Wunderkammer Donation Drive, 5:30 p.m. December 19

Friendly reminder that our friends at Wunderkammer Company are hosting a donation drive to benefit Amani! Drop-off will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, December 19 at Wunderkammer. Thank you in advance for making the season brighter for local families!

Amani Family Services announces new Chief Operating Officer

Fort Wayne, IN — (November 28, 2022) Amani Family Services announced today that after a thorough search process, Melissa Singh (Grossman), MSW, has been selected to serve as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer.

Singh, who previously served as Amani’s Associate Family Justice Center Director, transitioned into the COO role today.

“We are so proud to be promoting an internal candidate who has been developing as a leader at Amani for the past two years,” Ewelina Connolly, CEO of Amani Family Services said. “Since joining the agency, Melissa has progressively taken on more responsibilities and worked in collaboration with both our clinical and administrative teams on many facets of our operations.”

The COO role has been vacant since Connolly, the former COO, assumed the role of CEO in 2021. As Amani moves into a new phase of fostering a spirit of belonging in our community, finding a successor became a priority. A search committee comprised of board members and staff thoughtfully considered applicants for the role.

Singh holds a bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science from Huntington University, and a master’s degree in Social Work from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. Singh formerly served as a case manager and supervisor for Catholic Charities Fort Wayne – South Bend before joining Amani Family Services in 2020. She serves as a volunteer for several local organizations.

Singh’s extensive knowledge of the organization’s programs, her passion for the mission and her reputation with staff as a dedicated leader gave the search committee confidence in moving forward with its recommendation.

Amani will be working through the upcoming weeks to support Singh’s transition and will initiate a search for a Victim Care program manager. 

Amani Family Services, Downtown Fort Wayne and Greater Fort Wayne, Inc. Awarded the Gateways for Growth Challenge

Fort Wayne, Indiana and eight other local communities join a network of more than 70 localities across 35 states deploying economic research and multi-sector welcoming plans to forward inclusion and economic opportunity for all.

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Today, the American Immigration Council (the Council) and Welcoming America selected Fort Wayne, Indiana, to receive a Gateways for Growth (G4G) Research, Technical Assistance, and Matching Grant award as part of the fifth cohort of the initiative.

Amani Family Services, Downtown Fort Wayne and Greater Fort Wayne, Inc. will partner in creating a local narrative, backed in data, on the importance of building an inclusive community for immigrants and refugees. Amani Family Services serves as the host organization for Welcoming Fort Wayne, a local chapter of Welcoming America.  

“Amani is so grateful and encouraged to work alongside two pillar organizations in our community, Downtown Fort Wayne and Greater Fort Wayne, Inc. to invest time and resources toward overcoming challenges of inclusivity for our city,” said Ewelina Connolly of Amani Family Services.

Local communities across the country have long understood the positive effects of their growing local immigrant population. Newcomers help drive population growth, revitalize neighborhoods, spur innovation, and enrich communities with cultural diversity. Fort Wayne, Indiana, as part of the G4G 2023 cohort, is thinking proactively about creating an environment that sends a message of inclusion and social cohesion, maximizes the contributions of all residents, and gives community members the tools they need to thrive together.

“As we work towards advancing Downtown Fort Wayne as the vibrant, urban core of northeast Indiana, making the heart of our region more welcoming to new employees, residents and businesses is simply good practice,” said Michael Galbraith, President of Downtown Fort Wayne. “Our unparalleled growth as a city and region depends on increasing growth, prosperity and diversity for new and existing residents.”

G4G awardees will receive a combination of the following:

●       Customized quantitative research reports from the Council on the demographic and socioeconomic contributions immigrants make in their communities; and/or

●       Tailored technical assistance from the Council and Welcoming America to support communities as they draft, execute, and communicate a multi-sector immigrant inclusion strategy; and, in some cases

●       Matching grant funds from the Council and Welcoming America, which, combined with support from a local funder, are used to aid in a community’s strategic planning process.

“Being a welcoming and inclusive community is more than just the right thing to do; it’s also good for business. For years now, business leaders—locally and across the country—have listed workforce shortages as their biggest challenge,” said Ellen Cutter, Chief Economic Development Officer at Greater Fort Wayne Inc. “Newcomers can play an important role in overcoming that challenge and building a nationally recognized economy here in Allen County. When that happens, our entire community wins.”

