The Hudson DEI Alliance is coordinating a city-wide effort to support the work of the International Institute of Akron (IIA), in partnership with the Hudson Community Foundation, Western Reserve Academy, The Hudson International Women’s Club, Hudson City Schools, First Congregational Church of Hudson and other non-profit and faith-based institutions in the city to help meet the needs of our new Ohioans, refugees settling in Summit County from Afghanistan, and other countries.
What is a refugee?
According to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), refugees are “forced to flee his or her country because of persecution, war or violence. A refugee has a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group”.
Who is the International Institute of Akron?
The IIA has been fostering a sense of home for immigrants and refugees since 1916 in Summit County. The IIA is a nonprofit agency with a mission to enrich the vitality of our community by helping immigrants and refugees achieve an empowered life with dignity, connection and purpose.
How is Hudson helping?
There are a number of ways organizations in Hudson are assisting, from students at WRA and HCS creating welcome cards and videos for new families, to the Hudson International Women’s Group and First Congregational Church collecting cleaning supplies, hats and mittens, and other needed items.
A fund was also created through the Hudson Community Foundation with the purpose to assist our newest Summit County residents as they transition their families to safety in the United States. One of the many needs the fund will support, is to purchase a passenger van to assist with transport as employment is secured, and to travel to needed job skills training, educational programs and appointments. Additional needs include staffing and other support. Hudson DEI Alliance members have already contributed $5,250 toward the goal of securing a van and together we can achieve the goal of $50,000+
How can my family or organization help?
You can support the IIA and our city-wide effort by making a tax deductible tax donation through the Hudson Community Foundation here.
In addition, if you would like to help collect specific items that are needed or volunteer to help new community members practice their English and more, please contact us at HudsonDEIAlliance@gmail.com or call Jen Batton, our interim coordinator, at 216-952-5609, and we can share what is still needed and in what quantity as numbers and needs change weekly.
Together we can help meet the needs of our newest fellow Ohioans!