Your support continues to sustain the International Institute of Akron during a challenging season for immigrant and refugee families. This month, our community stepped up to meet urgent needs, advance justice, and advocate for those most affected by shifting federal policies. We are deeply grateful to everyone who stands with us.
Annual Fundraiser Update: Together, We’re Building Stability
Our annual fundraiser is underway! Thanks to our community’s early generosity, we’ve already raised over half of our $20,000 goal for January 15. These funds ensure IIA remains fully staffed and equipped to meet the growing needs of immigrant and refugee families.
Thank you for helping us build a community where everyone has access to safety, stability, and belonging.
Food Assistance Update: Over 280 People Supported
Thanks to the incredible generosity of donors across Summit County, IIA has been able to provide urgent support to families who recently lost access to food benefits.
Since October 30th:
We assisted over 280 people, representing more than 60 families.
We distributed over $4,300 in grocery gift cards, in addition to supplying families with food from our Donation Room.
We are especially grateful to community members, local faith groups, and local organizations who organized food drives on our behalf. Their generosity reminds us that community care is powerful and essential.
IIA Board Member Tania Nemer Takes Action for Civil Rights
We are proud to share that IIA board member Tania Nemer is standing up for justice on a national stage. NPR recently reported on her lawsuit challenging the circumstances of her removal from a previous government position, an important case with implications for civil rights nationwide.
Her courage and leadership embody the values that guide IIA: fairness, accountability, and advocacy for those navigating unjust systems.
Read the full story: Fired worker sues government in a case that could upend civil rights laws — NPR
A Special Thank You: GAR Foundation and Akron Community Foundation
This month, we received vital support from two long-time community partners:
GAR Foundation awarded IIA $50,000 for operating support and $20,000 for emergency food assistance for immigrant families recently impacted by federal food benefit changes.
Akron Community Foundation awarded $22,000 to strengthen IIA’s Social Services Program.
These investments ensure immigrant and refugee families can access the support they need during a time of heightened uncertainty. We are profoundly grateful.
Immigration News & Advocacy
Asylum Decisions Paused
Following the recent shooting in Washington, federal officials announced a pause in asylum decisions, leaving hundreds of thousands in limbo. Unfortunately, this event has also fueled harmful generalizations targeting Afghan communities.
IIA released a statement reaffirming the dignity of Afghan families and calling for thoughtful, humane immigration reform.
Read the statement: IIA Statement on Recent Rhetoric Targeting Afghan Communities
More on asylum pause: NPR
Review and Halt of Biden-Era Refugee Processing
Federal officials have ordered a review of refugees who entered the U.S. between January 20, 2021, and February 20, 2025, over 230,000 people. This directive pauses all permanent residence applications for refugees from this period.
These sudden changes create significant uncertainty for families trying to build stable lives. IIA continues to advocate for humane, consistent, and lawful immigration processes.
Read more: PBS News
Resources & Learning
Staying informed is crucial during times of misinformation and policy shifts. This month, we recommend:
UnSpun: Finding Facts in a World of Disinformation by Brooks Jackson & Kathleen Hall Jamieson
A guide to navigating misinformation and media manipulation, especially important when communities face heightened scrutiny. Find a copy here
Debunking the Myth of Immigrants and Crime – American Immigration Council
A data-driven resource disproving harmful myths linking immigration to crime—an excellent tool for community education. Download the article here
How You Can Support IIA
Your contributions make a real difference:
Donate: Help IIA remain fully staffed and able to support growing community needs.
Fundraise for IIA: Organize a fundraiser with your workplace, faith community, or local group.
Collect Food or Gift Cards: Support families recently impacted by SNAP benefit changes with non-perishable food or grocery gift cards. Every contribution goes directly to families in need.
Thank You
To our supporters, donors, volunteers, and partners: thank you for standing with immigrant and refugee families during a challenging time. Because of you, people in our community are finding safety, stability, and hope.
We are deeply grateful.
A Special Thank You: GAR Foundation and Akron Community Foundation
This month, we received vital support from two long-time community partners:
GAR Foundation awarded IIA $50,000 for operating support and $20,000 for emergency food assistance for immigrant families recently impacted by federal food benefit changes.
Akron Community Foundation awarded $22,000 to strengthen IIA’s Social Services Program.
These investments ensure immigrant and refugee families can access the support they need during a time of heightened uncertainty. We are profoundly grateful.
Immigration News & Advocacy
Asylum Decisions Paused
Following the recent shooting in Washington, federal officials announced a pause in asylum decisions, leaving hundreds of thousands in limbo. Unfortunately, this event has also fueled harmful generalizations targeting Afghan communities.
IIA released a statement reaffirming the dignity of Afghan families and calling for thoughtful, humane immigration reform.
Read the statement: IIA Statement on Recent Rhetoric Targeting Afghan Communities
More on asylum pause: NPR
Review and Halt of Biden-Era Refugee Processing
Federal officials have ordered a review of refugees who entered the U.S. between January 20, 2021, and February 20, 2025, over 230,000 people. This directive pauses all permanent residence applications for refugees from this period.
These sudden changes create significant uncertainty for families trying to build stable lives. IIA continues to advocate for humane, consistent, and lawful immigration processes.
Read more: PBS News
Resources & Learning
Staying informed is crucial during times of misinformation and policy shifts. This month, we recommend:
UnSpun: Finding Facts in a World of Disinformation by Brooks Jackson & Kathleen Hall Jamieson
A guide to navigating misinformation and media manipulation, especially important when communities face heightened scrutiny. Find a copy here
Debunking the Myth of Immigrants and Crime – American Immigration Council
A data-driven resource disproving harmful myths linking immigration to crime—an excellent tool for community education. Download the article here
How You Can Support IIA
Your contributions make a real difference:
Donate: Help IIA remain fully staffed and able to support growing community needs.
Fundraise for IIA: Organize a fundraiser with your workplace, faith community, or local group.
Collect Food or Gift Cards: Support families recently impacted by SNAP benefit changes with non-perishable food or grocery gift cards. Every contribution goes directly to families in need.
Thank You
To our supporters, donors, volunteers, and partners: thank you for standing with immigrant and refugee families during a challenging time. Because of you, people in our community are finding safety, stability, and hope.
We are deeply grateful.