The four communities will continue their commitment to create opportunities for all through the implementation of their strategic welcoming plans.
FORT WAYNE, IN, May 1, 2024 — The American Immigration Council and Welcoming America, two national nonprofits, have selected Fort Wayne to receive the Implementation Technical Assistance and Grant award as part of Round V of the Gateways for Growth Challenge (G4G). As part of the G4G challenge, core partners at Amani Family Services, Greater Fort Wayne Inc. and Downtown Fort Wayne led a year-long strategic planning process that brought together leaders across multiple sectors – including government, business, non-profit and education – to create strategic welcoming plans. Each of the four awardee communities will receive up to $27,000 toward implementing recommendations from their developed welcoming plans that prioritize strengthening equity through language access initiatives, access to workforce opportunities for immigrants and all residents, and increased social cohesion. This year’s awardees, include:
Baltimore County, Maryland
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Santa Fe County, New Mexico
South Bend, Indiana
These communities, as part of the Gateways for Growth Round V Cohort, have demonstrated a commitment to developing concrete strategies that ensure all residents have access to the tools and support they need to succeed and contribute to their communities, and have highlighted the contributions immigrants are already making locally. Approximately 24% of the total population growth in the county is attributable to immigrants. As of 2019, approximately 25,300 immigrants lived in Allen County, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
To ensure successful implementation, the American Immigration Council and Welcoming America will continue to coach communities for the next six months providing individual technical assistance, cohort-wide calls, and resource referrals.
“After a robust planning process, we’re thrilled to continue working alongside these communities as they transition into the implementation of recommendations from their strategic plans,” said Rich André, director of state and local initiatives at the American Immigration Council. “These communities have demonstrated their commitment to investing in the well-being of all community residents, including immigrants and refugees, and we look forward to continuing to support their work.”
“We’re excited to be part of community efforts that are taking their welcoming values to the next level,” said Molly Hilligoss, network director of Welcoming America. “By implementing welcoming plans, these communities are prioritizing inclusion for all residents, including immigrants.”
"The Gateways for Growth challenge was instrumental in laying the groundwork for a more inclusive Fort Wayne in 2023," said Ewelina Connolly, Chief Executive Officer of Amani Family Services. "We're excited to build on that foundation alongside our dedicated community and government partners. Fulfilling our commitment to implementing the Welcoming Fort Wayne plan is a privilege, and together, we'll create a city where everyone thrives."
Learn more about the Welcoming Fort Wayne Plan and impact data, including the New Americans in Allen County report, at amanifamilyservices.org/g4gfw.