International Institute of St. Louis

We have exciting news for our community members who support refugees and immigrants all year long! Later this month, we're celebrating the launch of the International Institute Giving Society—a unique way to recognize donors committed to our work. By donating at an annual level of $1,000 or more, you can help make a lasting impact for new arrivals. We strive to meet the holistic needs of all immigrants and refugees within our community when they need support, services and resources. This approach goes beyond any timeline and invests in supporting every person wholly. Join the Kick-Off on October 15 at 5:00pm to learn more and be part of the inaugural class of the Giving Society: https://lnkd.in/dvVbUJy

Can immigrants save a struggling city? That's the question at the center of a documentary from director Kathy Bratkowski, which explores how Afghan refugees revitalized St. Louis after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Join us for a free screening of "Gateway to a New Life" on Sunday October 27th at 3:30 at the International Institute of St. Louis, 3401 Arsenal St, St. Louis, MO 63118. Childcare will be provided.

Last week at the Growing Global 2024 conference, we celebrated the local impact of world talent in St. Louis. The annual event brought in changemakers from around the country and included remarks from St. Louis native and OpenAI founder Sam Altman. Growing Global 2024 showcased how diverse perspectives and skills are shaping a brighter future for St. Louis, and how we must harness the power of the foreign-born population to continue seeing progress in our community. Highlights included a shoutout to our friends at St. Louis Mosaic Project for their International Mentor program, which pairs local women with newcomers seeking jobs. Read more: https://lnkd.in/emnnh_3Y

Elvira Ahmetsaphic fled Bosnia as a teenager and has never been back, but in her adoptive home of St. Louis, she was finally able to reach her lifelong dream of opening a restaurant. She utilized a loan from the International Institute Community Development Corporation (IICDC) in 2020 to launch a catering business, Taste of Bosnia, which quickly grew a loyal local following. Now, she runs a brick-and-mortar with her husband Emil in Mehlville. Elvira has been in St. Louis for decades. She learned English and worked different jobs before eventually taking the plunge to open a business. It's stories like hers that inspire us to welcome more refugees to our community with open arms. https://lnkd.in/gPTYUG5m St. Louis Public Radio

We have exciting news for our community members who support refugees and immigrants all year long! Later this month, we're celebrating the launch of the International Institute Giving Society—a unique way to recognize donors committed to our work. By donating at an annual level of $1,000 or more, you can help make a lasting impact for new arrivals. We strive to meet the holistic needs of all immigrants and refugees within our community when they need support, services and resources. This approach goes beyond any timeline and invests in supporting every person wholly. Join the Kick-Off on October 15 at 6:00pm to learn more and be part of the inaugural class of the Giving Society: https://lnkd.in/dvVbUJys

The International Institute is now enrolling for our Bridge to College class, which meets in-person on Monday and Wednesday evenings (6:00 – 8:30 pm) starting Monday, October 28. In addition to academic reading and writing, students will learn information about the college application and financial aid process. Enroll by October 11: https://bit.ly/B2C-23-24

Every other Friday, the St. Louis MetroMarket stops by the International Institute from 12-2, making it easy to access fresh, affordable and healthy food. The MetroMarket is an essential community resource that's open to everyone—stop by our next Community Bazaar on October 4 to shop their selection of local foods, grab lunch from Fufu N' Sauce and enjoy live music.

The International Institute of St. Louis, in partnership with the African Chamber of Commerce St. Louis and Vitendo4africa will be hosting a community listening session for the African community this Friday from 6-8pm at IISTL (3401 Arsenal St. 63118) This is an opportunity for community members to share their priorities for the region and lift their collective voices. The League of Women Voters will be on hand to assist eligible citizens with voter registration. Geoffrey Soyiantet Dr. Linda Ogbah Faas Evelyn Kumeh Anna Hall Arrey Obenson