International Institute Southwest Missouri

Whether you live close or far, you can continue to impact the lives of immigrants and promote a welcoming community. Neighborhood of Nations is the official monthly giving program for International Institute St. Louis. Unlike one-time gifts, monthly contributions continuously strengthen International Institute's financial capacity to welcome & serve immigrants and refugees. Monthly giving helps us plan more effectively for the future and enhance our programs to have a greater in our community. Neighborhood of Nations provides unique opportunities for donors. As a member, you will join International Institute's efforts to Connect, Engage, Build and Lead an inclusive, multicultural society. https://www.iistl.org/neighborhood-of-nations/

New President and CEO of the International Institute of St Louis. https://www.iistl.org//s/5/2021/01/Obensonpress.Final_.pdf

Last night, we kicked off a brand new semester of the Youth Mentor Program! Food, friends, and fun- with the always important social distancing- makes for a good time learning together. The YMP aims to equip New Americans (ages 15-23) with academic support, community building, and a mentor who encourages and helps guide them towards their goals. We are still recruiting mentors. Contact Chelsea Peebles at [email protected] for details.

The Southwest Missouri community came together last week and donated a whole moving truck full of donations to help refugee families affected by Noel's fire. Special thank you to Marianne Jones and Julie DeNisco, who donated household items in remembrance of loved ones. Also, a special shout out to Sam Kohrs, Tony Savage, Josh James, and his Hill City Church volunteers who loaded and unloaded the truck. We are so grateful for all the help.

Dear Friends, Early this morning, the Africa Store and the Mosque in Noel, Missouri, caught on fire. For those familiar with Noel, MO, you know this small town in the Southwest corner of Missouri is home to a large Somali refugee community. You may also know that the Africa store and Mosque are the heart of this community. RAISE Noel is a non-profit agency located in Noel, MO, that provides direct support to the refugee families impacted by this fire. A donation to this agency is much appreciated as they support those affected by this fire. https://www.raisecommunity.org/donate-now