Launched in 2016, G4G is a competitive opportunity for localities to receive research support, technical assistance, and/or matching grant funds from the Council and Welcoming America to improve immigrant inclusion in their communities. This year’s awardees, alongside Fort Wayne, Indiana, include:

●       Brockton, Massachusetts

●       North Shore Region, Massachusetts

●       Ottawa County, Michigan

●       Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

●       Portland and Southern Region, Maine

●       Santa Clara County, California

●       Santa Fe, New Mexico

●       South Bend and Michiana Region, Indiana

“We are delighted to see the Gateways for Growth Challenge expand to another set of localities that reflect the diversity of our nation,” said Molly Hilligoss, Network Director at Welcoming America. “With each cohort, there is an opportunity to support and connect local leaders making their communities more welcoming and resilient places where everyone, including immigrants, can prosper and belong.”

Year-round, the Council and Welcoming America maintain an interactive map at GatewaysForGrowth.org that serves as a clearinghouse for the successes of all current and prior G4G awardees.

“The Gateways for Growth program helps communities quantify what many people already know – that immigrants play a key role in driving innovation and growth,” said Mo Kantner, Director of State and Local Initiatives at the American Immigration Council. “We’re excited to see the network continue to grow to nearly eighty communities, and look forward to supporting localities with data and technical assistance as they work to ensure that all residents are welcome and have pathways to success.”

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About the American Immigration Council

The American Immigration Council works to strengthen America by shaping how America thinks about and acts towards immigrants and immigration and by working toward a more fair and just immigration system that opens its doors to those in need of protection and unleashes the energy and skills that immigrants bring. The Council brings together problem solvers and employs four coordinated approaches to advance change—litigation, research, legislative and administrative advocacy, and communications. In January 2022, the Council and New American Economy merged to combine a broad suite of advocacy tools to better expand and protect the rights of immigrants, more fully ensure immigrants’ ability to succeed economically, and help make the communities they settle in more welcoming. Follow the latest Council news and information on ImmigrationImpact.com and Twitter @immcouncil.

Visit Americanimmigrationcouncil.org to learn more.

About Welcoming America

Welcoming America is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that leads a movement of inclusive communities becoming more prosperous by ensuring everyone belongs. We believe that all people, including immigrants, are valued contributors and vital to the success of our communities and shared future.

Through the Welcoming Network, we work to help communities develop the roadmap they need to create welcoming policies and share new approaches to inclusion to create an environment where everyone can truly thrive. Learn more at welcomingamerica.org.

About Amani Family Services

Amani Family Services is a local nonprofit organization serving more than 2,000 individuals from around the world. Learn more about Amani Family Services at www.amanifamilyservices.org.

About Downtown Fort Wayne

Downtown Fort Wayne partners with a wide variety of public, not-for-profit and private sector organizations to make Downtown Fort Wayne an attractive place to live, work and play. Downtown Fort Wayne’s mission is to advance Downtown Fort Wayne as the vibrant, urban core of northeast Indiana. For more information about Downtown Fort Wayne, go to DowntownFortWayne.com.   

About Greater Fort Wayne, Inc.     

Greater Fort Wayne Inc. is the single point of contact for economic growth and business services in Fort Wayne – Allen County, Indiana. We focus on supporting local business, attracting new business, and improving our community’s quality of place to grow jobs, wages, and the economy. Go to www.greaterfortwayneinc.com

The 2022 Welcoming Week Toolkit

It’s time to gear up for Welcoming Week! If you’re curious about the events planned, you are in the right place. Consider this your comprehensive guide to a week full of inclusive activities. Join us!

The Need-To-Know Facts

What: Welcoming Week Fort Wayne 

When: Sept. 10-16

Where: Across the city - we are working with more than 20 partners to create inclusive events for the family. All but one event (Cinema Center) are FREE and open to the public.  

Registration information: Go to http://amanifamilyservices.org/welcoming-week; From the Welcoming Week page,  you can click on each event image and find out more information, register for the event, or be directed to a ticket site for admission. You will also find Welcomer signs to use for Dining Around the World in 5 Days (Game Rules are here.) You can also download sponsor information. 

