The Ambassador Volume 2, Issue 6

Plenty of good news to share in this month's Ambassador! Check it out here.

In this issue:

  • Amani joins the Greater Fort Wayne Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in celebrating the economic impact of immigrants during their Cuarto Jueves Networking Meeting.

  • Fort Wayne Football Club brings international soccer to the Fort!

  • Save the dates for Welcoming Week 2024! The full schedule is out now.

  • Learn more about therapist Su Roth, our featured staff for July!

  • In Other News: Amani celebrates World Refugee Day with a digital campaign, and One Beat tickets go on sale!

  • Welcoming Fort Wayne Spotlight: Three PFW faculty members represent the university in Bangladesh.

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Amani CEO Ewelina Connolly named Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation’s Class VI Outstanding Fellow

The Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation (MDLF) announced today Ewelina Connolly, CEO of Amani Family Services, is the recipient of the Class VI Outstanding Fellow Award.

Last year, Connolly was one of 25 leaders selected from a competitive pool of 137 applicants across 28 counties to participate in the Class VI Fellowship. As the sole representative from Allen County, Connolly has made a great impression on her peers and MDLF leadership with her dedication and insight. The Class VI Fellows nominated Connolly to be recognized for her contributions.

"I am deeply grateful for the Foundation's investment in me. This leadership development opportunity has not only inspired me to dream bigger but has also equipped me with the essential tools, support, and networks needed to take concrete steps toward making these dreams a reality and improving Indiana's future,” Connolly said.

 Over the past year, Connolly has participated in monthly convenings and coursework focused on critical state issues including the economy, education, healthcare and civil society.

 “Ewelina’s strength in relationship building is evident in her meaningful participation inside and outside our Fellowship and in her community. She is always engaged and eager to learn how she can help make Indiana a better place to build a future,” MDLF Fellowship Chair Maureen Weber stated in an announcement.

Connolly will be formally recognized alongside Former Indiana Lt. Governor John M. Mutz and and fellow Class VI honoree Dan Kozlowski on August 28, 2024 during MDLF’s Annual Event. To learn more, go to www.mdlfindiana.org/annual-event.

Staff Feature: Su Roth

LCSW Su Roth’s personal and professional experiences reinforce her passion for bringing mental health services to underserved populations.

Su was born in Burma when the country was under a military regime and isolated from the rest of the world. As a child, she felt like it was a good place to live, having believed the propaganda spread by the government. Her perspective changed when her father, a visiting professor teaching the Burmese language in South Korea, relocated their family.

The exposure to democracy and new freedoms was a revelation for Su; she also learned Korean during this time. Su’s older sister developed an interest in Western culture, which inspired their parents to pursue opportunities in America. Just before she turned 16, Su’s family won the green card lottery and emigrated to the United States.

The transition was tough for Su, who started high school with limited English skills and felt lonely and anxious as the only Burmese student. Nevertheless, she worked hard and improved her grades from Fs to As. Her college years were transformative. She met a diverse group of international students, made lifelong friends, and even participated in an exchange program to South Korea. At first, Su followed the pre-med track due to external expectations, but an introductory psychology course sparked a deep interest in her. Despite her family’s stigmatizing views on the subject, Su went on to earn a minor in Psychology from Purdue Fort Wayne (PFW).

“I love working with refugee populations because they demonstrate a willingness and eagerness to learn. These individuals have overcome so much to be here, and they put extra effort into anything that they do”.
— Su Roth

Su’s time at university was also her first point of contact with Crime Victim Care of Allen County (CVC), which later became Amani Family Services. She met Babra, a program manager with CVC, who introduced her to the agency. Through this contact, Su began working as an interpreter and collaborated with Ewelina, current Amani CEO and former CVC therapist. Babra and Ewelina were both influential figures in Su’s life who showed her the impact she could have in the mental health field.

Working with Amani was an amazing experience for Su, which provided valuable insights into navigating American culture and systems. Ewelina encouraged Su to pursue counseling, which led Su to follow that passion to Indianapolis and earn her Master of Social Work (MSW) from IUPUI in 2020. While working at a clinic in Indianapolis, Su interacted with many Burmese refugees. She noticed that they were incredibly hardworking and focused on providing for their families, but often struggled with balancing work and home life. “Refugees are often misunderstood because of the title attached to them,” said Su. “Talk to people and listen to their stories. It can be heartbreaking, but you will understand how they are seeking stability for their families, just like everyone else."

