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International House Needs YOUR Help!
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We all come from somewhere else. Some of us have families that first arrived here centuries ago. Some came only yesterday. International House is where
Charlotte welcomes the world.
We are the door to a new future and a better life.
The New Year will bring some big changes to International House, including a move in 2012 to the former Midwood High School on Central Avenue. This is exciting news, but the economic challenges will be formidable. Your gift is critical in helping us continue the excellent programs that have been our trademark as we navigate this major transition.
In 2011 International House helped more than:
1,100 local low-income immigrants with legal services
650 Charlotte residents through our educational programs
210 international visitors experience American life
2,500 Charlotte residents learn about cultures from around the world through our community programs & MORE
We can't do this without YOU. Donate >> |
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Who's in the House? Meet Our International Visitors from Iraq - December 12, 2011 |
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On Monday, December 12, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm, International House is delighted to welcome government and trade officials from Iraq, who will be showcased at our next “Who’s in the House?" extravaganza. The focus of their program in the US is building a transparent and dynamic investment climate in Iraq.
These visitors will share stories about their culture and life in Iraq, and we’ll enjoy refreshments and music. Meet and socialize with these participants of the International Visitor Leadership Program and enjoy an interactive, educational, and delightful experience!
Mark your calendars. International House will host a group of 9 Brazilian High School Youth Ambassadors from January 11 to 23, 2011. The program theme is "Social Justice and Volunteerism". If you have any program suggestions or would like to provide support for this group, please contact Lara Printz at lprintz@ihclt.org or call 704-333-8099.
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Recent Events at the House
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The month of November was quite busy at International House. Several cultural and community events took place right here at Hawthorne Lane.
 Charlotte University: Live, Learn, Grow
This free "teach the teacher" luncheon and workshop educates immigrant communities on local resources vital to successfully integrating into Charlotte life. Representatives from countries around the world were in attendance on November 18th and presentation topics included: social services available to immigrants in Charlotte, responsible lending programs for immigrants and refugees, and court programs in Mecklenburg County.
 AlmaNova Thanksgiving Concert
On November 22nd more than a hundred people packed the House to listen to a free performance by the Bosnian/American flute and guitar duo, AlmaNova. The music was spectacular, to say the least, and guests enjoyed authentic Bosnian cuisine. AlmaNova has traveled all over the world playing their unique blend of classical repertoire infused with music from the Balkans, Spain, Latin America, and the British Isles. We were privileged to have such talented individuals perform here at International House and are grateful to the local Bosnian community and WFAE for making the event possible.
Chinese Music Therapy and Community Bus Tour
On December 1st, International House hosted a free demonstration on the history of music therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Through the presentation, led by Bessie Chen, participants discovered the restorative qualities of resonance, melody and rhythm that shape this ancient
therapy.
At the same time as the TCM presentation, we also welcomed 50 participants of the "Many Cultures One Community" bus tour that kicked off here at the House. The tour, organized by Crossroads Charlotte, took participants to some of the area's most prominent nonprofits serving the local immigrant community.
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Lives Changed by Our ESL Classes - Participant Spotlight. |
Question: What are you able to do now that you were not able to do before starting English classes at International House?
Answer - Irene Jimenez from Mexico:
 Before the class, I did not like to talk on the phone to make appointments or talk to my son's school. Now, I feel like I can call the doctor, the school, and whoever else I need and they understand me (and I understand them). Before class, I would try to read books in English to my son, but I did not like to do it. Now, I always read an English book to him every night and it helps me study too. I can notice the different verb tenses and explain to my son why words look like they do. I feel like I can help him now. I feel more confident at the supermarket, when I buy tickets at the movie theater, and overall I understand more and people understand me. If I ever move back to Mexico, I want to start an "International House" there to teach people English because I think that it is a great organization.
Answer - Xoa Siu from Vietnam:
 I don't feel scared to speak in English. Now when I am sick or I have a problem, I can call my work and they understand me over the phone. Before, I didn't let them know that I could not come in. I understand people's conversations now, and I think that they are able to understand me a little better now too. I am so happy that I came to these classes and will come again next semester. Thank you, International House!