Questions? Email Keiara Carr, kcarr@amanifamilyservices.org.  

Schedule of Events

Saturday, Sept. 10 | Welcome Fair - This community resource fair will feature music, food and more! Help us support families by donating to the Hygiene Item Donation Drive. Learn more.

Sunday, Sept. 11 | Be A Tourist In Your Own Hometown - Join us at Creative Women of the World for a cultural stop on Visit Fort Wayne’s Be A Tourist In Your Own Hometown. This event will feature face painting and a photo booth. Learn more.

Monday, Sept. 12 | “Unity with Variety” preview - Artist Hilarie Couture has spent a year painting 50 portraits of community leaders, neighbors, and friends that represent various cultures. Hillarie and a few of her portrait subjects will discuss the experience and reveal their portraits for the first time. Register here.

Tuesday, Sept. 13 | Welcoming Pick-Up Soccer - Join us for an inclusive pick-up game of soccer. In lieu of registration fees, we are asking players to bring a potluck dish that represents their culture. Sign up here.

Wednesday, Sept. 14 | Cultural Intelligence Workshop - Peter Kirkwood, Chief of Protocol at The International Center in Indianapolis, will present an innovative approach in engaging the multicultural community as leaders and supporters. Register here.

Thursday, Sept. 15 | Multicultural Filmmakers Panel - Experience incredible storytelling from filmmakers inspired by their cultural backgrounds. The series of short films will be followed by a discussion from the filmmakers themselves. The evening will also feature a sneak peek at the new Ken Burns documentary, “ The U.S. and the Holocaust” before its premiere on PBS. Buy Tickets.

Friday, Sept. 16 | Welcoming Fort Wayne Awards - This annual ceremony is an opportunity to recognize immigrants, refugees, and community supporters. Join us in celebrating nominees in three categories: Lifetime Achiever, Welcoming Organization and Emerging Leader. The event is free and open to the public, and registration includes a light breakfast. Register here.

Connect with Us

Follow for all the latest updates! Go to: www.facebook.com/WelcomingFortWayne

Join the conversation by using #WelcomingWeek2022 #WhereWeBelong

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2022 Welcoming Fort Wayne Award Nominees

Thank you to the community supporters who nominated so many wonderful individuals and organizations in our community. Each nominee has made a difference for our multicultural community and we are honored to acknowledge them all for their accomplishments.

We will award 3 recipients representing each category at the Welcoming Fort Wayne Awards, 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 16, doors open at 8:30 a.m. The event is free and open to the public. Register here.

2022 Nominees

Lifetime Achiever

• Dorothy Kittaka, FAME Festival and Fort Wayne Sister Cities

• Cho Too, Catholic Charities

• Gamal Hernandez, Bowen Center

• Howard Chapman, Fort Wayne Sister Cities

• Jeanne Taylor, Fort Wayne Community Schools, retired

• Meg Distler, St. Joseph Community Health Foundation

• Terrence Gerald Doran, Three Rivers Arts Center for Kids (TRACK) founder

Emerging Leader

• Hthamay Paw, Amani Family Services

• Devota Masasu, Bowen Center

• Mieko Yamada, Purdue Fort Wayne

Welcoming Organization

• Lutheran Agency for Missions to Burma  (LAMB)

• Burmese Muslim Education and Community Center

• Neighborhood Health Clinic, Inc.

• Three Rivers Arts Center for Kids (TRACK)

Thank you to our Selection Committee

• Malak El-Taleb, Interpreter

• Fernando Zapari, El Mexicano Newspaper

• Antoinette Francher-Donald, Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne

• Pone Vongphachanh, City of New Haven

Welcoming Fort Wayne Awards Spotlight: Malak El-Taleb

Registration is now open for 2022 Welcoming Fort Wayne Awards. Click here To Register for the Free Event.

By Mieko Yamada, Purdue University Fort Wayne

Malak El- Taleb, the recipient of the Emerging Leader Award, was originally born and raised in Libya. She moved to the United States when she was 10 years old. Malak’s father had established his career as a university professor in the United States and made a tremendous effort to support and protect his family. Malak understands the struggles and challenges that immigrants face and recognizes how hard it is for immigrants to adjust themselves to and live in a new environment.