In 2022, Su moved back to Fort Wayne to be closer to family and worked as a therapist at a local facility. She recently passed her clinical exam to become a fully licensed Clinical Socal Worker (LCSW) and returned to work at Amani through funding provided by the Refugee Health Collaborative. “I love working with refugee populations because they demonstrate a willingness and eagerness to learn,” said Su. “These individuals have overcome so much to be here, and they put extra effort into anything that they do”.

Outside of work, Su is a mother of two young children, aged 6 and 2. She enjoys cooking, traveling internationally, and spending time in nature.


Amani Family Services is hiring! This is a wonderful time to join our team and play a critical role in supporting our immigrant and refugee community. Learn more here: amanifamilyservices.org/careers

Fort Wayne Football Club Brings International Soccer to Fort Wayne

Four all-star kiddos (Eli Connolly, Aldin Cejvanovic, Jose Daniel Romero, and Felix Roth) represented Amani during the opening ceremony of the Fort Wayne FC-Chivas game on June 16.

On Father’s Day, Amani had the opportunity to witness firsthand a thrilling international friendly soccer match between Fort Wayne FC and Chivas de Guadalajara U23 from Mexico, at the University of Saint Francis’ Bishop D’Arcy Stadium.  

Fort Wayne FC, a pre-professional football club in Fort Wayne, IN, invited Amani Family Services to be a partner in their friendly face-off against Chivas. Amani staff and supporters had a great time celebrating the international love of soccer at this event. In addition, Amani outreach were able to share about our programs and services through an outreach table.

Founded in 1906, Club Deportivo Guadalajara, known colloquially as Chivas, is a popular and beloved club in Mexico. This event was a special opportunity for Fort Wayne residents to experience international soccer at the highest level.

The match was a spectacle of skill, strategy, and sheer determination from both sides. Both teams showcased some of the best talents in North American soccer. The atmosphere surrounding the game was electric, with supporters from both teams bringing their fervor and energy to the stadium. Whether you were cheering for Fort Wayne FC or Las Chivas de Guadalajara U23, one thing is certain: Fort Wayne Indiana brings the opportunity for both nations to come together, celebrate diversity, promote goodwill, and demonstrate unity.

Watch Amani lead the Opening Ceremony of the Fort Wayne FC-Chivas game here!

The Ambassador Volume 2, Issue 5

Plenty of good news to share in this month's Ambassador! Check it out here.

In this issue:

  • Amani’s very own Su Roth and our work with the Refugee Health Collective were featured on the front page of the Journal Gazette!

  • Nominations for the 2024 Welcoming Fort Wayne Awards are now open! Submit nominations from now to August 9, 2024.

  • In Other News: Amani receives the G4G Implementation Grant and CEO Ewelina Connolly is featured in the United Way Boldy Engage podcast

  • Take Amani out to the ball game for Tincaps Manzanas night!

  • Welcoming Fort Wayne Spotlight: Harrison Hill Elementary celebrates culture with local students.

Join our email list for the latest updates!

The Ambassador Volume 2, Issue 4

Plenty of good news to share in this month's Ambassador! Check it out here.

In this issue:

  • Amani hosts Creating an Inclusive Community, a presentation and panel discussion on the next phase of the Welcoming Fort Wayne Plan.

  • Save the date for our World Refugee Day Celebration on June 20.

  • Amani’s Victim Care program takes over our social media in support of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week: April 22-26.

  • Meet our newest Victim Advocate, Reyna Salgado!

  • Welcoming Fort Wayne Spotlight: Musical Conexion teaches kids to celebrate culture, language, and musicality.

  • Art This Way is currently accepting RFQs for Alley Bash, immigrant and refugee artists are encouraged to apply!

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Fort Wayne Selected for 2024 Gateways for Growth Implementation Technical Assistance and Grant Award

The four communities will continue their commitment to create opportunities for all through the implementation of their strategic welcoming plans.  

