From the Executive Director:
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The International House strategic planning
team hard at work!
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It has been seven months since International House moved from our home of more than 25 years to our new location at the former Midwood High School on Central Avenue. The dust is finally settling after more than two years of planning, renovating, fundraising, and moving. We are catching our breath, realizing that International House is now poised to embrace an even greater role in the Charlotte nonprofit community.
What a perfect time to carefully consider the opportunities that lie ahead!
The International House Board of Directors and staff have wisely decided to embark on a strategic planning process that will allow us to address the staggering array of challenges brought about by our quickly changing environment. Consider this: International House has been serving Charlotte's international community since 1981. At that time, foreign-born residents made up only 2.5% of the total population. That percentage has now risen to over 13%. And in the last 10 years alone, Mecklenburg County saw an increase of nearly 150 % in its Latino population, outpacing the state average. As the song says, "The times, they are a-changing", and International House needs to stay nimble and responsive to the needs of an increasingly global Charlotte.
Over the next several months, we will use the assistance of professional consultants as we take stock of where we are, determine where we want to go, and hopefully chart a course to get us there. We will be soliciting the input of many stakeholders and peer organizations through surveys, interviews, and focus groups. We are also determined to make this a collaborative and participatory process that reflects the diversity that is at the heart of International House's mission and identity.
While we know that a strategic plan has its limitations and is certainly not a "silver bullet" that will solve all problems, I am excited about this step in our organizational development. Hopefully, we will emerge with a blueprint for new growth and revitalization. This should help International House remain the place "where Charlotte welcomes the world" for a long time to come!
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Farewell Fiesta with Mexican Youth Ambassadors!
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At the end of two whirlwind weeks in Charlotte, our Mexican Youth Ambassadors, "Jovenes en Accion", offered a lively evening finale about Mexican culture at the Midwood International & Cultural Center. The group of energetic teenagers created interactive presentations on Mexican food, music, dance and games. They have been staying with host families in Charlotte and learning about alcohol and drug use prevention in teens, community service, and ways to combat gang violence. The group had a busy Charlotte schedule which included volunteering at Crisis Assistance Ministries and meetings with Sheriff Daniel "Chip" Bailey and staff at the Charlotte anti-gang organization, "Gang of One". See the wonderful video of their Charlotte experience here!
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YETP Story of the Week
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The Youth English Tutoring Program (YETP), our six-week summer learning experience for CMS elementary students with limited English proficiency, is in full swing at three area schools. We are reminded every day that this free program not only makes a tremendous difference in the level of English fluency for those attending, but it is also fun. Some very young children make extraordinary efforts to participate. Here is a story from Katie Bradshaw, tutor at Pinewood and Montclaire Elementary!
"This week one of my students at Pinewood, Christopher, made me the best gift! It was a hand made envelope with a colored heart and picture of a flower inside. It touched me so much because I knew he had to have spent so much time at home making it for me. It makes me feel good that I am important to him and can be a great influence. I will keep it forever."
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Position Opening: Client Services & Volunteer Coordinator
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Enjoy working with people? International House is seeking a part-time Client Services and Volunteer Coordinator. Bilingual (English and Spanish) strongly preferred. Applications accepted until August 15th.
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Language
Conversation Hours!
International House celebrates language and culture through weekly conversation hours. FREE and for all levels!
*No registration required
* Drop-ins welcome
* All ages welcome
* Conversation hours are held at
1817 Central Avenue, Room 202
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Recent Grants!
Thank you to our generous donors for these recent grants and donations:
TJX Foundation
$5,000
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News from our Neighbors at Midwood
Universal Institute for Successful Aging (UISAC)
(Room 208, 1817 Central Ave.)
UISAC
is offering:
Youth Basic Computer
8/12-8/23
10am - 2pm
Indian Dance -
Tuesdays at 6:00pm
African Dance -
Saturdays at 5:00pm
All sessions are FREE.
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Rescheduled:
Children's World of Play
Our popular "Children's World of Play" originally scheduled for August 17th has been postponed until next spring.
We have discovered that there are too many families who are on vacation during this time, and many of our potential performers and participants are also out of town. We are rescheduling this wonderful day of music, dance, and play to a date in May that will be confirmed soon. We apologize for any confusion or inconvenience.
Stay tuned for more details on the new date next spring!
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25th Anniversary
Benefit Gala - October 26
Please join us for an evening of dinner, dancing, entertainment, and Live and Silent Auctions to celebrate "America the Beautiful" at our 25th Anniversary Benefit Gala!
For Advance Reservations and Information, call 704-333-8099 or click here. Corporate Sponsorships Available. Tickets are $150 per person. (A portion is tax-deductible)
Location: The Westin Charlotte
Date: Saturday, October 26, 2013
Time: Six-Thirty in the Evening
Black Tie Optional
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