Both students attend Gail Johnson's Ventures 1 class that meets daily from 1:00-2:00pm. |
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From the executive director
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CALLING ALL FRIENDS OF INTERNATIONAL HOUSE…..
Light. In the northern hemisphere, the winter solstice has long been an important celebration for ancient peoples who rejoiced in the gradual return of the sun and a time of more daylight than darkness. All over the world, holidays or “holy days” often lift up the symbolic importance of light, whether it is in the stars and candles of Christmas, Hanukkah and Diwali’s Festival of Lights, or Bodhi Day, a commemoration of the Buddha’s enlightenment.
Light connotes hope. Something we all crave when the world seems dark, and life is hard. In Charlotte, hundreds of new immigrants and refugees find hope and help at International House every year through free or low-cost legal services, English classes and tutoring, citizenship classes, and basic life skill training. International House also helps raise the light of global understanding through citizen diplomacy and international visitor programs, and our multicultural events bring together Charlotte citizens of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and nationalities.
As the year draws to a close, we turn to you, our friends and supporters, and ask that you help us continue to be a light for many of Charlotte’s newest and most vulnerable residents. We have a passionate staff and dedicated board, but we can’t do it without you. Please take a moment to click on the “donate” button and contribute toward brightening the life of someone who needs our services. Any amount is appreciated, and all donations are tax deductible. Thank you for believing in hope.
Happy Holidays and warm wishes for the New Year from all of us at International House!
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2012 Officers Announced |
The following board members were selected as 2012 officers at the November Board Meeting:
Mr. Brad Merlie - President
Mr. Vince Altamura - Vice President
Ms. Cynthia Aziz - Secretary
Ms. Brita Formato - Treasurer
Congratulations to our new leaders and a huge THANK YOU to outgoing 2011 officers President Monte Ritchey and Treasurer Camille Evans for their great work.
Both Mr. Ritchey and Ms. Evans will continue serving on the Board of Directors in 2012.
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Doorways |
Dear Doorways Members,
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with families and friends and are now ready for the Holiday Season. Let’s celebrate the end of 2011 together with our traditional Doorways International Holiday Potluck!
Date and Time:
Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at 11 a.m.
Where:
824 Wandering Way Drive, Waxhaw, NC 28173
What to Bring:
A favorite dish from your country of origin.
It’s always such a joy to see so many multi-national dishes, all home prepared by you, being beautifully displayed at this event. I hope to see you all at the luncheon. Plan to stay on after lunch for some fun games and raffles.
In the past Doorways would always welcome your friends and guests at our Christmas luncheon, but since our members’ list has been steadily growing, we are obliged to keep this year’s party strictly for Doorways members only.
Sincerely,
Lakana Bikhazi
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International Book Club |
The International House Book Club will not meet during the month of December. Our next meeting will be on Monday, January 16, 2012 at 7 p.m.
The book to be discussed will be Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi (160 pages) IRAN.
“A memoir of growing up as a girl in revolutionary Iran, Persepolis provides a unique glimpse into a nearly unknown and unreachable way of life... That Satrapi chose to tell her remarkable story as a gorgeous comic book makes it totally unique and indispensable.”
Time Magazine
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**Exchange to Brazil** |
The Youth Ambassadors Program with Brazil is pleased to extend an opportunity to talented American young leaders and adult mentors for a three-week summer leadership program in Brazil.
High School Students please click here to apply.
Adult Mentors please click here to apply.
The Program aims to develop a cadre of young adults in Brazil and the U.S. who have a strong sense of civic responsibility, a commitment to community development, and an awareness of current and global issues. MORE INFO >>
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Get Involved . . . |
Home Hosts Needed!
If you are interested in being a cultural ambassador or home host please contact International House at 704-333-8099 or Lara Printz at 704-34202248 or email lprintz@ihclt.org.
For more information about our people, programs, or organization please email info@ihclt.org or call 704-333-8099.
www.ihclt.org
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