 
FORT WAYNE, IN, May 1, 2024 — The American Immigration Council and Welcoming America, two national nonprofits, have selected Fort Wayne to receive the Implementation Technical Assistance and Grant award as part of Round V of the Gateways for Growth Challenge (G4G). As part of the G4G challenge, core partners at Amani Family Services, Greater Fort Wayne Inc. and Downtown Fort Wayne led a year-long strategic planning process that brought together leaders across multiple sectors – including government, business, non-profit and education – to create strategic welcoming plans. Each of the four awardee communities will receive up to $27,000 toward implementing recommendations from their developed welcoming plans that prioritize strengthening equity through language access initiatives, access to workforce opportunities for immigrants and all residents, and increased social cohesion. This year’s awardees, include:   

  • Baltimore County, Maryland 

  • Fort Wayne, Indiana 

  • Santa Fe County, New Mexico 

  • South Bend, Indiana 

These communities, as part of the Gateways for Growth Round V Cohort, have demonstrated a commitment to developing concrete strategies that ensure all residents have access to the tools and support they need to succeed and contribute to their communities, and have highlighted the contributions immigrants are already making locally. Approximately 24% of the total population growth in the county is attributable to immigrants. As of 2019, approximately 25,300 immigrants lived in Allen County, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.  

To ensure successful implementation, the American Immigration Council and Welcoming America will continue to coach communities for the next six months providing individual technical assistance, cohort-wide calls, and resource referrals.  

“After a robust planning process, we’re thrilled to continue working alongside these communities as they transition into the implementation of recommendations from their strategic plans,” said Rich André, director of state and local initiatives at the American Immigration Council. “These communities have demonstrated their commitment to investing in the well-being of all community residents, including immigrants and refugees, and we look forward to continuing to support their work.”   
 
“We’re excited to be part of community efforts that are taking their welcoming values to the next level,” said Molly Hilligoss, network director of Welcoming America. “By implementing welcoming plans, these communities are prioritizing inclusion for all residents, including immigrants.”    

"The Gateways for Growth challenge was instrumental in laying the groundwork for a more inclusive Fort Wayne in 2023," said Ewelina Connolly, Chief Executive Officer of Amani Family Services. "We're excited to build on that foundation alongside our dedicated community and government partners. Fulfilling our commitment to implementing the Welcoming Fort Wayne plan is a privilege, and together, we'll create a city where everyone thrives." 

Learn more about the Welcoming Fort Wayne Plan and impact data, including the New Americans in Allen County report, at amanifamilyservices.org/g4gfw.  

Staff Feature: Reyna Salgado

Victim Advocate Reyna Salgado supports victims of crimes as they navigate the criminal and civil justice systems.

Born and raised in Fort Wayne, Reyna's connection to her cultural heritage and the immigrant experience has shaped her both personally and professionally. Her parents are from Mexico and arrived in the United States as young adults seeking better opportunities. Reyna watched them work hard to provide for her and her siblings while struggling with the complexities of life in a new country. Growing up in a Spanish-speaking home meant she faced her own challenges, particularly with English during her early school years.

Reyna’s grandfather always reminded her to keep pushing forward so she could achieve more than the generations before, and his encouragement fueled her determination to succeed after graduating high school. Initially drawn to nursing, Reyna's career path took a pivotal turn towards social work when she had an important realization that she could support those with similar upbringings to her own, “I wish I had someone who was there for me when I was going through so many challenges as a teen.” Her studies at Ivy Tech led her to professors who provided critical guidance and networking opportunities.

I wish I had someone who was there for me when I was going through so many challenges as a teen.
— Reyna Salgado

While taking classes, she was a receptionist at an immigration law firm where she witnessed firsthand the anxiety, depression, and helplessness many immigrants feel when they are unaware of the resources available to assist them. That job inspired her to seek out an internship with Amani working in the Substance Use Support program and learning how to teach others healthy coping habits. She said she could see how much the employees cared about their clients and that made her want to work at Amani full-time. After the internship ended, Reyna was hired as a Victim Advocate. Her role is vital in assisting victims of crimes, like domestic violence and work accidents, navigate the criminal and civil justice systems. Clients often share with Reyna that they are scared to speak up or ask for help, and she is proud to reassure and support them. Her favorite part of the job is seeing the big relief on a client’s face when they experience a success, “I’m happy knowing there will be more opportunities in their future!”

