International Institute of Akron

Thank you for standing with Akron’s immigrant and refugee community! We are still accepting donations as the need continues, and every contribution helps. Please look at the graphic below or visit our website at www.iiakron.org to see what is currently needed.

These people have done great work for over a hundred years.

Please please please donate here to help some of the most vulnerable people in the area (or donate to your local advocacy groups).

www.iiakron.org

SNAP cuts for immigrant families strain Akron food pantries The Big Beautiful Bill removed food benefits for people legally in the United States who count on aid. Here is how to get and give help.

Check out Signal Akron’s recent article on the SNAP cuts impacting immigrant families in Akron, featuring insights from two IIA staff members.
Thank you, Signal Akron, for helping shed light on this important issue.
signalakron.org/snap-cuts-fo...

Join us for Discovering Our History: Akron’s Immigrant Communities, part of the City of Akron’s Discovering Our History series celebrating the Akron Bicentennial!

Reserve your spot here: www.eventbrite.com/e/discoverin...

Check out our latest newsletter! Stay up to date on how the IIA is supporting immigrants in our community, the latest news on immigration, and how to get involved.
➡️https://www.iiakron.org/blog/2025/10/21/september-at-iia-urgent-needs-community-stories-and-immigration-updates?utm_source=chatgpt.com

URGENT: Food Assistance Needed
Beginning Nov. 1, 2025, over 1,300 local refugees and asylees will lose SNAP benefits, leaving many families at risk of hunger.
IIA is collecting non-perishable food items and grocery gift cards (Aldi, Walmart, Acme) to support families in need.

Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day!
On Monday, we honor and celebrate the history, culture, and resilience of Indigenous peoples across the United States.
In observance of the holiday, our office will be closed on Monday and will reopen Tuesday for regular hours.

Our August Newsletter is here!
Catch up on everything happening at IIA this month, from Akron Pride, to our new driver’s education class, to inspiring stories of the families we support.
Read it now: www.iiakron.org/blog/2025/9/...

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month from IIA!

This month, we celebrate the history, culture, and countless contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.

Let’s keep coming together to celebrate the cultures and stories that make Akron stronger, more connected, and more welcoming for everyone.

IIA July Newsletter: A Century of Compassion + Stories You Need to Read — IIA Every month, your generosity helps the International Institute of Akron meet urgent needs, lift up families in crisis, and create lasting stability for immigrants and refugees in our community. In thi...

Take a look at our July newsletter to celebrate Ann Duff’s 100th birthday, receive the latest legal immigration updates, learn how we’re supporting immigrants and refugees, and see how you can make a difference in our community.

www.iiakron.org/blog/2025/8/...

Apply Now for the Dora Gordon Scholarship!
IIA is awarding $1,000 to support education and career goals.
Who can apply?
Current or former IIA clients and their family members, ages 13–28.
Deadline: August 31, 2025
Call 234-312-0155 or email kevin.walter@iiakron.org to request an application.

Dream big, set goals, and create your vision!

Join our free workshops for middle school girls from refugee and immigrant families — where poetry, writing, and art come together to help you map out your dreams and build a vision board for your future.

RSVP with Joli Magnus at 234-312-0029.

Have you seen our June newsletter yet? Don’t miss this story we shared — it’s one you’ll want to read! 😊

www.iiakron.org/.../iia-june....

Take a look at our June newsletter to see how we’re helping families move from crisis to stability—and why your voice matters now: www.iiakron.org/blog/2025/7/...

Celebrate Italian-American heritage at the 2025 Summit County Italian-American Festival at Lock 3 in Akron! Enjoy live music, Carnevale Famiglia Day, kids’ activities, delicious food, and fireworks every night! Bring your family July 10–12 and experience one of Akron’s best summer traditions!

Words matter — and ‘self-deportation’ isn’t real.
Deportation is a legal process that only a judge or DHS can order — not something people do to themselves. Using this term spreads fear, fuels anti-immigrant propaganda, and confuses real stories of migration.

Help Families Beat the Heat! ☀️
Many of the families we serve are facing this Summer without air conditioning. You can make a difference by donating a fan to help keep their homes safe and cool.
If you'd like to donate, please email kevin.walter@iiakron.org.

Our May Newsletter is here! Catch up on the latest updates, news highlights, program successes, and resources from the International Institute of Akron. Read now to see how we're supporting immigrants and refugees across Akron - www.iiakron.org/.../iia-may-....

In honor of Juneteenth, our office will be closed today, June 19.

We celebrate this day of freedom, reflection, and Black resilience, and we honor the ongoing fight for liberation, dignity, and true belonging.

Your voice matters—use it safely.
As we continue to show up and speak out for justice, it’s important to stay informed and prepared. Our Peaceful Protesting Tips sheet offers guidance to help you stay safe, grounded, and effective.

Download, share, and show up with intention.

Now more than ever, immigrant and refugee families are facing uncertainty—and you can help!

Start a fundraiser for IIA and support vital services like legal aid, education, and job readiness. Our step-by-step guide makes it easy to get started.

Download the guide at iiakron.org/resources

June is Immigrant Heritage Month — a time to honor the stories, contributions, and resilience of immigrants and their families in our communities.
This month, we celebrate the many journeys that shape our collective story—and recommit to building a more welcoming, inclusive, and just future for all.

"Check out our latest newsletter: Standing Strong Through Shifting Policies — now live on our blog!"
www.iiakron.org/blog/2025/5/...

In observance of Memorial Day, our office will be closed on Monday, May 26. We will reopen on Tuesday, May 27.

Wishing everyone a safe and reflective holiday.

May is AAPI Heritage Month—a time to celebrate the diverse cultures, rich histories, and vital contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Celebrate by supporting AAPI-owned businesses, attending local events, or simply learning more about the histories that often go untold!

There's still time to celebrate Arab American Heritage Month! We’re sharing some amazing resources to help you learn and honor Arab American history and culture.

70 books
www.arabamerica.com/books-to-rea...

50 cookbooks
www.arabamerica.com/arab-cuisine...

Resources
www.arabamerica.com/resources/

Mark your calendars! Next Thursday, April 17 at NOON, join us at Akron Roundtable for an important conversation featuring Madhu Sharma, Executive Director of the International Institute of Akron, and immigration attorney, Farhad Sethna.

Get your tickets here: www.akronroundtable.org/.../farhad-s...

March Newsletter: Hope, Resilience & Action in Difficult Times — IIA At the International Institute of Akron, we believe in the power of community and the importance of standing together during challenging times. This month, we are facing new hurdles—but with your supp...

New month, new stories.

Our March newsletter is live—get inspired today.

www.iiakron.org/blog/2025/4/...

Organizations, volunteers still helping refugee families amid federal funding cuts Federal cuts prompted the International Institute of Akron to pivot the way they are providing support for families.

Take a look! Despite federal funding cuts, we’re still working hard to support refugee families in our community.

Watch Friday's @news5cleveland.bsky.social story to learn more: www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-n...

Ramadan Mubarak to all who celebrate! May this month bring you peace, reflection, and blessings.