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Dear supporters,
Since the founding of this country, we have valued free and fair elections. Yesterday, the will of the people was made clear, and in the near future we will experience a peaceful transition of power. As an organization serving immigrants and refugees, the views of the incoming administration contradict the values that guide our work. However, we respect the outcome of a free and fair election. These freedoms to vote and the peaceful transfer of power are not taken for granted by the immigrants and refugees we serve. Many of the people we serve have fled their home countries due to a lack of such freedoms and have found hope for a future of opportunity here.
For more than 100 years, the International Institute of St. Louis has provided opportunities for new arrivals in our community. The immigrants and refugees we work with have made our region and country more welcoming, prosperous and healthy for all.
Throughout the course of our history, our organization has served the community under many federal administrations and has remained steadfast in our commitment to our mission and vision. As we have always done, we will continue to focus on that work. The International Institute was built to be resilient and to support immigrants and refugees, even in the face of uncertainty.
“Just as we did yesterday, today we have a community to serve. We are committed to welcoming immigrants and refugees, providing a safe community for them to build their lives, and protecting their right to live with dignity,” said President and CEO, Arrey Obenson.
“I have a clear vision of the future prosperity of our community. We will not give in to despair. We plan to be here tomorrow, next year, five years from now and beyond serving this community. We have been resilient in the past, in large part thanks to an outpouring of support from the community. You are part of our vision for the future of this community. In fact, we cannot do it without you.”
The work of our organization extends across the St. Louis region, throughout Southwest Missouri and, indeed, across the state. We will continue our work to provide resources and support to immigrant communities every day here in Missouri. Together, we can leverage our collective care for humanity and act with compassion.
With sincerity and hope,
International Institute of St. Louis
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