As we look back on the past year, the words “Together, We Thrive” resonate deeply with everything we’ve accomplished at Amani Family Services. We are so grateful for the collective strength, resilience, and collaborative efforts that have defined 2024.
First Steps in Action
This year marked a significant milestone as Amani and community leaders gathered at the Allen County Public Library to announce the launch of the Welcoming Fort Wayne Plan. This 3-5 year plan offers recommendations and strategies to create a more inclusive, welcoming community.
Learn more:
Celebrating Women Worldwide
Amani celebrated International Women’s Day with staff and community supporters. This annual lunch recognizes the incredible global contributions of women and highlights the specific challenges and obstacles immigrant women face as victims of crime.
Paying it Forward
Emmy Award-Winning CBS correspondent Steve Hartman discussed the power of kindness as the featured speaker for the Jonathan Hancock Lecture Series. Amani was honored to be this year’s nonprofit partner. We are so grateful to Canterbury School and the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne for their support!
Collaboration of Care
The IU Health Foundation awarded $1 million to the Refugee Health Collaborative, which includes Amani, St. Joseph Community Health Foundation, Catholic Charities of Fort Wayne - South Bend and International House, to help meet the needs of Burmese refugees visiting the primary care office of Dr. Cho Mar Aung.
Kickin’ it with Fort Wayne Football Club
Amani joined an international celebration as the local Fort Wayne Football Club took on the Chivas de Guadalajara U23 from Mexico at the University of Saint Francis’ Bishop D’Arcy Stadium.
Growth in Welcoming
Amani and community partners hosted the 3rd annual Welcoming Week, welcoming more than 2,000 participants to inclusive events from Sept. 13-22! Highlights included:
The new Welcoming Spaces alley at Downtown Fort Wayne’s Alley Bash
A student art exhibit at the University of Saint Francis
The annual Welcoming Fort Wayne Awards, where a sold-out crowd celebrated this year’s recipients. Learn more about this year’s winner
The Beat Goes On
Amani’s annual One Beat event was one for the books! Our incredible sponsors took the stage as lip sync bands to support our multicultural community, helping us raise nearly $90,000!
Congratulations to our One Beat Award Winners:
1st Place: The DeHayes Group - Category 5
2nd Place: 3Rivers Federal Credit Union - The Money Thrillers
3rd Place: Five Star Distributing - Sudsy and the 5 Stars
Beat the Donation Drum: 3Rivers Federal Credit Union - The Money Thrillers
Judges' Pick: STAR Financial Bank
Crowd Favorite: STAR Financial Bank
Space for Play
Amani celebrated the opening of the new Green Space located on the agency’s campus. Equipped with natural playground equipment, benches, a play fort, and picnic tables, this new play area offers a welcoming space for Amani’s clients and their families to connect during their visits.
Help From Our Friends
We gathered with our incredible group of volunteers in December to share our gratitude for their efforts throughout the year. The success of Amani’s partnership and events is greatly supported by individuals who give their time, talent and treasures to make a difference. This year, Amani named Samantha Tata as the Volunteer of the Year!
A Phenomenal Person of the Year
Amani CEO Ewelina Connolly was named one of Fort Wayne Magazine’s People of the Year and graced the cover of the December Issue!