Sacramento International Rescue Committee Gives Refugees A Fresh Start

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Thousands of aid workers from across the United States place themselves in harm's way for humanity, including one local organization that says it's willing to go placed most others won't.

The director at the Sacramento office for the International Rescue Committee is part of a worldwide network of aid workers helping people whose lives have been shattered by conflict and disaster.

"We go on the front-line to save our people," said Lisa Welze.

They help refugees survive and gain control of their future by providing health care, infrastructure, learning and economic support.

The IRC is in 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, including Sacramento, helping refugees get a fresh start.

The Sacramento office is filled with families from war-torn Afghanistan and Iraq. Tuesday's class focused on job training and placement.

"So they can build their lives and eventually not have any agency helping them," said Matt Joy.

The workers also help refugees victimized by human traffickers.

Aid workers put themselves in harm's way in countries like Syria, and it can have deadly results. While Peter Kassig didn't work for the IRC, he helped victims of war until he was captured and beheaded by ISIS.

Welze also considers the danger, but focuses on her mission of help.

"But I think you know that getting into the business if you want to serve refugees or people in conflict it's part of the job," she said.