Rep. Ben McAdams visits Spice Kitchen Incubator
February 21, 2020
In early February, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Salt Lake City’s Spice Kitchen Incubator hosted Congressman Ben McAdams and colleague Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy (FL) at a gathering focused on meeting with refugee aid community leaders and learning more about programs that help refugees and other New Americans reach self-sufficiency. The meet-and-greet type event brought together community leaders, supporters, and service providers who support refugee resettlement in Salt Lake City and the greater state of Utah.
Community members, refugee leaders, and refugee services staff gathered to hear from Representative Ben McAdams and his colleague, Representative Stephanie Murphy (FL), hosted by the IRC in Salt Lake City's Spice Kitchen Incubator.
Photo: Xavier Quintana
During the gathering, Rep. Murphy recounted her family's harrowing story of escape from Vietnam in the 1970s and the generosity they received from the U.S. navy while adrift in international waters.
Representative Ben McAdams spoke of Utah's history of welcoming some of the most vulnerable families from around the world and the opportunities available to them once they reach the Beehive State. Photo: Xavier Quintana/IRC
"For me, I think back to that moment, and I understand that that was my first encounter with what makes America great," she said, which is a combination of "power and generosity."
Rep. McAdams touched on Utah's history of accepting groups fleeing religious persecution: "Not only do we, I think, do the right thing by helping people who are in need find hope and opportunity, but immigrants come and help create jobs and lift the community in return."
The group enjoyed ample opportunity to discuss current issues with the U.S. Representatives one-on-one, including refugee and New American community members and entrepreneurs who received services from Spice Kitchen Incubator and other programs offered to help them reach self-sufficiency and strive toward success in their new home.
Natalie El-Deiry (right), executive director at the IRC in Salt Lake City, and Kate Idzorek (left), program manager at Spice Kitchen Incubator, discuss the program and other efforts in Salt Lake City to ensure positive integration for refugees with Rep. Stephanie Murphy. Photo: Xavier Quintana/IRC
Finally, Natalie El-Deiry, the executive director at the IRC in Salt Lake City, urged attendees to educate themselves on refugee issues and to be a force for change in their communities.
The International Rescue Committee in Salt Lake City continues to offer vital support for refugees and other new Americans who have fled persecution. Even as the refugee cap continues to drop to a historic low, Utah continues to open its doors to those in need to help survive, recover, and gain control of their lives.
Read the full story written by the Deseret News here. Learn how you can get more involved in our work by visiting Rescue.org/SupportSLC.
