IRIS primarily serves immigrant women and children who are survivors of violence. IRIS responds to the urgent and unmet needs of immigrants in our communities in Whatcom and Skagit counties inclusively and comprehensively. IRIS connects immigrants with needed resources in our communities by acting as liaisons for our recipients. IRIS also directly provides funding for items and services that are not accessible to this marginalized population. The survivors served by IRIS are fleeing violence and poverty. Despite their immense resilience and hardworking character, they are in need of temporary bridge assistance to help them achieve stability and self-sustainability. IRIS sponsors one or two families at a time by providing them with basic needs and, where appropriate, connecting them with additional services.