International Institute of St. Louis

2024 has been a year of milestones for the International Institute. Our Latino Outreach Program has helped welcome over 300 new Haitians, Venezuelans, Nicaraguans and Cubans to St. Louis, many of whom have relocated from other cities in the United States. Our Latino Outreach team is dedicated to providing the best possible service to those in the program. From setting up their new homes to helping them secure employment in our city, we try to to set up every new family for success and give them the warmest welcome possible to our region.

Hundreds of immigrants and refugees are spending their first-ever winter in St. Louis. Help them stay warm with an in-kind gift of winter clothing, blankets, or a space heater. We're holding a donation drive on the following dates: ? Saturday, November 23, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM ? Saturday, December 7, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM ? Saturday, December 21, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM Stop by our campus at 3401 Arsenal St. with your items. Be sure to pull around to our garage, located on the side of the building on Louisiana Ave. We can always use items like personal hygiene kits, kitchenware, silverware and cleaning supplies. For a list of items you can purchase from our wishlists and have shipped directly to the International Institute, see the links in our bio.

This Friday, we're excited to have Midwest BankCentre host an Economic Empowerment session for Spanish speakers. The presentation will focus on financial literacy for those new to the American economic system. This event is free and open to all. RSVP: https://bit.ly/48VwbZr

I am because WE are. ?? ? Last night, we celebrated the Ubuntu Gala, a fundraising event for the International Institute of St. Louis. Arrey’s inspiring words resonated throughout the evening, encouraging us to embrace and live by the spirit of Ubuntu, not just today but every day. This powerful vision of unity and service drives our work forward, strengthening our community and empowering immigrant families. Thank you, Arrey Obenson, for your visionary leadership. Congratulations to the Multicultural Awardees: Rock Erekson of JustServe, Kendra Holmes, RPh, Pharm D Affinia Healthcare, and Alla Gonzalez Del Castillo of the Saint Louis Public Schools! Isn't it lovely to have Michelle Li as an emcee? She brings such joy and is always a pleasure to talk to and listen to. Thank you, Michelle, for your amazing support! Deep gratitude goes out to our sponsors, board members, community partners, supporters, and friends who united to make this mission a reality. Special recognition goes to Karen Parker, David Gonzalez, and the corporate team for organizing this beautiful event, as well as to the entire IISTL team for their unwavering dedication. So proud of our team! I AM because we are. ?? ? Karen Park Casey Gardonio-Foat Anna Hall Carlos Suarez Maxwell Kelly, David Gonzalez Adina O'Neal (she/her) K. Hope Thomas Ann Marion Samson Hillary Ashraf Khazaalah Elina Fernandez Annie Jacqueline Mbale, MBA, Dr. Linda Ogbah Faas Leenna C. Betsy Cohen Han Ko Karlos Ramirez Omar D. Malik Kelly L. Laura, MBA Blake Hamilton Nergis Yüksel Cavitt

Our friends over at Counterpublic stopped by the Community Bazaar last week with resources in the top 10 languages of new arrivals through our agency. Meeting people where they are is so important, and we're thankful that organizations in our area are dedicated to providing outreach in multiple languages. We especially loved the coloring pages of national flowers, the ingredients of Afghanistan's national dish and our own campus. Meet Counterpublic at our next bazaar on December 6 to learn about how they're building community through art.

Tonight, we're celebrating the diverse communities that make St. Louis special. Our Ubuntu gala wouldn't be possible without the support of the following businesses—thank you for your generosity toward refugees and immigrants in our community! ? Midwest BankCentre ? Forvis Mazars US ? Commerce Bank ? Dot Foods ? Nestlé Purina North America ? AT&T ? BJC Health System ? Heartland Coca-Cola ? Hightower Advisors ? Missouri Council for Health ? Washington University in St. Louis ? WEG

Our free Citizenship classes are enrolling now! We teach students civics in preparation for their citizenship exam and assist with the N-400 application process. Students must be at least 17 years old and not enrolled in a public secondary education institution. Learn more: iistl.org/education

? Tickets to our upcoming gala will be on sale until 4:00 PM today, November 13! ? Get yours now and join us for an evening celebrating the vibrant immigrant and refugee community in St. Louis: https://bit.ly/ubuntu-2024

"The American Dream is still firmly in reach here in St. Louis," Arrey Obenson. St. Louis has the fastest-growing foreign-born population in the country. When newcomers decide to call our city home, there is an entire community ready to welcome them. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ghVMbm33