EXCEPTIONAL HISTORY AND ENDURING COMMITMENT Established in 1918 by the YWCA and originally named the International Institute of Connecticut, the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI) has provided a century of specialized services to refugees and immigrants seeking dignity and safety, peace and hope. In the early 1900s, 15 million people immigrated to the United States. Today, there are over 65 million displaced people globally. Resilient during changing times, we have consistently remained true to our mission to serve and empower new Americans to thrive in Connecticut, adapting our services to meet the evolving needs of generations of immigrants and refugees — Eastern Europeans in WWII, Southeast Asians during the Vietnam War, Bosnians fleeing the former Yugoslavia, and today, Congolese and Syrian refugees among many others.
ACCOMPLISHED AND DEDICATED TEAM The diverse and dynamic people that work at CIRI are recognized as leaders in their respective fields: immigration law, refugee resettlement, anti-human trafficking, trauma informed care for survivors of torture. Our experienced and committed staff bring expertise in the law, humanitarian action, international development, microfinance, private development, operations and community mobilization. Our staff come from 14 countries and collectively speak 16 languages.
When we came to America, all we hoped for was that we had food to eat every day. CIRI gave me everything I needed to start a new life.
EXCEPTIONAL HISTORY AND ENDURING COMMITMENT Established in 1918 by the YWCA and originally named the International Institute of Connecticut, the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI) has provided a century of specialized services to refugees and immigrants seeking dignity and safety, peace and hope. In the early 1900s, 15 million people immigrated to the United States. Today, there are over 65 million displaced people globally. Resilient during changing times, we have consistently remained true to our mission to serve and empower new Americans to thrive in Connecticut, adapting our services to meet the evolving needs of generations of immigrants and refugees — Eastern Europeans in WWII, Southeast Asians during the Vietnam War, Bosnians fleeing the former Yugoslavia, and today, Congolese and Syrian refugees among many others.
ACCOMPLISHED AND DEDICATED TEAM The diverse and dynamic people that work at CIRI are recognized as leaders in their respective fields: immigration law, refugee resettlement, anti-human trafficking, trauma informed care for survivors of torture. Our experienced and committed staff bring expertise in the law, humanitarian action, international development, microfinance, private development, operations and community mobilization. Our staff come from 14 countries and collectively speak 16 languages.
When we came to America, all we hoped for was that we had food to eat every day. CIRI gave me everything I needed to start a new life.
COMPASSIONATE AND COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES The Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants is the preeminent provider of comprehensive legal and social services for refugees and immigrants in Connecticut. Delivered with compassion and care, our integrated, innovative and inclusive services are designed to meet the complex and changing needs of our clients and their families. Services are designed with rigor and are implemented with commitment to continuous learning and achieving excellence. All of our services advance our mission to resolve the many barriers faced by our clients, supporting them on a path to independence, integration and self-reliance.
Direct services include: Refugee Resettlement Immigration Legal Services Project Rescue — Anti Human Trafficking and Unaccompanied Minors Survivor Services Economic Empowerment
POWERFUL PARTNERSHIPS The Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants has an enduring commitment to high-impact cross-sector collaboration. Our partners include health care providers, educators, faith-based organizations, nonprofits, and community businesses. We enjoy strong support from diverse funders — government agencies, private foundations and individuals — as well as hundreds of volunteers, mentors and pro bono attorneys who have a transformative impact on our clients’ lives.
Main Office 670 Clinton Avenue Bridgeport, CT 06605 P (203) 336-0141
Stamford Office 34 Woodland Avenue Stamford, CT 06902 P (203) 965-7190
Burroughs Community Center Office 2470 Fairfield Avenue Bridgeport, CT 06605 P (203) 336-0141
Hartford Office 175 Main Street 2nd Floor Hartford, CT 06106 P (860) 692-3085