Vol. 8, No. 1 January 2018
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659 Refugees Welcomed to St. Louis in 2017
Saving lives & strengthening our region
St. Louisans helped refugees by adopting more than 40 families during the Institute's 2017 Adopt-A-Family program. Pictured here, a Congolese child and his grandmother check out his holiday gifts. Photo by Wayne Crosslin/International Institute
In 2017, 659 refugees arrived in St. Louis. The total expected number was cut several times as a result of White House Executive Orders and travel bans. Afghan, Congolese, Somali and Iraqi refugees were the largest groups admitted during the year.
The 2017 total represents a sharp decrease in resettlement from the previous year when 1,135 refugees arrived St. Louis. Proposed admissions for 2018 are even bleaker. The International Institute recently received word that we should plan for approximately 450 arrivals this year.
Refugee resettlement continues to be a life-saving opportunity. All of us continue to stand ready to assist those who are lucky enough to be scheduled for resettlement in St. Louis.
LPFM Radio Station - Goal One Met
Connecting international newcomers & the wider community
Workers erect the station's antenna on the rooftop of the former convent building on the IISTL campus. Wayne Crosslin/International Institute
On December 14, KYGV 102.9 LPFM, the International Institute's low power FM radio station debuted at the Institute's campus at 3401 Arsenal St. Listeners can now tune in if they are located within a three-to-five-mile radius of the Institute.
"We have met our first goal of getting on the air in advance of our FCC deadline," said Anna Crosslin, IISTL President and CEO. "We have started with a 24-hour cycle of jazz by local greats and will be adding international programming in the coming months."
Successful completion of this stage would not have occurred without volunteers Wayne Crosslin and Daryl McQuinn. Between them, they spent hundreds of hours in project planning and equipment installation. Thanks also to IISTL Board member Charlie Allen who kept the project on-task, serving as Board liaison.
AT&T Missouri generously provided the funding to build and erect the antenna to begin broadcasting.
Refugee Women Learn Financial Literacy Skills
Taking more control of their financial futures
Graduates of the Empowering Refugee Women Program, which was generously supported by MasterCard. Wayne Crosslin/International Institute
Recently, 40 refugee women graduated from the Empowering Refugee Women Program, specially designed to provide trauma-informed financial literacy to at-risk women. In all, 87% of registrants graduated.
All of the instructors were women, who could speak directly to the benefits of applying these skills. The innovative approach leveraged our expertise in immigrant economic development and social work. The result was a holistic outcome-driven training that encouraged and empowered women to be more financially independent.
We provided seven classes, including a visit to a local bank. The graduates spoke Swahili, Somali, or Arabic. The program was generously supported by MasterCard.
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Jewish Muslim Day of Service at Institute
Celebrating the Christmas holiday by welcoming refugees
Two young refugee women use beads to make necklaces at the December 25 event at IISTL. Wayne Crosslin/International Institute
For a second year, IISTL served as a site for the annual Jewish and Muslim Day of Community Service. Food and games drew nearly 100 refugees to the Institute's gym where several dozen volunteers organized activities and chatted with the newcomers. Somalis, Iraqis, Afghans, Congolese and other refugees joined together in celebration and remembrance.
In its seventh year, the event was held at more than 20 sites and co-sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council and the Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis.
Cortango Orquesta Performs at Institute  
Making beautiful music courtesy of STL Symphony
Cortango - a tango, classical and jazz fusion band - delighted the audience at its December performance. Wayne Crosslin/International Institute
The Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra presented Cortango with special guest SLSO principal harp Allegra Lilly. The casual evening of live music with a Latin flair, featured holiday selections perfect for the season. The December 17 performance attracted a crowd of more than 200 who delighted in the music and venue.
Upcoming Events
Grant Proposal Writing Training by The Grantsmanship Center
February 26 - March 2; International Institute
Join generations of social advocates who have achieved success by attending our Missouri grant proposal writing course. Learn how to get funding for your nonprofit! Whether you're a St. Louis nonprofit or from another region, you'll learn how to do the research, make a plan, and secure the funding you need. For more information or to enroll, click here . Early Bird discount until January 15.

International Institute Trivia Night
March 23, 7 pm; International Institute Gym
Join the International Institute for a fun-filled evening of 10 rounds of internationally-themed trivia. Silent auction, raffle and prizes are also part of the event. Guests can bring food and alcoholic/non-alcoholic drinks for their tables. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase. Sponsorships available. For more information, click here.

The International Four-Person Golf Tournament & Dinner
June 11, 1 pm; Glen Echo Country Club
The four-person scramble tournament benefits the clients and client programs at the International Institute. M ore information coming soon!

Tours of IISTL
Last Wednesday monthly, 10 am
Click here for reservation form. Group tours for more than five visitors can be arranged at other times with advance notice, also by using the form.
Other News
Rent event spaces at IISTL
Need a space to hold a small meeting or a large event? We may have what you want! For rates and room sizes, please visit our rental page.

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