LATEST NEWS

July 31, 2024 | Volume 2, Issue 7

Amani CEO Ewelina Connolly named Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation’s Class VI Outstanding Fellow

The Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation (MDLF) announced today Ewelina Connolly, CEO of Amani Family Services, is the recipient of the Class VI Outstanding Fellow Award.

Last year, Connolly was one of 25 leaders selected from a competitive pool of 137 applicants across 28 counties to participate in the Class VI Fellowship. As the sole representative from Allen County, Connolly has made a great impression on her peers and MDLF leadership with her dedication and insight. The Class VI Fellows nominated Connolly to be recognized for her contributions.

"I am deeply grateful for the Foundation's investment in me. This leadership development opportunity has not only inspired me to dream bigger but has also equipped me with the essential tools, support, and networks needed to take concrete steps toward making these dreams a reality and improving Indiana's future,” Connolly said.

Welcoming Fort Wayne: A Year in Review

It has been one year since Welcoming Fort Wayne and its partners held the first Welcoming Plan steering committee meeting. We're thrilled to share the exciting progress we've made. This review highlights key accomplishments and challenges faced. The Welcoming Fort Wayne initiative has made remarkable progress in fostering an inclusive community. #Amani #WelcomingFortWayne2024

Read the Full Year in Review

Save the Dates

Celebrate Welcoming Week!

September 13-22

The 2024 Welcoming Week schedule has been posted on our website and social media! Click the links below to learn more about ten fantastic events that celebrate culture and inclusion!

Find more info on our Website

One Beat Tickets Now Open!

October 24, 2024

Tickets are now available for the most exciting fundraising event of the year!

Join us on October 24 for talented lip-sync bands, local vendor samplings, and an auction of priceless experiences.

Buy Tickets Now!

Staff Feature: Joel Alvarez

Joel has served as the Prevention Specialist in the Amani Substance Use Support Program since March 2024. When he is not working, Joel enjoys spending time with his family including his beautiful wife JoAnne, his creative and kind son David, and his talented artistic daughter Briana.

What excites you most about Amani’s mission?

Being able to help other immigrants develop the sense of belonging by guiding them to explore and reach their full potential in a way that their communities can benefit from their growth.

What should community members know about Amani and what we do?

Amani is a good work environment. We provide services for the community as we try to even the playing field for our immigrant community based on what they need. We also partner with other organizations because as a community we realize that we all may need help at some point in our lives. For those in a position to help, we are always seeking more resources to invest into our community.

Welcoming Fort Wayne Spotlight:

Super Shot provides vital preventative care for vulnerable populations

On July 25, Super Shot hosted a Smart Start! Back to School event, providing school supplies, community resources, and vital immunizations for underserved populations.

Super Shot works daily to break down the barriers to access and affordability to vaccines. While they accept insurance and charge a small fee per vaccine, no one is turned away due to inability to pay. In addition, Super Shot provides preventative care for many immigrants and refugees, including those with limited English proficiency. "We understand that language can be a huge barrier to receiving healthcare access," said Executive Director Connie Heflin.

To address this, Super Shot hires Spanish and Burmese-speaking staff and uses a translation service called BoostLingo to provide interpretation in over 120 different languages in their clinic. In addition, Super Shot partners with Language Services Network to bring in additional interpreters for special events like Smart Start!

Super Shot is hosting another Smart Start! event on August 1. Learn more about this event and other resources on their Facebook page!

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