Every month, your support helps the International Institute of Akron respond to urgent needs, lift up families in crisis, and build lasting stability for immigrants and refugees in our community.
In this month’s newsletter, you’ll see how your generosity helped an immigrant mother, and her two young children move from uncertainty to safety and hope — and learn why your voice is urgently needed now, as new federal policies bring real challenges for families in Akron and across the country.
Together, we can make sure every newcomer has a fair chance to feel safe, supported, and at home.
IIA in the News: Highlighting Refugee Support Across Northeast Ohio
Did you see us on WKYC this month? Luke Suzelis, IIA Supervising Case Manager, shared how the International Institute of Akron helps newly arrived refugees find housing, build community connections, and regain hope after fleeing crisis.
Stories like these show Northeast Ohio what it means to be a welcoming city — and remind us that this work is only possible because people like you care.
Watch Luke’s interview here - Helping Refugees in NEO! | wkyc.com
Client Story: Out of the Rain and Into a Home
In June, our team got an urgent call from Akron Public Schools: an immigrant mother and her two young sons were sitting in a park with one suitcase during a thunderstorm — they’d been asked to leave a friend’s home, had nowhere to go, and hadn’t eaten all day.
IIA staff got to work and picked them up immediately, brought them to our office, and gave them donated grocery gift cards so they could buy fresh food. That night, they stayed at the Exchange House, a safe space for families with nowhere else to go before finding long-term housing.
The IIA team didn’t stop there. Within days, we found them a long-term housing solution, gathered donated furniture, and even set up their new home — down to fixing a coffee table and working directly with their landlord to make sure everything was ready.
Today, this mother has found a job, her boys are happy and safe, and she’s learning English to build a stronger future for her family. This story reminds us that real safety and stability is only possible with a caring community behind you — and you are part of that community.
In the News: HB 1 Passed on July 4 — What It Means for Immigrants
On July 4th, while many families were celebrating Independence Day, Congress passed HB 1, a sweeping new federal budget bill — and it carries major consequences for immigrant and refugee families right here in Akron and across the country:
Cuts to Healthcare Access: HB 1 reduces eligibility for Medicaid and other vital health services for many immigrant families, threatening their ability to access affordable, life-saving medical care.
More Funding for ICE: The bill significantly increases funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention and deportation operations — putting even long-settled families at greater risk of detention, family separation, and fear.
Your support, advocacy, and voice are more important than ever. Together, we can stand up for our neighbors and fight for a community where everyone feels safe, welcome, and protected — no matter what new policies come our way.
If you would like to help IIA keep its doors open to continue providing life-changing services to immigrants and refugees, consider making a donation today by clicking the button below.
Stay Informed and Equipped
The Myth of “Self-Deportation”
Our communities face constant misinformation — including the idea that “self-deportation” is an official process. It isn’t. Deportation is a legal action ordered by a judge or DHS — and fear tactics shouldn’t force families to abandon their rights or uproot their lives.
See & Share the Self-Deportation Myth Graphic
What We’re Reading: Separated by Jacob Soboroff
If you want to understand what’s at stake, we recommend Separated. It tells the heartbreaking story of the family separation crisis at the U.S. border — and reminds us why we can never stop fighting for families to stay together.
Speak Up: Ohio Bills Need Your Voice Too
While the federal budget has passed, state policies matter too. Right now, Ohio lawmakers are considering bills that put immigrants at further risk:
SB 172: Would expand how local law enforcement works with ICE, increasing unnecessary detentions.
HB 281: Puts due process at risk, making it easier to separate families.
Take 5 Minutes to Call:
1️. Look up your Ohio State Senator and Representative: Find Them Here
2. Call with this simple message:
"Hello, my name is [Your Name] from [City]. I’m calling to urge you to oppose SB 172 and HB 281. These bills hurt Ohio families, divide communities, and make us all less safe. Please stand with immigrant families and vote NO on these bills. Thank you."
3. Share this with a friend — every voice counts.
Your Support Creates Real Change
A month ago, one immigrant family sat alone in a storm — today, they have a safe home, a job, school, and hope for tomorrow. That is what your donations, advocacy, and commitment make possible.
As new challenges come with the passage of this federal budget, please stay with us. Together, we’ll keep fighting for dignity, safety, and opportunity for every newcomer who calls Northeast Ohio home.