Malak is a recent Purdue University Fort Wayne (PFW) graduate with a B.S. in Psychology and Minor in Sociology. She served as a student leader and representative of the entire student body, for regional and international students, and strived to bridge between students and the university by participating in student organizations and campus committees. Through her own experience of being an immigrant, Malak cultivated a strong interest in advocating immigrants and refugees and fighting against social injustice.

While working at the Allen County Clerk’s Office, Malak continues to volunteer with Amani Family Services for advocating immigrants and refugees living in Fort Wayne and addressing what they need. In addition to overcoming language barriers in communication with those who do not speak English, Malak considers acknowledging different customs and cultures surrounding us is essential. She hopes that Fort Wayne continues to welcome immigrants and refugees, be open-minded to learn about differences, and appreciate cultural uniqueness.

Special thanks to Mieko Yamada, Ph.D., Professor and Program Coordinator, Department of Anthropology and Sociology, Purdue University Fort Wayne, and her students for contributing their articles to Amani Family Services.

Welcoming Fort Wayne Awards Spotlight: Friends of the Third World - Jim Goetsch & Marian Waltz

Registration is now open for 2022 Welcoming Fort Wayne Awards. Click here To Register for the Free Event.

By Mieko Yamada and Adam Stucky, Purdue University Fort Wayne

Friends of the Third World (FOTW) received the 2021 Welcoming Organization Award for its long-term outstanding contribution of advocating and engaging immigrants and international community members in the greater Fort Wayne area. FOTW is a humanitarian organization which helps socially disadvantaged people gain employment and pursue economic stability by providing job training programs and referrals for necessities and employment. Underpinning Fort Wayne’s economy and enriching its cultural diversity, FOTW is an important asset to the city.

FOTW was originally founded in 1972 when a fundraising project was formed by a group of students and teachers who wished to help starving people. Today, FOTW has expanded its own venues to provide more effective services and training, organize fundraising projects, and participate in social and cultural events. In addition, FOTW runs a gift shop where visitors can purchase products from all over the world, including art made from recycled materials, rare instruments from indigenous cultures, chocolates, tea, and a wide range of coffee beans from various countries such as Yemen, Haiti, Honduras, and Ethiopia. All handmade crafts are imported directly from 80 partner groups in 35 countries. They are produced under fair-trade agreements that uphold standards for working conditions and fair wages for those that produce the products. Jim Goetsch, the founder of Friends of the Third World, keeps fighting against labor exploitation and strives to protect the rights of marginalized individuals and groups.

On a daily basis, Jim and his wife, Marian work with people from various cultural backgrounds. Their work stance is incredible. They do not mind spending time talking to people and learning about their cultures and lives. It is fascinating to see Jim and Marian working at the shop and effectively communicating with their clients and visitors. They are always willing to talk to anyone and learn their cultures.

Special thanks to Mieko Yamada, Ph.D., Professor and Program Coordinator, Department of Anthropology and Sociology, Purdue University Fort Wayne, and her students for contributing their articles to Amani Family Services.

Welcoming Fort Wayne Awards Spotlight: Fort Wayne Sport Club - Dan Kruse, Club President

Registration is now open for 2022 Welcoming Fort Wayne Awards. Click here To Register for the Free Event.

By Mieko Yamada, Purdue University Fort Wayne

The Fort Wayne Sport Club received the 2021 Welcoming Organization Award for its long-term outstanding contribution of embracing immigrants and the international community into the greater Fort Wayne area. The Sport Club is a family-oriented organization that welcomes all soccer players, their families, and friends from local and international communities. The Sport Club offers various programs for recreational and competitive players of all ages. It has certainly become a central place where people of all cultures share their passion for soccer and their love for their home countries.

The Fort Wayne Sport Club has a long rich history. The Sport Club was established in 1927 by a group of soccer players who had come to Fort Wayne from Germany. It aimed to develop the education of soccer as a sport culture and physical exercise, create a space for its members’ social recreation, and promote German culture. The Sport Club was not successful without struggles and challenges. One of the biggest challenges was the Club’s operation during World War II. It was suspended but resumed in 1947. The Sport Club created the women’s soccer team to play against a Schwaben women’s team from Chicago in 1969. Today, the Club membership represents over 30 countries from five different continents, and it does reflect Fort Wayne’s cultural diversity.

