Big things are happening at IIA! With our office move to downtown Akron quickly approaching, our staff has continued to work remotely to serve a plethora of new clients who have made Akron their new home. Read more about the updates and all things happening at IIA below!
Resettlement Numbers
This past month, IIA received 18 refugees to assist in their resettlement process in Akron. Twelve individuals came from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, two individuals were from Afghanistan, and four individuals were from Syria.
Case managers are currently working with these clients to help them integrate into their new community and adjust to the cultural differences in the United States. One of the many ways our staff does this is by hosting Cultural Orientations for new clients, which cover all different topics from employment, hygiene, housing safety, and more.
New refugee arrivals at Cultural Orientation
Office Move Updates
IIA’s office move to downtown Akron is moving along as scheduled!
Currently, our new space is being constructed, and walls for the staff offices, classrooms, and more have gone in place. This week, the contractors are hard at work putting in cabinetry, painting the walls, and placing in all exterior doors.
We’re very excited to see our welcoming space come together, and we look forward to calling Canal Place our new home beginning March 31st!
Ideastream “Arrivals” Story
Ideastream Public Media released another brilliant installment of their radio series, “Arrivals.” The latest episode focuses on IIA receptionist, Samsor Ziar. The story shares Samsor’s journey to the United States from Afghanistan in July of 2021 and what he’s doing now in Akron as an employee at IIA and a student at Stark State College.
Read and listen to Samsor’s story brought to you by Idesstream Public Media, titled: He restarted his education in Akron after leaving Afghanistan.
IIA is Hiring Interpreters!
IIA is currently hiring trained interpreters to serve refugees and immigrants requiring language assistance. We are looking for interpreters fluent in one or more of the following languages: Spanish, Dari, Farsi, Pashto, Kinyarwanda, Nepali, and Swahili. Interpreters will serve in the local Akron and Summit County area to bridge language barriers in the community.
Learn more about the position including responsibilities, qualifications, and how to apply at: https://www.iiakron.org/join-our-team.
Teaching the Next Generation
On February 3rd, IIA’s case manager Eka Anthony went to Central Intermediate School in Wadsworth to discuss his journey as a refugee and answer the 5th graders burning questions, like “what is your favorite American food?” (which would be Thanksgiving stuffing.)
Thanks to these amazing students for being so welcoming and for their interest in learning more about refugees!
Do you work with a group or organization that is also interested in learning more about refugees and immigrants? IIA is happy to help educate! To set up a presentation, please contact IIA’s Advocacy and Community Outreach Coordinator, Kevin Walter at kevin.walter@iiakron.org.
Donations Needed!
As we transitioned from our old offer to a remote working capacity, IIA had to deplete our donation room to make the moving process go smoothly. Now, we are currently looking for donations to restock our new donation room in downtown Akron!
If you can donate anything on the list of needs below, please contact IIA’s Housing and Donation Specialist, Dan Hennon at dan.hennon@iiakron.org.
Current Needs:
- Plates, bowls, and cups
- Pots, pans, saucepans, frying pans, and baking dishes,
- Can openers
- Crockpots, rice cookers, and cookie sheets
- Towels and washcloths
- Twin sheet sets – fitted, flat, pillowcase
- Full sheet sets – fitted, flat, pillowcase
- Blankets and comforters
- Dish soap
- Laundry detergent
- Trash bags
- Toilet paper
- Shampoo
- Soap
- Shaving cream
- Disposable razors
- Diapers (all sizes)
- Sanitary pads
Thanks for staying up to date on everything IIA, and we look forward to sharing more information soon!