Outside of her professional life, Reyna enjoys traveling, especially to Spanish-speaking countries, and learning about different cultures and people. She is an enthusiastic dancer and takes Zumba classes regularly. She also loves hosting gatherings for friends and family, celebrating with good food and company. Reyna graduated with her associate’s degree this past December and she will begin her bachelor’s degree at Indiana University Fort Wayne in the fall.


Amani Family Services is hiring! This is a wonderful time to join our team and play a critical role in supporting our immigrant and refugee community. Learn more here: amanifamilyservices.org/careers


Calling All Visionaries: Amani is accepting RFPs for Strategic Planning

For more than 18 years, Amani Family Services has partnered with immigrants and refugees and the community to promote safety, encourage personal growth and foster a spirit of belonging. Amani has created innovative, award-winning programs to serve our clients and have played a critical role as cultural brokers and community advocates for a more welcoming community. Amani’s leadership is now prepared to shepherd in the next chapter of community impact.

We are now accepting RFPS for Strategic Planning Consultant Services until Friday, May 10, 2024. More information can be found here. Amani touches the lives of more than 2,000 individuals and families annually, while reaching out to more than 26,000 community members through our Welcoming Fort Wayne Initiative. We are committed to engaging with a strategic planning consultant who will contribute significantly to our mission.


Proposal Submission

1. Proposal Content: Outline your strategic planning methodology, tools, and techniques, highlighting your experience with nonprofit organizations and your approach to making strategic goals actionable. Include a proposed timeline and budget.

2. Submission Deadline: Proposals must be submitted by May 10th, 2024.

3. Contact Information: Direct all proposals and inquiries to Ewelina Connolly, CEO, Amani Family Services at grants@amanifamilyservices.org.

Welcoming Fort Wayne to present the Welcoming Fort Wayne Plan to Community Members

Fort Wayne, IN (April 10) – Amani Family Services in partnership with the Northeast Indiana Immigration Network will be hosting a presentation and panel on the recently launched Welcoming Fort Wayne Plan at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday April 30 at the Allen County Public Library-Main Theater.

The Northeast Indiana Immigration Network, which includes Amani, St. Joseph Community Health Foundation, Catholic Charities and International House, collaborate to host quarterly sessions to empower the community to better engage with the local immigrant and refugee community.

This presentation dives into the plan's development and implementation strategies in four key areas: Connected Communities & Public Safety, Economic Development, Civic Engagement, and Education. This is an opportunity to inform the community on how they can contribute to this effort and how diversity strengthens our workforce, cultural offerings and recognition in the nation.

 

Amani will also discuss the recent partnership with the City of Fort Wayne to pursue a Certified Welcoming Designation through the national Welcoming America organization. Fort Wayne is the first city in the state to formally pursue this designation. The presentation will be followed by a panel of community leaders who are participating on the steering committee for the Welcoming Fort Wayne Plan.

 

Launched in January, Welcoming Fort Wayne Plan is the result of participating in the Gateways for Growth Initiative, in which Amani, Greater Fort Wayne Inc. and Downtown Fort Wayne received funding in January 2023 to create a plan backed by data with local community leaders. The next phase of the plan will be aligning committed stakeholders to implement the plan and receive a formal Certified Welcoming designation. To learn more about the plan, go to www.amanifamilyservices.org. The plan can be downloaded from Amani’s homepage.  

 

EVENT INFORMATION

What: Creating An Inclusive Community: The Next Phase of the Welcoming Fort Wayne Plan

When: 3:30 to 5 p.m. Tuesday

Where: Allen County Public Library-Main Branch Theatre, 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne IN 46802

Register: https://bit.ly/49RNaMa; event is free and open to the public.

 

Amani acknowledges the following funders for the ongoing support: St. Joseph Community Health Foundation investing grant match dollars to support the Gateways for Growth collaboration; the James Foundation and Old National Bank for their early investment into the Welcoming Fort Wayne initiative; Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne for investing in the future of Welcoming Fort Wayne. This past fall, the foundation awarded Welcoming Fort Wayne a $200,000 multi-year grant to support the deployment of Welcoming Fort Wayne Plan. This grant was made possible through the Richard D. Waterfield Charitable Fund and the Richard Dallas & Marni McKinney Waterfield Charitable Fund.