Dan Kruse, the president of the Fort Wayne Sport Club, is one of the key persons who can describe the Club’s roots, history, and progress. Dan’s commitment to the promotion of soccer education and culture is vital to the continuous growth of the Fort Wayne Sport Club.

The Fort Wayne Sport Club will be hosting a Welcoming Pick-Up Soccer Game on Tuesday, Sept. 13 in celebration of Welcoming Week. Registration is free - click here to sign up.

Special thanks to Mieko Yamada, Ph.D., Professor and Program Coordinator, Department of Anthropology and Sociology, Purdue University Fort Wayne, and her students for contributing their articles to Amani Family Services.

Welcoming Fort Wayne Awards Spotlight: Fey Fey Moussou

As we prepare for the Welcoming Fort Wayne Awards, we take a moment to reflect on the individuals previously recognized for their impact on our community. Registration is now open for the 2022 Welcoming Fort Wayne Awards. Click here To Register for the Free Event and submit nominations.

By Lisandro Quintana, Purdue University Fort Wayne

Fey Fey Moussou, the recipient of the 2021 Lifetime Achievement award, was raised in the African countries of Bénin and Sénégal. As a young adult, he traveled to the United States to work as a summer camp instructor in New York and Massachusetts, working with African American kids hoping to reconnect with their lost African roots. Eventually, he moved to Washington D.C. where he met his wife of almost 30 years who is a Fort Wayne native. Once introducing him to Fort Wayne, Fey Fey instantly fell in love with Fort Wayne.

Upon moving to Fort Wayne in 1998, Fey Fey began attending local churches where he eventually found the St. Augustine Lutheran Church. In 2001, he helped organize the first African food festival which has grown to be a large food festival here in Fort Wayne often getting recognition by mayor Tom Henry, who is a frequent visitor of the festival. The festival has grown to represent over 19 different African countries.

Since 2001, Fey Fey has been working with Brightpoint where he has helped develop fatherhood programs where fathers are encouraged to be active in their children's lives. Fathers in these programs would take their children to school, pick them up from school, read to them, and do anything that would make them present in the child’s life regardless of the mother’s situation. Fey Fey observes serious issues facing Fort Wayne’s diverse immigrant population. He thinks that immigration laws are negatively impacting the process of embracing the community. Since immigrants are often scared of how they will be treated and received in the community, they tend to isolate themselves.

Fey Fey advises everyone to learn another language besides English. Fey Fey himself speaks multiple languages and suggests that our willingness to learn many languages and cultures can be helpful in communicating with people around the world.

Special thanks to Mieko Yamada, Ph.D., Professor and Program Coordinator, Department of Anthropology and Sociology, Purdue University Fort Wayne, and her students for contributing their articles to Amani Family Services.

Donations Needed: Hygiene Items for the Welcome Fair

Help us support local families! We are in need of new, unused hygiene items to be given out during Welcome Fair, which will take place 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Renaissance Point YMCA. Learn more about the event here.

Donation Drop-Off will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. September 6-8 at Amani Family Services, 5104 N Clinton St, Fort Wayne.

Items include (but are not limited to):

• Shampoo/Conditioner

• Feminine Hygiene Products

• Toilet paper

• Cleaning products

Questions? Call Natalie Borjas at 260-848-1414 ext. 538

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In Partnership

Arts Commission invests in Amani Family Services to strengthen Fort Wayne through arts and creativity

Today, the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) announced it has awarded $4,000 to Amani Family Services through the Arts Project Support grant program. The funding supports local artist Hilarie Couture's "Unity with Variety" portrait series.

This activity is made possible in part by the Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne, and the Indiana Arts Commission, which receives support from the State of Indiana and the National Endowment for the Arts.

The IAC invested nearly $3 million around the state to strengthen communities through art and creativity. Read more about the announcement here.

For the past year, Hilarie has been on a journey to capture individuals of different cultures and nationalities living in Fort Wayne. In partnership with Amani Family Services, Hilarie will host a free Welcoming Week preview show for "Unity with Variety" at 5:30 p.m. September 12 at Wunderkammer Company with the official opening following in October. Register here.

Activities are made possible in part by Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne, Inc. and the Indiana Arts Commission, which receives support from the State of Indiana and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Holiday Closure - Monday, July 4 to Friday, July 8

Amani Family Services will be closed from Monday, July 4 to Friday, July 8.

