Founded in 2012, the Quad Cities Alliance for Immigrants & Refugees (QCAIR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for and supporting immigrant and refugee communities across the Quad Cities and surrounding areas.
Our mission is to empower immigrants and refugees as they integrate into the community by providing direct assistance and collaborating with appropriate service providers. We also work to ensure that our newest neighbors are seen for the talents, skills, and resilience they bring, while promoting a welcoming, discrimination-free Quad Cities.
At the heart of QCAIR’s work are programs that address both immediate and long-term needs. Through the Immigrant Family Resource Program (IFRP), we help families access public benefits such as SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and childcare, as well as support with rental assistance, driver’s licenses, and Social Security applications. We offer translation and interpretation services in many languages – including Spanish, French, Arabic, Japanese, Chinese, Bengali, and more – thanks to our multilingual staff, board members, volunteers, and technology tools.
Our New Americans Initiative (NAI) provides support for citizenship and DACA processes. We offer free civics classes to help individuals prepare for the naturalization exam and work with partners to ensure proper application preparation.
QCAIR also leads the Quad Cities Immigrant & Refugee Council, a collaborative network that meets monthly via Zoom to bring together local organizations, advocates, and community members. This platform strengthens service coordination and helps all of us better serve immigrant and refugee communities.
Beyond services, we are committed to educating the community about the importance of inclusion and the positive impact of cultural diversity. Our annual events reflect this:
- QC World Cup Soccer Tournament (Aug. 2): A day of friendly competition and cultural unity through the global language of soccer.
- QCAIR Citizenship Honors Dinner (May 16): Celebrating naturalized citizens and the individuals and organizations that support immigrant success.
- Harmony Fest Multicultural Festival (Aug. 17): A vibrant celebration of food, music, art, and performance representing cultures from around the world.
At QCAIR, we believe that when immigrants and refugees thrive, our entire community grows stronger. We welcome volunteers, partners, and supporters to join us in building a more inclusive and compassionate Quad Cities.
Amy DeHaven is executive director at QCAIR, Inc. For more information, visit www.qcair.org or contact it at (563) 594-0854.