 

A special thank you to Greater Fort Wayne Inc., Downtown Fort Wayne and the supporting organizations who have participated in the Gateways for Growth/Welcoming Fort Wayne Plan Steering Committee.

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Amani Family Services is a local nonprofit organization serving more than 2,000 individuals from around the world. Learn more about Amani Family Services at www.amanifamilyservices.org.

The Ambassador Volume 2, Issue 3

Plenty of good news to share in this month's Ambassador! Check it out here.

In this issue:

  • Amani receives more than $7000 through “Leading with Kindness” event

  • Join us on April 30th for Creating an Inclusive Community, a presentation and panel discussion on the next phase of the Welcoming Fort Wayne Plan

  • Amani celebrates International Women’s Day with staff and supporters

  • Meet Amani at the Ballgame! Come see us at Tincaps Manzanas night in April, June, and August

  • Get to the newest member of our Mission Advancement Team - Rui Gui

  • Welcoming Spotlight: Urban League sparks conversation with Race Card Project

  • Amani sends wishes of peace and comfort to the family, friends, and staff of Mayor Tom Henry. We will always be grateful for Mayor Henry’s dedication to creating a community we can all be proud of.

Join our email list for the latest updates!

Staff Feature: Rui Gui

Mission Advancement Specialist Rui Gui is available for presentations on Amani’s services, the Welcoming Fort Wayne initiative, or cultural competency topics.

Born in Xi-An, China, Rui and her family embarked on a global journey in 1995, moving to Germany and later the United States for her father’s career as a mechanical engineer. Upon their arrival in the U.S., Rui’s parents found support and friendship from local Chinese churches. Rui’s family moved several times before settling in Mississippi, but in each new town, they quickly built connections with the local Chinese community. Over time, Rui’s parents transformed their own experience of receiving aid by welcoming international students and other Chinese immigrants into their home to share traditional dishes and celebrate cultural holidays.

Food is such a wonderful way to share culture. The act of sharing food creates a safe place where people can be vulnerable and ask questions which otherwise may be a little scary.
— Rui Gui

Rui went on to participate in a high school exchange to Germany and attend college in New York. In every new place she lived, Rui found herself repeatedly returning to food as a tool for cultural exchange. Sometimes it was sharing traditional Shaanxi or Sichuanese cuisine with her roommates in New York, another time it was introducing her German host parents to Tex-Mex-style burritos, “Food is such a wonderful way to share cuture,” said Rui. “The act of sharing food creates a safe place where people can be vulnerable and ask questions which otherwise may be a bit scary.

Rui studied social sciences and creative writing as an undergraduate, taking courses on immigration, race, and identity. Her roles following graduation further honed her commitment to social justice and included work with diverse populations such as domestic violence survivors, mental health and substance use disorders, unhoused individuals, and intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). She is currently pursuing a Masters degree through Indiana University School of Social Work and completed her MSW generalist internship at Amani in Fall of 2023.

In her current role at Amani, Rui helps oversee the Welcoming Fort Wayne initiative, a community development and advocacy platform focused on reducing inclusion barriers and increasing opportunities for immigrants and refugees. In addition, Rui supports Amani’s mission through mission events, fundraisers, and leading cultural competency training. “I’m grateful to be a part of the Amani team,” said Rui. “Each immigrant story is unique, you can’t make generalizations because there is so much nuance and richness in why people choose to leave their homes and build their lives somewhere else.”

Rui met her husband in college, and they moved to Fort Wayne 8 years ago. They share many interests, like an obsession with their dog and reading. Together they run the local chapter of Silent Book Club, a group of readers and introverts who get together to read in quiet camaraderie. Rui also loves to cook, try food from different countries, and learn about the history of international cuisines,

Each immigration story is unique, you can’t make generalizations because there is so much nuance and richness in why people choose to leave their homes and build their lives somewhere else.
— Rui Gui

Amani Family Services is hiring! This is a wonderful time to join our team and play a critical role in supporting our immigrant and refugee community. Learn more here: amanifamilyservices.org/careers


The Ambassador Volume 2, Issue 2

Plenty of good news to share in this month's Ambassador! Check it out here!

In this issue:

  • Mark your calendars! Amani's has a year full of events coming your way.

  • Amani welcomes two new board members

  • Join us as we celebrate community impact with IU Health the IU Health Foundation

  • Get to know the "glue" that keeps our office together - Community Navigator Gloria Vargas!