Our staff will take the well-deserved time to rest, regroup and spend time with their loved ones. We are working with our clients to ensure their well-being during our closure. We will reopen our doors on Monday, July 11 refreshed and ready to serve our community.

If you have any questions regarding our closure next week, you are welcome to give us a call at 260-484-1414.

News Round-up: World Refugee Day 2022

Courtesy of Angel Campos Photography

Amani Family Services celebrated World Refugee Day on Monday, June 20 at Foster Park. It was such a lovely time to engage with our community, and share Amani’s story.

Check out some of our media coverage:

Fox Fort Wayne 55: Fort Wayne celebrates World Refugee Day

Photo: Journal Gazette - World Refugee Day

Blog: Emerald Threads of Compassion - World Refugee Day, Amani, and Climate Change

Amani Past Board Member Jane DeHaven nominated for Leadership Award

We are enthusiastic to announce Amani's past board member Jane DeHaven is a 2022 Nominee for the David A. Bobilya Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership Award for her contributions to Amani Family Services.

Jane joined our board at a time of major changes within the organization and became a leading voice in growing our fundraising efforts through the One Beat annual fundraiser. We are delighted to see her recognized for her work in our community. Thank you Foellinger Foundation for this opportunity.

Read more about the nominees here:.

Amani in the News: "Fundraising day to help nonprofits"

Our CEO Ewelina Connolly is featured in the Journal Gazette discussing the unexpected increase of services and support for refugees in the past year. Learn more about our Give Greater Allen County fundraising campaign here.

Click here to read Ewelina's interview.

Give Greater Allen County, April 21

Give Greater Allen County 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Bookmark our Give Greater donation page!

Amani is the only local nonprofit agency entirely devoted to serving immigrant and refugee families and individuals. While we serve more than 2,000 individuals in our community, there is an immediate need to provide additional support groups for local refugee and immigrant families and individuals at no cost. Please support Amani through the Give Greater Allen County campaign.

This 12-hour initiative hosted by the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne takes place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on April 21. The money raised during the day will help Amani move forward with three additional support groups to empower women, Afghan refugees, and individuals impacted by the war in Ukraine.

Here’s how you can help:

• Click here to follow Amani Family Services on Facebook for all updates.

• Share your story of support with friends and followers. Be sure to include a link to our donation page.

• Donate! You can donate to Amani Family Services from 7 a.m. April 21 until 7 p.m. on the Give Greater Website.

Update: Good news! Give Greater will have matching opportunities throughout the day to double the impact of your donation to Amani. All of the matching opportunities are first-come, first-served.

Here’s a schedule:

• 7:30 - 7:30:59 AM | Early Bird Matching Minute - Gifts up to $50 will be matched dollar-for-dollar for only 59 seconds. There is a pool of $1,000 available for this matching minute!

• 9- 9:59 AM | Coffee Talk Matching Hour - Support Amani at the top of the hour. Gifts up to $100 will be matched until the pool of $5,000 runs out.

• 10 - 10:59 AM | Connected Community Matching Hour - Organizations with a specific focus on community advocacy and social justice will have gifts up to $100 matched dollar-for-dollar until the pool of $2,000 runs out.

• 12:30 - 12:30:59 PM | Lunch Special Matching Minute - Round two! Gifts up to $50 will be matched dollar-for-dollar for only 59 seconds. There is a pool of $1,000 available for this matching minute!

• 2 - 2:59 PM | School’s Out Matching Hour - This mid-day opportunity will match gifts up to $100 until the pool of $5,000 runs out.

• 4 - 4:59 PM | Drive Time Matching Hour - Gifts up to $100 will be matched dollar-for-dollar until the pool of $5,000 runs out.

• 6 - 6:59 PM | Final Countdown Matching Hour - One last push! Gifts up to $100 will be matched dollar-for-dollar until the pool of $10,000 runs out.

Additional prizes will be awarded to organizations during the Give Greater Celebration on The Landing from 7 to 9 p.m. on April 21. Learn more here.

Your support means the world to us and to the local families we serve.

