One year ago, Amani Family Services in partnership with Greater Fort Wayne Inc. and Downtown Fort Wayne launched the Welcoming Plan—a 3-5 year roadmap crafted by community leaders to create a place where immigrants and refugees feel welcome, valued, and included. Focused on four key areas—Connected Communities & Public Safety, Civic Engagement, Economic Development, and Education—the plan drives lasting, meaningful change.
Over the past year, these leaders have continued to make progress that strengthens our community. We continue to be grateful for the support of partners and advocates like you.
While there is more to accomplish, today, we celebrate the strides we’ve made together.
Connected Communities & Public Safety
The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) hired a Bilingual Program Specialist to enhance programming for non-English-speaking patrons.
Fort Wayne Community Schools (FWCS) launched a comprehensive lesson planning tool for multilingual learners, based on WIDA standards.
Indiana 211 hosted a town hall event focused on language access.
Jewish and Palestinian communities united at a Vigil for Gaza promoting compassion and peace.
Downtown Fort Wayne collaborated with Anthis English as a Second Language (ESL) students for a neighborhood cleanup event.
In partnership with local organizations, Welcoming Week 2024 saw a record turnout, doubling attendance from previous years.
Civic Engagement
The Allen County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved pursuing a Welcoming County Certification.
The Greater Fort Wayne Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Leadership Coalition of Northeast Indiana (HLCNI), and Latinos Count announced The Latino Leadership Pipeline, a leadership training program preparing community members for nonprofit board service. Applications are due January 31.
Allen County Government appoints Public Information Officer to support the Welcoming Certification project.
The Allen County Health Department implemented a translation app to improve communication with immigrant and refugee communities.
Economic Development
Hispanic Leader Coalition of Northeast Indiana, Inc. (HLCNI) developed workshops to assist immigrant students in accessing financial aid.
The Northeast Indiana Innovation Center (NIIC) recruited immigrant entrepreneurs to serve on an advisory committee and expanded immigrant inclusion in their programs.
ACPL received a grant to expand Maker Labs, providing tools like 3D printers and entrepreneurship workshops to support local innovation. Data from the WFW Gateways for Growth project reveals that over 50% of immigrants aspire to become entrepreneurs.
Education
Members of the Welcoming Fort Wayne (WFW) Steering Committee are actively supporting the Coalition for Advancing Postsecondary Education and Training (CAPETS) working groups in their efforts to reduce educational barriers for marginalized communities.
Amani Family Services facilitated 20 cultural competency trainings across central and northeast Indiana in 2024.
FWCS expanded website accessibility by adding Haitian Creole and Pashto languages.
Purdue Fort Wayne faculty shared best practices at Daffodil University in Bangladesh, showcasing Allen County talent internationally.
Cheers to our accomplishments!
Community Resources
Welcoming Fort Wayne Plan - Available in English, Spanish, and Burmese
Welcoming America - Preparation & Rapid Response Resources for Immigrants & Community Allies