  • Welcoming Spotlight: The local production of "Ragtime."

Join our email list for the latest updates!

Staff Feature: Gloria Vargas

Community Navigator Gloria Vargas is a friendly face for visitors at Amani Family Service’s office lobby.

Gloria’s path to her role as Amani’s Community Navigator demonstrates a commitment to community support shaped by personal experience. Born in Mexico, she moved to the United States at the age of 13, a journey initiated by her mother who was looking for better opportunities and determined to provide for her family as a single parent of four children. Gloria faced the many challenges of adapting to a new country, culture, and language, “Right when I was starting to become my own person, I had to stop everything. I didn’t know English, so I didn’t understand anything at school and I would come home with a headache every day. It was so hard.” Despite the initial barriers and the struggle to find her footing in an entirely new environment, within two years she had become fluent in English, connected with the Latino students in her classes, and found people in the community to support her.

If my mom had the help people have through Amani, it would have been so much easier. That’s why I love working here, I can see a big positive impact on the families we serve!
— Gloria Vargas

Gloria has always been drawn to roles that encourage growth and learning. She has a background in early childhood development and spent a decade as a teaching assistant for a pre-kindergarten department. Today, as a Community Navigator, Gloria embodies the spirit of service through her dedication to creating an environment where everyone feels like they belong. Her attention to detail allows operations to run smoothly and she prides herself on creating a homey feeling for everyone who walks through the door. She is the first point of contact for individuals reaching out to Amani, ensuring that each person is heard and directed to the appropriate resources or staff members. Witnessing the struggles her own family faced upon their arrival in the United States, Gloria understands the critical difference that this kind of support can make, “If my mom had the help people have through Amani, it would have been so much easier. That’s why I love working here, I can see a big positive impact on the families we serve!”

Gloria has three children and she is married to her high school sweetheart. Outside of work, Gloria loves to immerse herself in the creativity of her sewing projects. In Mexico, her grandmother was skilled with a needle and thread and her mother pursued formal training to be a seamstress. Gloria received her first sewing machine as a child and quickly embraced the legacy of the craft within her family history. Now she’s sold her creations online and at the local farmers markets. Additionally, Gloria enjoys running and hiking, spending time with family and friends, and exploring new places through her travels.

Amani Family Services is hiring! This is a wonderful time to join our team and play a critical role in supporting our immigrant and refugee community. Learn more here: amanifamilyservices.org/careers

The Ambassador Volume 2, Issue 1

Plenty of good news to share in this month's Ambassador! Check it out here!

In this issue:

  • Welcoming Fort Wayne Launches Community Plan to Improve Immigrant Inclusion

  • A Year in Review: 2023 Client Data Summary

  • Save the Date! Leading with Kindness: An Evening with Steve Hartman

  • Welcoming Fort Wayne Spotlight: FW Philharmonic Celebrates Lunar New Year with Musical Storytelling

Join our email list for the latest updates!

Welcoming Fort Wayne Launches Community Plan to Improve Immigrant Inclusion

Amani Family Services in partnership with Greater Fort Wayne Inc. and Downtown Fort Wayne launched the Welcoming Fort Wayne Plan this afternoon at the Allen County Public Library-Main. Read the plan here.

The Welcoming Fort Wayne Plan is the result of participating in the Gateways for Growth Initiative, in which Amani, Greater Fort Wayne Inc. and Downtown Fort Wayne received funding in January 2023 to work with technical advisors and local consultants to gather the latest impact data available on immigrants and refugees living and working in Fort Wayne-Allen County.

Briana Broberg, Midwest Regional Manager for Welcoming America, Allen County Commissioner Nelson Peters and Stephanie Crandall, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the City of Fort Wayne, made remarks during the announcement. Crandall, on behalf of Mayor Henry, said that the city will be in support of the next phases of the plan which include pursuing a Certified Welcoming designation through Welcoming America. The requirements for certification are considered to be the standard of excellence in creating culturally inclusive communities. 

 

“We are a community that prioritizes quality of place and belonging for all,” said Amani CEO Ewelina Connolly. “We are a community that understands that true welcoming requires intentional and collective work to translate welcoming attitudes into actions, policies and networks, and in doing so, we continue to trail blaze and set peace for the rest of our state. Today, we are proud to share that after a yearlong process of collecting and analyzing data, learning from the voices of our community members, and engaging in strategic conversations with top community leaders and champions across industries, we are now ready to share what we believe needs to become a blueprint of welcoming for our community.”



