LATEST NEWS

 

June 30, 2025 | Volume 3, Issue 6

Welcoming Fort Wayne Steering Committee Celebrates 2 Years of Building Belonging

This month we hosted a celebration to thank our Welcoming Fort Wayne steering committee members for all of their hard work and dedication. It’s hard to believe that two years have passed since we had our first call to action meeting at Parkview Field.

Since then, we’ve created and launched the Welcoming Fort Wayne Plan (available in English, Spanish, and Burmese), built new partnerships to support immigrant entrepreneurs and workers, advocated for language access across industries, and created new opportunities for civic and community engagement. We are so excited to see what comes next.


Pictured above, Steering Committee members show off their certificates of recognition. From left to right: Nikki Quintana, Rosalina Perez, Jennifer Mabee, Emily Keirns, Ermina Mustedanagic, and Sarah Strimmenos. A full list of names can be found in the Welcoming Fort Wayne Plan.


Special thanks to our core partners Greater Fort Wayne Inc., Downtown Fort Wayne, Allen County, Allen County Public Library and Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne.


Interested in joining us in our Welcoming Journey? Complete our commitment form below.

 

Nominations Open for 2025 Welcoming Fort Wayne Awards

Do you know someone who goes above and beyond to make Fort Wayne a more inclusive place? An inspiring immigrant or refugee leader? A business or organization championing multiculturalism? Nominate them for a Welcoming Fort Wayne Award!

Together, let's recognize the amazing people who are building a welcoming community for all. ️Learn more and submit your nomination at the link below.


#welcomingweek2025 #storiesweshare


 

Save the Dates!

Welcoming Week

September 12-21, 2025


Last year, 29 partner organizations joined Amani Family Services to offer 10 community events across Allen County.


Are you interested in supporting a Welcoming Week event this year?


Fill out our interest survey to learn more.

Culture Fest: A Gathering of Neighbors

Saturday, September 13, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Foellinger Foundation (corner of Clay & Berry)


Culture Fest is a gathering of neighbors to celebrate and connect Allen County's diverse communities with live music and dance, artisan and entrepreneur market, resource fair, food truck, and children's activities.

Welcoming Fort Wayne Awards

Friday, September 19, 8:30 - 10:00 AM

Purdue Fort Wayne International Ballroom


The Welcoming Fort Wayne Awards celebrate the achievements of exceptional individuals and organizations that have contributed to our welcoming community. Join us for a free breakfast program honoring the winners of the 2025 Awards.

 

Welcoming Fort Wayne Spotlight:

Northeast Indiana Immigration Network Partners to Celebrate World Refugee Day

On Friday, June 20th, community members and local nonprofits gathered at the Allen County Public Library to celebrate World Refugee Day. Each year, this global event recognizes those who have been forced to leave their homes and celebrates their resilience and diversity.


This year, the Immigration Network combined forces to host a local celebration featuring refugee testimonials, music and dance performances, community resources, and children's activities inspired by Burmese and Afghan culture. The Immmigration Network is made up of local immigrant and refugee support organizations Amani Family Services, Catholic Charities, and International House - as well as local funder St. Joseph Community Health Foundation.


Watch the full Mayoral Proclamation recognizing World Refugee Day.


Watch the World Refugee Day recap video

 

We partner with immigrant and refugee families and the community to promote safety, encourage personal growth, and foster a spirit of belonging. 

 
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