Join QCAIR and East Moline Main Street for Harmony Fest on September 19!
Our
Voice
Matters
The Immigrant Family Resource Program (IFRP) is a joint collaboration between the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR), the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), and community-based organizations across Illinois, including QCAIR.
Since its inception in 2000, the goal of the IFRP has been to connect immigrant families and other limited English-speaking persons in Illinois to the public benefits and services they need for proper health, well-being, and economic self-sufficiency.
The Numbers
There are an estimated 600 immigrants living in QCA.
If we were all in one county, our population would be bigger than every county in QCA other than Jefferson and Fayette.
The Numbers & the Need
The Gap
The Quad Cities is home to around 35,000 immigrants.
Language barriers, trust, and accessibility of information can make it difficult for immigrants to become acclimated to the community and that is where QCAIR steps in.
The Need
The Immigrant Family Resource Program (IFRP) addresses a critical need in the Quad Cities by helping immigrant and refugee families navigate systems that can be difficult to understand, especially when language and cultural barriers are involved.
Who We
Are
The Quad Cities Alliance for Immigrants & Refugees (QCAIR Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2012. We support immigrants, refugees, and their families by connecting them with vital resources and services. At the same time, we work to highlight the talents, skills, and contributions these new neighbors bring to our community and our country.
What we do.
The Immigrant Family Resource Program (IFRP) is a joint collaboration between the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR), the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), and 44 ethnic, community-based organizations across Illinois.
Since its inception in 2000, the goal of the IFRP has been to connect immigrant families and other limited English-speaking persons in Illinois to the public benefits and services they need for proper health, well-being, and economic self-sufficiency.
Find An IFRP Partner Organization Near You
IFRP Services at QCAIR
QCAIR & the Immigrant
As a proud partner of the Immigrant Family Resource Program (IFRP), QCAIR works to connect immigrant and refugee families with the resources they need to succeed. Through IFRP, we provide outreach, case management, language support, information, and advocacy so families can access public benefits and essential services.
At QCAIR, we go even further. We help families find safe and stable housing, connect them with job opportunities, and support students by assisting with applications like FAFSA for children of immigrants. Beyond resources, we focus on strong advocacy—standing alongside immigrants and refugees to ensure their voices are heard and their rights are protected.
Most importantly, QCAIR is here when families need us most—offering guidance, support, and community every step of the way. Do you need help with something, use the button below to contact us.
Community
Organizing
Community Organizing
QCAIR is proud to play a leading role in building coalitions and partnerships that strengthen support for immigrants and refugees across the Quad Cities. By bringing together nonprofits, schools, labor unions, attorneys, business leaders, faith-based organizations, elected officials, and community volunteers, we are helping to create a united network that stands behind immigrant and refugee communities.
Through these partnerships, QCAIR has been active in:
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Serving on leadership and steering committees to help guide coalition priorities and provide administrative support, freeing up direct-service organizations to focus on urgent community needs.
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Empowering individuals through Know Your Rights (KYR) trainings so immigrants understand and can confidently exercise their rights.
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Sharing accurate and timely information to ensure immigrant and refugee families stay informed.
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Building solidarity and encouraging collaboration between immigrant communities and their allies to strengthen the safety net of resources available.
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Supporting and coordinating with local nonprofits to expand their impact and ensure no one is left behind.
Together, these efforts help us foster a stronger, more welcoming Quad Cities where immigrants and refugees are informed, empowered, and supported.
Our Partner
The New Americans Initiative (NAI) is a joint collaboration between the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR), Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), and 62 community organizations across Illinois with capacity in 65 languages.
Since 2005, the NAI has assisted low-income immigrant families with citizenship information & education, interview preparation, application processing, and citizenship scholarships for eligible Illinois residents.
HOW YOU
CAN HELP
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Case management and individualized support
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Information and referrals
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Assistance accessing community resources
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Translation and interpretation services
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Help navigating government and social services
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Assistance with documents and applications
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Emergency and family support
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Community outreach and education
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Connections to housing, healthcare, employment, and legal resources
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Support for immigrants and refugees as they build stability and independence
Honors Dinner
QCAIR’s Honors Dinner celebrates the individuals, organizations, and community partners who help strengthen and support our immigrant and refugee communities. Join us as we recognize their dedication, service, and impact..
Harmony Festival
QCAIR’s Harmony Fest celebrates the cultures, traditions, food, music, and diversity that make our community stronger. It’s a day to come together, connect, and celebrate the many cultures that call the Quad Cities home.
QC World Cup
QCAIR’s QC World Cup brings our community together through the universal language of soccer. Teams representing different cultures and communities compete, connect, and celebrate diversity on and off the field.
Timothy
Bladel
Timothy Bladel is the Social Services Director and Office Manager at the Quad Cities Alliance for Immigrants & Refugees (QCAIR). In his role, he helps lead programs that connect immigrants and refugees with essential resources, social services, citizenship support, and community assistance.
Timothy works to make complex systems easier to navigate while helping individuals and families access the support they need to build stable, connected lives in the Quad Cities. He is committed to QCAIR’s mission of advocacy, integration, and building a more welcoming community for immigrants and refugees.
