|
|
August 30, 2024 | Volume 2, Issue 8 | |
We're All In for Welcoming! | |
|
It's almost time for Welcoming Week 2024! We hope to see you at one of 10 events hosted by Amani Family Services and our community partners.
| | |
|
Welcome Fair
Saturday, September 14
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Renaissance Pointe YMCA
The Welcome Fair gathers vendors, employers, and community organizations together to provide a wealth of resources to immigrants, refugees, and all community supporters. Join us for entertainment, food trucks, and more!
| | |
Hobnobben Preview
Saturday, Sept. 14
2 to 4 p.m.
| Calling all cinephiles - celebrate welcoming through film with the Cinema Center! Join us for a sneak peek of everything the Hobnobben Film Festival has to offer. | |  |
Chase Bank Block Party
Monday, Sept. 16
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
| Join us for a fun-filled Block Party at Southgate Plaza. Continue the Welcoming Week celebration with community resources, giveaways, and music. | | |
Welcoming College Tour
Tuesday, Sept. 17
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
| Learn how an Ivy Tech education can be accessible to anyone when you join us for this informative presentation and exclusive campus tour! Interpreters available. | | | |
|
Welcoming the Stories of Immigrant Entrepreneurs
Wednesday, September 18
5:30-7:30 p.m.
The NIIC
| Celebrate immigrant entrepreneur stories with this panel discussion and networking event! Registration is required for this free Spanish-language event. | | |
Welcoming Week at Electric Works
Thursday, Sept. 19
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
| Explore diverse world foods from Union Street Market, then stop by our table to learn more about Welcoming Week and how you can celebrate! | | |
A Resource Tour of Rudisill Plaza
Thursday, Sept. 19
5 to 7 p.m.
| All are welcome for this special tour of the Rudisill Plaza building - learn more about Bowen Health Clinic and other community resources! | | |
Welcoming Spaces at Alley Bash
Friday, Sept. 20
6 to 10 p.m.
| Experience the power of art at Art This Way: Alley Bash! This year, immerse yourself in international art, music, and language in the Welcoming Spaces area. | | |
Welcoming Fort Wayne Awards | | | |
|
|
Friday, September 20
8:30 to 10 a.m.
Ceruti's Summit Room
Join us for an inspirational morning as we recognize exceptional individuals, organizations, and companies dedicated to building a stronger, more welcoming community. Featuring keynote speaker Dr. Pascal Losambe. Registration is required for this free event.
| | | |
|
Works of Welcome
Saturday, September 21
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Rolland Art Center
Discover the incredible talent of local high school students as the capture the power of immigrant narratives through art. Join us for the opening reception and celebration of these young artists' work.
Award ceremony at 1pm
| | | |
|
One Beat: A Lip Sync Battle
October 24, 2024
6:00 to 10:00 p.m.
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.
| | | |
|
Lunch & Learn
September 20, 2024
Director of Immigration Services at Catholic Charities, Luz Ostrognai, and Lisa Koop, National Director of Legal Services at the National Immigrant Justice Center, will share an update about recent immigration policy changes and executive orders. Q&A to follow
| | |
Staff Feature: Maria Zamudio | |
|
Maria was born and spent her early childhood in Mexico with her family. Her early years were challenging due to health issues that required frequent doctor’s visits. At the same time, her father had been working in the United States to support their family. When Maria was seven, her father decided to resettle the whole family in the U.S. in order to pursue better opportunities and stability.
At first, the transition was difficult. The Hispanic community was small in the 1990s, and the culture shock Maria experienced was intense. The school schedule was different, the school subjects were unfamiliar, and the taste of the food was strange and unappealing to her. Making friends was hard because everyone spoke English. Maia was naturally shy as a little girl, and she recalls walking around the playground by herself, not knowing anyone. Over time, Maria began to find comfort in her English Language Learners (ELL) class, where she found she could express herself.
"I love everything I do here. When we came to the US we did not have this type of help. Amani supports people who are struggling and need accurate information and guidance."
| |
Maria Zamudio graduated with her Bachelors of Social Work from Indiana University this Spring, and started her Masters of Social Work program this summer. | |
Welcoming Fort Wayne Spotlight:
Hispanic food, music, and culture on display at Fiesta Fort Wayne
| | |
|
On Saturday, August 10, Fort Wayne's vibrant Hispanic community gathered at Headwaters Park for the 6th annual Fiesta Fort Wayne, a captivating celebration of diverse traditions and culinary delights. The event included local vendors and nonprofits as well as cultural performers from all over the country. Funds received from the event will be used for community scholarships and to donate needed items to Latin American countries.
| |
We partner with immigrant and refugee families and the community to promote safety, encourage personal growth, and foster a spirit of belonging. | | | | |
