Dear Friend of IIA,
As 2025 comes to a close and the holidays approach, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the year behind us and share what your support helped make possible.
This year brought significant challenges for immigrant and refugee families in Akron. Shifting federal policies, cuts to basic supports, and increased enforcement created fear and instability for many of the people we serve. Throughout it all, the International Institute of Akron remained a place families could turn for help, guidance, and stability.
In 2025, your support helped IIA:
Provide legal services across more than 850 cases, representing over 1,000 individuals navigating asylum, TPS changes, family-based immigration, and deportation risk. One example is a married couple from Venezuela who moved from TPS status to lawful permanent residence, keeping their family together during a period of immense uncertainty.
Support over 160 individuals through social services and housing assistance, including a Congolese single mother and her children who were facing homelessness and are now in permanent housing and connected to ongoing support.
Serve 375 adult learners from more than 30 countries through English as a Second Language classes offered in person and online, and prepare 20 students for citizenship interviews, with 18 becoming new U.S. citizens by the end of the year.
Launch a new driver’s education program, primarily serving Afghan women, where most participants earned their permits and went on to become licensed, gaining independence and mobility in their daily lives.
Through our employment services, 84 individuals secured jobs, while an additional 100+ participants received job readiness training, career coaching, and ongoing employment support.
Respond to growing food insecurity caused by federal benefit changes. Because community members stepped up by donating food and grocery gift cards, IIA was able to support more than 300 people, including over 60 families facing food insecurity. Together, we distributed more than $4,500 in grocery gift cards to families who lost access to SNAP benefits, helping them put food on the table during a difficult time.
Alongside direct services, IIA continued to advocate publicly for humane and consistent immigration policies. We spoke out against harmful rhetoric targeting immigrant communities, raised awareness about asylum pauses and SNAP cuts, and worked to keep our community informed during a year of rapid change.
As we look ahead to 2026, we know the need will remain great. Families will continue to face uncertainty, and our work will continue to require flexibility, persistence, and community support.
If you are able to make a year end gift, donate food or grocery gift cards, or fundraise on behalf of IIA, your support will help us begin the new year ready to respond to the needs we know are coming.
As the year draws to a close, we wish you and your loved ones a peaceful holiday season and a hopeful start to the new year.
Sincerely,
The International Institute of Akron