Your support allows the International Institute of Akron to meet urgent needs, strengthen families, and create a welcoming community for immigrants and refugees. This month, our community stepped forward in remarkable ways to help families facing food insecurity. We shared important immigration updates, and we continued advocating for those most affected by federal policy changes.
Community Generosity: Supporting Families Facing Food Insecurity
Since our food assistance request on October 21, our community has responded with tremendous generosity. Together, we have raised over $1,200 in grocery gift cards and over 10 tables filled with food we requested to help immigrant and refugee families in Summit County who are struggling to afford food. We also raised over $8000 to help keep our doors open and staff employed to provide critical services for our community.
These funds are already helping families affected by recent SNAP restrictions that make many new arrivals ineligible for food assistance. In a recent Signal Akron story, “SNAP cuts for immigrant families strain Akron food pantries,” Communications Specialist Liv Randall shared how these changes are placing many families at risk.
Your support ensures that families do not face these challenges alone, and we could not be more grateful.
Community Story: A Mother’s Strength
This month, IIA assisted a single mother of seven children from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who is working tirelessly to support her family.
After years spent in a refugee camp, she resettled in Akron and is now maintaining full-time employment, earning about $17 per hour. Her youngest child was born in the United States and receives $200 in SNAP benefits. However, her six older children, all born in the refugee camp, are still awaiting their Green Cards and are not yet eligible for assistance. With monthly rent of $1,200 plus utilities, she struggles to afford enough food for her children.
On October 31, IIA staff delivered groceries from our Donation Room and $200 in Aldi gift cards directly to her home, as she has no transportation. She shared that she planned to use the gift cards to buy meat for her children, something she has not been able to provide consistently.
Her story reflects the resilience of so many families in our community and demonstrates how your generosity directly improves lives.
Akron Bicentennial Panel: Immigrants in Survival Mode
As part of Akron’s Bicentennial Celebration, Executive Director Madhu Sharma joined a panel discussion about the impact of immigrants on Akron’s past, present, and future. She emphasized that many immigrant families continue to live in survival mode as they navigate barriers related to housing, employment, legal processes, and meeting basic needs. Her remarks underscored the critical role of community support and organizations like IIA in helping families find stability.
Read more about the discussion here - Akron immigrants are in ‘survival mode’
Immigration News: Citizenship Test Changes
NPR recently reported that beginning October 20, the U.S. citizenship test is becoming more difficult, with additional questions and a more demanding speaking section. These changes may create new barriers for lawful permanent residents working toward citizenship, particularly those who are still learning English.
IIA Citizenship Class Graduates Becoming U.S. Citizens! ^^
IIA’s education and legal services teams are preparing clients for these changes so they can continue their path toward naturalization with confidence.
Read the article here - U.S. citizenship test gets harder: More questions, tougher standards : NPR
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Advocacy
Temporary Protected Status holders from countries including Honduras, Haiti, and El Salvador continue to face uncertainty as federal deadlines approach. Ohio is home to more than 26,000 TPS holders who contribute significantly to the state’s workforce and economy. IIA continues to advocate for long-term protections and encourages community members to learn more about how they can support TPS holders.
Resources and Learning
With Thanksgiving around the corner, we wanted to share some important and accessible resources about important histories that affect our communities today.
VOCES: American Historia – The Untold History of Latinos | PBS
A powerful look at Latino history, identity, and overlooked stories.
Here’s How America’s Immigration Policies Have a Racist Past
A historical overview examining the roots of today’s immigration system.
How You Can Support IIA
Your contributions make a real difference in the lives of immigrants and refugees:
Donate: Every gift helps IIA keep its door open and staffed to support the growing needs of our immigrant community.
Fundraise for IIA: Organize a fundraiser with your workplace, faith group, or community.
Collect non-perishable food items and grocery gift cards: Help individuals losing SNAP benefits and facing food insecurity by donating non-perishable food items and grocery store gift cards. These will directly go to families in need.
Thank You
To all of our supporters: your generosity and advocacy continue to make a meaningful difference. Because of you, immigrant families in Akron are finding safety, stability, and hope. We will always be grateful for our community.
