| Vol. 7, No. 9 November 2017 |
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2017 Adopt-a-Family Program Opens
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Bringing holiday cheer to refugee families in times of need
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| Refugee children try out a new toy. Photo by Wayne Crosslin/International Institute |
As the holiday season approaches, please consider "adopting" a refugee family to bring a smile to the faces of your newest neighbors. Our 2017 program launches today and features wish lists for 40 refugee families.
The program is a wonderful opportunity for individuals, groups, companies, and community organizations to welcome and support refugee families in their pursuit of self-sufficiency. Refugee wish lists may include rent and utilities, gift cards to grocery and other stores, baby items, toys and games, household goods, school supplies, and winter clothing.
Contact Teresa Nguyen at (314)773-9090, ext. 124 or
nguyent@iistl.org
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or more information or to select a family. Call soon. Families will go quickly! Visit our webpage at
https://www.iistl.org/adopt-a-family.html.
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Abente, Hamilton, and Hand are Promoted
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Working with additional IISTL leaders
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Diego Abente
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Blake Hamilton
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Chelsea Hand
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Diego Abente, the Institute's VP for Economic Development, has now also been appointed President of the II Community Development Corporation. The IICDC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the IISTL, connects immigrant and refugee customers with a broad spectrum of business development services. Abente has worked in the program since 2012.
Blake Hamilton, formerly VP for Workforce Development, has moved to VP for Programs. He now oversees workforce solutions, education and training, health and social work, and client services including refugee resettlement. Hamilton joined the Institute in 2009.
Chelsea Hand, formerly Job Development Team Leader, has been promoted to Workforce Solutions Manager. Her department oversees employment - from entry level to career path services - for immigrants and refugees. Hand joined the Institute in 2014.
"We were sorry when Suzanne LeLaurin our 20-year SVP for Programs retired," said Anna Crosslin, President & CEO. "However, we are delighted to have many strong leaders to ensure the Institute continues effectively and efficiently." For a full IISTL leadership list, click here.
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Young Friends of IISTL Seeks Board Members
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Looking for a few good volunteers...
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| IISTL Young Friends organize the annual Trivia Night. Photo by Wayne Crosslin/International Institute |
The Young Friends of the International Institute is recruiting for its 2018 Executive Committee. They are seeking diverse individuals who are enthusiastic about the mission of the International Institute and eager to contribute their unique skills by organizing volunteering, fundraising, educating, and participating in community outreach events. Interested individuals should complete the
online Young Friends Executive Committee Application
and submit a current resume to youngfriends@iistl.org no later than Friday, November 17.
We hope you will consider joining us!
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2018 Community Potlucks Welcome Newcomers
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Seeking volunteer groups to prepare and share a meal
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| Groups prepare native and all-American fare for new arrivals. Photo by Wayne Crosslin/International Institute |
For the past two years, community groups have been hosting a monthly welcoming lunch for International Institute clients. Four or five groups sign-up each month and bring several dishes for 50 guests. It is a wonderful opportunity to share a meal, which volunteers prepare and serve during the lunch hour. 2018 community lunch dates are January 25, February 22, March 22, April 26, July 26, September 20 and October 25. Sign-up on a first-come basis. Dates can be selected by contacting Kelly Moore at
moorek@iistl.org.
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GlobalHack 2018 on Immigration & Innovation
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Driving social impact through technology
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| The annual GlobalHack is held at Chaifetz Arena at Saint Louis University. Photo courtesy of GlobalHack |
GlobalHack
, a St. Louis-based nonprofit will roll out GlobalHack VII at Saint Louis University from Oct. 12-14, 2018.
At the hackathon, technologists and citizens will work over the course of an entire weekend to build software solutions, which address specific challenges that face foreign-born and refugee communities of all skill levels. Teams from around the country, as well as several international teams, will compete for a total of $100,000 in cash prizes.
"Our new ecosystem map detailing hundreds of resources serving immigrants and refugees is just a start," IISTL President & CEO Anna Crosslin and STLMP Executive Director Betsy Cohen said. "Ideas generated from GlobalHack VII will provide new ways for service providers and immigrants themselves to connect and be successful in our community."
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Special Viewing - Never Again: Forging a Convention for Crimes Against Humanity
November 15, 5:30 pm - Wine & Cheese Reception and 6 pm Film & Commentary by Leila Sadat; International Institute Hall of Nations
From Nazis to brutal dictatorships and war crimes in the former Yugoslavia and continuing atrocities in Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq and Syria, and North Korea, Leila Nadya Sadat's new documentary examines the loopholes that allow the world's worst war criminals to escape prosecution and argues for a better way forward. Free and open to the public. Registration required by emailing
info@iistl.org at least 24 hours in advance.
Third Annual Holiday Bazaar
Kick off your holiday shopping with unique treasures from local artisans and crafters. For times and more information,
click here.
STL Symphony Community Partnerships presents "Music Without Boundaries:
Cortango Orquesta"
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra musicians - Cally Banham, Asako Kuboki, Chris Tantillo, Melissa Brooks, and David DeRiso - along with celebrated jazz musician Adam Maness, are
Cortango Orquesta, an Argentine tango band with a symphonic twist. Join them and special guest SLSO principal harp Allegra Lilly for a casual evening of live music with a Latin flair, including holiday selections perfect for the season. Concert presented in partnership with the International Institute and the St. Louis Mosaic Project. Event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP to
www.slso.org/freeconcerts.
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.
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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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