The document outlines goals, recommendations and strategies needed to create more equitable access in four focus areas: Connected Communities and Public Safety, Economic Development and Entrepreneurship, Civic Engagement, and Education. The next phase of the plan will be aligning committed stakeholders to the implementation of action items and receiving a formal Certified Welcoming designation.



To learn more about the plan, go to www.amanifamilyservices.org. The plan can be downloaded from Amani’s homepage.  

 

Amani would like the following funders for the ongoing support: St. Joseph Community Health Foundation investing grant match dollars to support the Gateways for Growth collaboration; the James Foundation and Old National Bank for their early investment into the Welcoming Fort Wayne initiative; Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne for investing in the future of Welcoming Fort Wayne. This past fall, the foundation awarded Welcoming Fort Wayne a $200,000 multi-year grant to support the deployment of Welcoming Fort Wayne Plan. This grant was made possible through the Richard D. Waterfield Charitable Fund and the Richard Dallas & Marni McKinney Waterfield Charitable Fund.

 

A special thank you to Greater Fort Wayne Inc., Downtown Fort Wayne and the supporting organizations who have participated in the Gateways for Growth Steering Committee.

 

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Amani Family Services is a local nonprofit organization serving more than 2,000 individuals from around the world. Learn more about Amani Family Services at www.amanifamilyservices.org.

Amani Family Services Awarded $120,000 through the Health First Allen County Initiative

Last week, the Allen County Department of Health announced Amani Family Services as one of several local organizations who will receive funding to help bolster the resources supporting the health and well-being of Allen County residents.

Amani Family Services has been awarded $120,000 to strengthen the agency’s work in substance use prevention. The funding will expand current programming and allows Amani to hire an additional staff member to support intervention services and prevention education. Amani is currently the only agency providing these services exclusively to immigrants and refugees.

"We are grateful to play a critical role in the Health First Allen County initiative.  There is an increased need for culturally-competent substance use prevention education in our community, and the funding provided through Health First Allen County will assist Amani in meeting the overall needs of our clients and will help address the vulnerabilities that surround substance use disorders," says Amani CEO Ewelina Connolly. "Amani's programming is uniquely customized to respond to the current needs for our community and after nearly 18 years of service, we are a trusted provider and cultural broker for community partners. We are thankful to Allen County Department of Health for investing in services that support our immigrant and refugee community."

Learn more about Health First Allen County here.   


Refugee Health Collaborative Awarded $1 M from IU Health

 Fort Wayne, Ind. – Indiana University Health recently awarded $1 million over three years to the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation to develop the Refugee Health Collaborative, a partnership of the St. Joe Foundation, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Amani Family Services, International House, Double Up Indiana, the IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health and the IU Health primary care office of Dr. Cho Mar Aung.  

The collaboration of community leaders and partners will work together to help Burmese refugees meet their needs for physical and mental health services, case management, transportation, healthy food, job training and housing.

“We are grateful to receive this significant investment in improving the health and wellness of refugees in the greater Fort Wayne area,” said Meg Distler, executive director of the St. Joe Foundation. “We look forward to working with the talented staff of all our partners to overcome cultural and language barriers so we can welcome refugees and help them make our community home.”

Information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) shows that as many as 80 percent of new refugees experience mental health challenges, especially trauma related to violence in their home country. Many have health conditions such as anemia and poor nutrition due to living for extended times in refugee camps. Almost all experience language and transportation barriers when arriving in the United States. (https://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/index.html)

When refugees visit the office of Dr. Cho Mar Aung, Refugee Health Collaborative staff will provide screening to assess their needs outside of traditional physical health services. The refugees will be referred to a variety of culturally competent services, including case management, mental health counseling and more. Staff will assist the refugees in applying for benefits such as Medicaid, WIC and SNAP.

Catholic Charities will provide initial screening, case management, and mental health services. Amani will provide case management and mental health services. International House will connect refugees with trained volunteers who can assist with transportation to medical and other appointments. Double Up Indiana will provide access to culturally appropriate produce that can be purchased at reduced prices using SNAP (food stamps). IU Fairbanks School of Public Health students will assist in program evaluation. The St. Joe Foundation will coordinate services, handle grant administration and form a refugee advisory council comprised of Burmese residents who are already established in the community. 

