Please join us for an informational evening, “Regarding Refugees”, on Thursday, May 19, at 7:30pm in the parlor. This panel discussion and Q&A, will be led by Claudia Connor, President and CEO of the International Institute of Connecticut (IICONN).
The evening’s panel will also include current members and former clients of the IICONN refugee mentor program. Founded in 1897, IICONN is the largest statewide refugee resettlement and immigration services in Connecticut and successfully resettles approximately 100 refugees to the Bridgeport area each year through the U.S. State Department refugee resettlement program. Find out more information at this engaging event on the global situation for refugees, how the resettlement process to third countries works, including to the United States, and what is happening on the ground in Connecticut.
This is also a great opportunity to find out more about IICONN, including its refugee mentor program, ESL and Citizenship classes, victims of human trafficking programs, and how you may become more involved in our local area.
Church member, non-profit consultant, and former IICONN Board Member, Whitney Ball, comments “Federal government services are short-term and intended to offer a minimal level of support to recently-arrived refugees. The longer-term success of refugee resettlement (for instance in cultural and financial literacy, job searches, and English language development) depends on the support of local individuals and organizations, such as churches and community groups.”
We hope you will join us for this important, timely event.