to
worry, and that IRIS is here to help her."

With your support, we will help her -- and every refugee who comes to New Haven. For 26
years IRIS has welcomed refugees from all over the world. They have come from countries that
are sadly synonymous with civil war, violence, and political oppression ­ countries like Somalia,
Afghanistan, Bosnia, Vietnam, Cuba, Sudan, and recently Iraq.

As you know, the war in Iraq--like most wars--has a devastating effect on civilians. Thousands
have been killed, and millions made homeless. At least two million have fled Iraq and taken
refuge in Jordan and Syria. They struggle to survive and wait to return home. As that hope
fades, some families are invited to resettle in other countries, like the US. Over the past year,
IRIS has welcomed eight Iraqi families to Connecticut and more are on the way.

Iraqi refugees come from many ethnic and religious groups, and different backgrounds. With
your support IRIS has helped an interpreter, a police officer, an engineer, an oncologist, and a
confectioner. All are eager to work and become self-sufficient. But the conflict has left scars,
both physical and mental. Friends like you help them start new lives. This means providing a
safe home in a friendly neighborhood, helping them receive treatment for medical needs,
arranging English language and job training, and helping their children adjust to a new school.
Already these families have benefited from the generosity of churches and synagogues, civic
and student groups, and businesses ­ from Cornwall to Fairfield. Many people ­ including
several who were once refugees themselves ­ have given their time and money to ease the
adjustment of Iraqi refugees.

Despite our successes, much more needs to be done. I am asking you to make a financial
contribution to welcome our newest Americans. To continue to help refugees, IRIS needs the
steady financial support of the community. Please consider a monthly pledge of $25, $50,
$100, or whatever you can afford. You can visit our website at www.irisct.org to enroll via
PayPal, or you can mail a check with the enclosed pledge card.

Your ongoing support ensures that families who come to Connecticut from war-torn countries
will find a safe haven and a new life in our state. Thank you again for your support ­ we could
not do this work without friends like you.
Sincerely,


Chris George
Executive Director