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More Volunteers Needed To Help Refugees
Institute expands community engagement services
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Volunteers and Institute clients mingle and chat at the International Institute's most recent Community Potluck.
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Last fall, the International Institute received permission from the federal government to increase our sponsorships by 300 refugees annually. More refugees are in-need, and fewer resettlement sites are available.
As a result of delays in overseas processing, only 15% of expected refugees arrived in St. Louis during the first six months of the current fiscal year. Since May, our arrival numbers have increased dramatically to compensate for the earlier shortfall.
Accordingly, we have vastly expanded our volunteer opportunities. In May we kicked off the Community Engagement in Resettlement Program (CERP) which drew a new pool of 30 volunteers to the effort. More are needed.
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Immigrant Entrepreneurs Spotlighted
Two Institute Clients Win Awards
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Two of six 2016 Mosaic food entrepreneur honorees benefitted from IISTL's small business services. (from left) St. Louis Economic Development Partnership CEO Sheila Sweeney, Alaa Al Derie of Cham Bakery and Vin Ko of the St. Louis Mosaic Project at the June 1 ceremony.
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St. Louis has benefitted from a burst of new cuisines and restaurants in recent years. In recognition, six local food entrepreneurs were recently honored with the St. Louis Mosaic Project's inaugural Immigrant Food Entrepreneur Awards.
Two awardees were graduates of the International Institute's small business development program. Abderrahmane Meskine received technical assistance to help him launch Baida Moroccan Restaurant. Alaa Al Derie of Cham Bakery also received TA in addition to a business start-up loan.
Diego Abente, VP & Director of Microenterprise Development at the Institute, said that Meskine and Al Derie benefitted from some guidance, and, in Al Derie's case, a modest loan to get off to the right start. We are proud of our role in the success of these and dozens of other immigrant-owned businesses each year.
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The International: Another Perfect Round
Golfing to benefit the International Institute
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"The International," the Institute's annual golf tournament, was a great success. Held again at Glen Echo Country Club, the event netted more than $8,000. Thanks to Armstrong Teasdale, our Silver sponsor, as well as to our many hole sponsors!
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