Aurora International January Newsletter |
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Creating a welcoming and inclusive community is a top priority for the city of Aurora, and through the Office of International and Immigrant Affairs, the city is actively involved in the community, supporting organizations and initiatives that encourage the development and participation of the local immigrant and refugee communities.
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This month, OIIA was honored to be part of several community events, including the Natural Helpers program, in partnership with the Village Exchange Center. Participants of the Natural Helpers program are trained to provide information on city services to newly arrived immigrants and refugees and equipped with tools to connect them to private assistance and available resources.
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Last January 5, cohort 13 successfully graduated from the program as community leaders who exemplify leadership and the importance of community unity. More than 160 people from 30 different countries have participated in the Natural Helpers program in the last ten years.
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In another joint effort, OIIA, Amigos de Mexico, the state of Colorado, Centro Humanitario and the Consulate of Mexico selected the winners of the women Entrepreneurship training Program and most of the participants were residents of our beloved city of Aurora. |
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OIIA also had the honor of sponsoring and participating in the Ukrainian Expo and Food Fest in support of local Ukrainian businesses. Kudos to Ukrainian community leaders and the organization Sunflower for organizing a great event.
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Additionally, OIIA joined efforts with the Salvation Army, Aurora Corps and Laundry on the Fax in Aurora on a unique initiative by Yemane Habtezgi, owner of the laundry, to help people in need along the Colfax Corridor, access laundry services. Recently Yemane teamed up with the Salvation Army in Aurora to expand this initiative and provide his services to more members of the Aurora community.
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In another exciting event, Asian Avenue Magazine hosted its annual Lunar New Year celebration. OIIA was honored to be part of this meaningful event and expresses its gratitude to Director General Huang for making OIIA part of this wonderful celebration. |
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The city of Aurora Immigrant and Refugee Commission started the year with a full table on January 9 to discuss AIRC’s top priorities for 2023. AIRC also welcomed six new commission members. AIRC serves as an independent advisory body to City Council and as an advocate for the immigrant and refugee communities in Aurora.
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Immigrant Small Business Fair
Saturday, Jan. 28, 9 a.m. to noon.
Join us at the 2023 Immigrant Small Business Fair organized by the Consulate General of Mexico, the Office of International and Immigrant Affairs and Amigos de Mexico! The first Immigrant Small Business Fair will take place at Aurora Science & Tech Middle School, 2540 N. Scranton St.
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Job and resource fair
Friday, Jan. 27, 1:30 to 5 p.m.
Join us for a job and resource fair in partnership with Mile High United Way and Village Exchange Center at The Village Exchange Center, 1609 Havana St.
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Ukrainian Food Festival
Saturday, Feb. 11,
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Support Ukrainian entrepreneurship and nonprofits while enjoying Ukrainian cuisine and building a stronger community at 1373 Grant St. Event Schedule
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Free Tax Assistance
The African Community Center and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program will provide free tax assistance from Jan. 30 to April 18 to individuals who earn less than $58,000. VITA preparers are trained and certified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In-Person and online appointments are available irs.gov Tax Service Locations:
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OIIA's Community Calendar |
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Join Aurora's Immigrant and Refugee Commission
If you are an active member in your community and want your community to have a voice, apply to serve on the Aurora Immigrant and Refugee Commission.
For more information, visit
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Follow us on Facebook for the latest news and events. |
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