Our region is in full welcoming mode as large and small families from Afghanistan continue to arrive to St. Louis weekly. More than 500 have arrived with another 90 expected, then up to another 1,000 refugees from around the world coming here, this year. The incredible outpouring of support from our entire community shows how the region is comprised of many caring, generous individuals, organizations and corporations.

A broad Afghan refugee resettlement initiative was announced earlier this month by local attorney Jerry Schlichter, co-founder of Arch Grants, in collaboration with the International Institute and the Archdiocese of St. Louis, on behalf of a coalition of interfaith leaders.

The initiative includes funds to address immediate housing needs, providing a full-time staff person at the Institute who will serve as liaison for Afghans, and entrepreneur grants.

There is also a Community Support Program that encourages groups of 5-10 to provide additional financial and other support. This is a great way for family, friends, employees and like-minded people who want to help but not sure how to start.

There is no shortage of ways to do your part to help newcomers acclimate and feel welcome.

From organizing a 5k, like ally Heather Huewe has done with Race for Refugees (nearly $13,000 was collected and donated to the Institute in last November's race!), to donating grocery cards from Schnucks, Aldi's Global Foods (cards for Aldi's and Global Foods can only be purchased in-store), to agreeing to pick-up newly arriving Afghans from the airport (your smiling face and warm heart will be one of their first encounters in St. Louis!).

Click here for episodic or ongoing volunteer opportunities including, but not limited to: transportation, apartment set-up and help with other daily tasks.

International Students: On February 15 from 5-6 pm., we are pleased to offer our popular virtual workshop for international students, provided in conjunction with longtime partner, the Regional Business Council and President & CEO Kathy Osborn.

Presenters Naretha Hopson and Mosaic's Betsy Cohen, author of "Welcome to the USA. You're Hired!" will offer real-world guidance and tips on putting your best foot forward for networking toward employment and the importance of developing soft skills.

A former international student also will share her experience transitioning from the classroom to the board room. RSVP to Tina Haberberger at thaberberger@stlrbc.org.

Our family of Ambassador Companies is growing and we couldn't be happier! Cortex becomes the 47th Company to officially align with our welcoming mission and goals to transform St. Louis into the fastest growing major metro for immigration by 2025, and to add 25,000 new foreign-born to the region in that same time.

Benefits of Becoming An Ambassador Company or Organization

If you haven't joined us, please consider becoming an Ambassador Company. There's always room at our table! More information here.