“IU Health is committed to helping make Indiana one of the healthiest states in the nation. The Community Impact Investment Fund lets us look beyond the walls of our hospitals to address the social, economic, and environmental factors that contribute to poor health, shortened lives and higher health care costs. This year’s grants connect IU Health to additional community partners who share our desire to make a positive difference in the lives of Hoosiers,” said IU Health President and CEO Dennis Murphy.

The grants come from the $200 million Community Impact Investment Fund (CIIF), which is administered by the IU Health Foundation to address key social and environmental factors that impact people’s health outcomes.

This investment strengthens the network of local agencies committed to immigrant and refugee services in Fort Wayne.

"International House is very grateful to join with these amazing organizations to partner with IU Health on this incredible endeavor to ensure that quality healthcare is accessible to our refugee and immigrant friends on the southeast side of Fort Wayne,” said Heather Morris, Director of Operations & Outreach.

There are many barriers that may prevent immigrants and refugees from seeking care directly from physicians. This partnership allows for a more robust response.

“We are proud to be a part of the Refugee Health Collaborative,” said Dan Florin, CEO of Catholic Charities. “As the resettlement agency in Fort Wayne, this partnership will allow us to expand the health services we are currently providing to refugees and ensure barriers are removed from obtaining continued health support and transportation.” 

In addition to addressing barriers, the Refugee Health Collaborative will serve as a model in delivering culturally competent mental and physical health care based on the latest impact data.

"Through the Gateways for Growth Community Survey deployed earlier this year, we now know New Americans in our community are twice less likely than local residents to access healthcare directly from a doctor's office because of many barriers, including cultural and language barriers," said Amani CEO Ewelina Connolly. "This collaboration is aimed directly at alleviating those barriers and supporting the continuum of services for Burmese residents by providing patients with casework and mental health supports that address determinants of health in a more complete way."

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About the partners:

 

About IU Health’s Community Impact Investment Fund

The $200 million Community Impact Investment (CII) Fund was established by IU Health in 2018. Administered by the IU Health Foundation, the CII Fund will support non-profit organizations in addressing social determinants of health in our communities and to achieve IU Health’s goal of making Indiana one of the healthiest states in the nation.

 

About St. Joseph Community Health Foundation

The St. Joseph Community Health Foundation is sponsored by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ and invests in programming and operations that improve the health and well-being of vulnerable residents in Allen County. www.sjchf.org

 

About Amani Family Services

Amani Family Services is a local nonprofit organization serving 2,000 individuals from around the world. Learn more about Amani Family Services at AmaniFamilyServices.org.

 

About Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend is a private 501(C)3 acting as the administrative agency that coordinates Catholic social-service programs for the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical welfare of persons in need; seeks and determines the causes of social problems in order to better promote preventative social-action programs; and participates in community planning and organization within the 14 counties the agency serves.

 

About International House

International House develops and maintains services and programs that provide regular ongoing contact with refugees and develop genuine, long-term relationships, embracing them as unique individuals, one person at a time.

 

Domestic Violence Awareness Month - Flowers on the Wall Event

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and as advocates for victims of sexual and domestic violence, it is so important to honor those who lives who have been deeply affected by abuse. We are so thankful to our friends at YWCA Northeast Indiana for including Amani in the Flowers on the River event yesterday evening.

Learn more about important resources in our community:

- Amani's Victim Care program for immigrants and refugees

- YWCA Northeast Indiana Domestic Violence Services: https://buff.ly/3rBUieu

- Fort Wayne Victim's Assistance: https://buff.ly/3EZOoXQ

- Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence: https://buff.ly/3FmQocZ

The Ambassador, Issue 9

Plenty of good news to share in this month's Ambassador! Check it out here!

In this issue:

  • One Beat Is Back! Expect exciting lip sync bands, open beer and wine bar and an incredible live auction. Tickets are $125. Buy now.

  • Amani CEO shares perspective on an Inclusive Workforce during GFW’s Economic Development Summit

  • Welcoming Week 2023 Recap - thank you for another successful year!

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