September 10-19 is “Welcoming Week,” and the International Institute of Akron (IIA) is already welcoming new residents from Afghanistan and other nations. Now, you can join in!
Welcoming Week is a nationwide celebration that builds understanding and connections between neighbors with immigrant backgrounds and those whose families have been here for generations. As a “Welcoming City,” Akron has long been committed to building a culture and policy environment that enables new Akronites to feel valued, supported, and fully part of our city, both socially and economically.
Welcoming Week arrives at a particularly urgent time for the people of Afghanistan, and IIA has already been helping people fleeing danger there. As our Advocacy and Outreach Coordinator Kevin Walter said, “It’s a very urgent situation. We have resettled over 200 individuals from Afghanistan over the last eight to 10 years… It’s a quick exit situation where it’s take what you can because now is your time to go.”
So many Akron residents have reached out to IIA out of concern for the people of Afghanistan. Madhu Sharma, our Executive Director, said, “Most people are deeply concerned about their family… Many are getting deeply upsetting phone calls from family members in Afghanistan, and they don’t know what to say or what to do or what resources they should access.” Even people with no connection to Afghanistan at all are standing up and saying that they want to help people build new lives, which is what we do at IIA every day.
As Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan said, “For generations, immigrants and refugees from across the globe have come to Akron in hopes of a better life and a brighter future... The life of a New American can be challenging, but America is the land of opportunity and Akron has long been a city of innovation and industry, where creative and hardworking men and women could learn, work, and raise a family.”
The International Institute of Akron needs your help assisting Afghan families and individuals as they relocate to the Akron area. Donating your time and/or goods, money, and services are always welcomed. We know from experience that the time you spend helping people who came to the U.S. as refugees will be some of your most treasured experiences. Needs include furniture, clothes, school supplies, housing, money, and assistance with English-language instruction and administrative tasks. Sign up to volunteer at this link: https://bit.ly/VolunteerIIA; donate to fund our life-saving work at https://bit.ly/DonateIIA.
“I know how it feels to leave your home behind,” wrote Shams Mustafa of Orrville, a journalist and immigrant from Egypt. “Ohio is one of the states welcoming refugees… There are different ways that you can help. You can always start by meeting them. Refugees will love to see a comforting face at the airport or someone who can help them with their new house… America has opened its arms widely for refugees from Mexico, Somalia, Iraq, and Syria… Let's not fail the Afghan people.”