Residents/Organizations Honored for Work to Create a Welcoming Community

Fort Wayne, Ind. – Two individuals and two organizations were honored this morning for their work to make Fort Wayne a community that welcomes everyone, especially immigrants and refugees

The 2021 Welcoming Fort Wayne Diversity Awards took place this morning at 9 a.m. at the Fort Wayne Coliseum Campus of Ivy Tech Community College. Winners include: Fey Fey (Ferdinand) Moussou, Malak El-Taleb, Friends of the Third World and Fort Wayne Sport Club.

The Lifetime Achiever Award was presented to Fey Fey (Ferdinand) Moussou, who volunteers at St. Augustine Lutheran Church, which includes members from more than 17 African countries. Moussou organizes the annual African Food Festival, which features a variety of African recipes as well as music featuring traditional West African instruments. Moussou was born in Bénin, West Africa and moved to Senegal as a youth. He came to Fort Wayne in 1998 and now works at Brightpoint as a Male Involvement Coordinator. He is fluent in English, French, Spanish and several African dialects.

Malak El-Taleb was honored with the Welcoming Fort Wayne Emerging Leader Award. El-Talab is a volunteer member of Amani Family Services’ Community Advisory Board and advocates for immigrants and refugees living in Fort Wayne. She was nominated by a Purdue Fort Wayne international student who stated, “Malak made me feel like I’m part of this country and part of a community that is willing to help you whenever you need.” A native of Libya, El-Taleb moved to the United States 13 years ago and works for the Allen County Clerk’s Office.

The Welcoming Organization Award was presented to two organizations: Friends of the Third World and Fort Wayne Sport Club. Friends of the Third World (FOTW) is a non-profit operated by Jim Goetz and Marian Waltz. Founded in 1972, it was initially formed as a fundraising project to aid the hungry. FOTW currently operates job training programs for foreign born area residents and markets handmade crafts from 80 partner organizations in 35 countries. The organization is actively involved in the community and supports many multicultural groups and events, including the Three Rivers Art Center for Kids, International Village, Arab Fest, Welcoming Week, the Center for Middle East Peace and more.

The Fort Wayne Sport Club is the second winner of the Welcoming Organization. Founded in 1927 by German immigrants, the Club strives to capitalize on the common language of football (also known as soccer in the U.S.) to provide a platform for people of all cultures to share their passion for the game as well as their love for their home countries. Every week from early April to the end of October, the Club brings residents from a wide variety of cultures and heritages together to participate in various activities, such as cultural food nights, dances, family game night, and the annual Schutzenfest.

The Welcoming Fort Wayne Diversity Awards celebrate the achievements of exceptional immigrants and refugees, native community individuals, organizations and companies that have demonstrated a strong commitment to multiculturalism, and others who have shown dedication to creating a welcoming Fort Wayne community. The awards are presented by Welcoming Fort Wayne, a chapter of Welcoming America and an initiative of Amani Family Services.

“We are happy to honor these individuals and organizations who have done so much to welcome and include immigrants and refugees in the Fort Wayne area,” said Ewelina Connolly, CEO of Amani Family Services. “The Diversity Awards celebrate the winners, but the event also provides the opportunity for us to let immigrants and refugees know they are a valued part of our community.”

Other individuals and organizations nominated for the Diversity Awards include: Three Rivers Art Center for Kids or TRACK, Friends of Afghanistan, So Min Oo, Win Tun Nyunt, Lahmay Moo, Dr. Mieko Yamada, Yin Yin Moe, Cynthia Villanyueva, Sarah Castillo, Marian Waltz and Dorothy Kittaka.

The Title Sponsor for the event was the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation and the Presenting Sponsor was Ivy Tech Community College – Fort Wayne/Warsaw. Supporting sponsors include Greater Fort Wayne Inc. and Associated Churches of Fort Wayne and Allen County.

Supporting organizations include: Associated Churches of Fort Wayne and Allen County, the City of Fort Wayne, East Allen County Schools, Fort Wayne Community Schools, Fort Wayne Metropolitan Human Relations Commission, Friends of the Third World, Language Services Network, Multicultural Council of Fort Wayne, Parkview Health, Purdue University Fort Wayne, St. Joseph Community Health Foundation, Wellspring Interfaith Social Services and YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne.

Welcoming America is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that leads a movement of inclusive communities becoming more prosperous by ensuring everyone belongs.