News
Plenty of good news to share in this month's Ambassador! Check it out here.
In this issue:
Welcoming Week is around the corner! Sign up for one of 10 community events taking place between September 13-22!
Register today for the annual Welcoming Fort Wayne Awards
Strike up the bands! Get your tickets to Amani’s annual One Beat - A Lip Sync Battle today!
Maria Zamudio graduated with her Bachelors of Social Work from Indiana University this Spring, and started her Masters of Social Work program this summer.
Maria was born and spent her early childhood in Mexico with her family. Her early years were challenging due to health issues that required frequent doctor’s visits. At the same time, her father had been working in the United States to support their family. When Maria was seven, her father decided to resettle the whole family in the U.S. in order to pursue better opportunities and stability.
At first, the transition was difficult. The Hispanic community was small in the 1990s, and the culture shock Maria experienced was intense. The school schedule was different, the school subjects were unfamiliar, and the taste of the food was strange and unappealing to her. Making friends was hard because everyone spoke English. Maia was naturally shy as a little girl, and she recalls walking around the playground by herself, not knowing anyone. Over time, Maria began to find comfort in her English Language Learners (ELL) class, where she found she could express herself.
Maria always worried that her family would be taken advantage of because of their language and cultural barriers. Her parents worked long hours, leaving them disconnected from her life. Maria had her first child at the end of high school and took on factory and restaurant jobs to provide, feeling trapped in the same cycle she had feared. In 2012, the announcement of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) was a game-changer. She applied immediately and was one of the first to be approved, opening new career opportunities to her.
“ I love everything I do here. When we came to the US we did not have this type of help. Amani supports people who are struggling and need accurate information and guidance.”
While working as a receptionist at a mental health agency she met Josefina, who encouraged her to pursue further education. Maria enrolled at Ivy Tech, where she earned an associate's degree in Human Services. By the time she graduated, Josefina had joined Amani. Maria then interned at Amani before being hired as a Victim Advocate. Initially, she was very nervous, but quickly realized she could provide resources and empower clients, often telling them - we’re going to do this together! Maria’s role evolved, and she transitioned to the Family Support Associate Program Manager, leveraging her administrative skills. "I love everything I do here," she says. "When we came to the US we did not have this type of help. Amani supports people who are struggling and need accurate information and guidance.”
Through her various positions interacting with clients, Maria saw an overwhelming need for counseling services in immigrant communities and this inspired her to work toward becoming a therapist. She graduated earlier this month with a bachelor's degree in social work from Indiana University and now she is starting the master’s program.
When Maria’s not in the office or in class, she’s busy raising two teenagers! She enjoys car rides on the way to her son’s soccer tournaments because it gives them a chance to connect and talk about life. She also loves dancing to Spanish music and escaping the stress of the day by lifting weights at the gym. Maria’s parents are her biggest supporters and they continue to motivate her to create a better life for herself.
Amani Family Services is hiring! This is a wonderful time to join our team and play a critical role in supporting our immigrant and refugee community. Learn more here: amanifamilyservices.org/careers
Fort Wayne, IN (August 07, 2024) – Join Amani Family Services' Welcoming Fort Wayne initiative in celebrating the individuals and organizations building a more inclusive community at the annual Welcoming Fort Wayne Awards, 8:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 20.
The event will take place at Ceruti’s Summit Room, 6601 Innovation Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46818. Admission is free but registration is required by visiting amanifamilyservices.org/welcoming-fort-wayne-awards. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. and a light breakfast will be served.
Community members are also encouraged to nominate deserving organizations and individuals to receive an award. Award nominations can be submitted until Monday, August 26. Download nomination forms at amanifamilyservices.org/welcoming-fort-wayne-awards.
The Welcoming Fort Wayne Awards celebrates the achievements of exceptional immigrants and refugees, native community individuals, organizations, and companies that have demonstrated a strong commitment to multiculturalism.
There are three categories:
Lifetime Achiever: Honors an experienced leader who has devoted a significant portion of their career and volunteer work to the immigrant and refugee community. Their service has deeply impacted multiculturalism in Allen County for more than a decade.
Emerging Leader: Honors a newcomer to the multicultural community who has demonstrated exceptional resilience and commitment to improving the community and lives of immigrant/refugee families through their burgeoning career or volunteer work.
Welcoming Organization: Recognizes a for-profit or nonprofit organization that has made a lasting effort to be inclusive and welcoming through engagements with the refugee and immigrant refugee community. In addition to its external efforts, the organization demonstrates multicultural representation at various levels of leadership and has taken initiative in hiring immigrants and refugees in Allen County, Indiana.
"We all thrive when we feel a sense of belonging," says Ewelina Connolly, CEO of Amani Family Services. "The Welcoming Fort Wayne Awards honor those who bridge the gap between immigrants, refugees, and the wider community."
Welcoming Week is a globally-recognized celebration in which communities strive to be a more welcoming place for all, including immigrants and refugees. In partnership with several local community partners, Welcoming Week will feature events from Friday, September 13 to Saturday, September 21 that are focused on art, education and local resources. The full Welcoming Week event schedule can be found at amanifamilyservices.org/welcoming-week.
Welcoming Week is made possible by our following sponsors: Presenting Sponsor – Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, Advocate Sponsors – Bowen Health Center and NIPSCO/NiSource Charitable Foundation, Supporter Sponsor - AnCor HR and Welcomer Sponsors – Ivy Tech, Old National Bank and Liechty Media. Amani Family Services is a local nonprofit organization serving nearly 2,000 individuals from around the world. Learn more at www.amanifamilyservices.org.
Event Information:
What: Welcoming Fort Wayne Awards
When: 8:30 to 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 20
Where: Ceruti’s Summit Room, 6601 Innovation Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46818
Admission: Free; register and download nomination forms at amanifamilyservices.org/welcoming-fort-wayne-awards; check out the full Welcoming Week schedule at amanifamilyservices.org/welcoming-week.
Plenty of good news to share in this month's Ambassador! Check it out here.
In this issue:
Amani CEO Ewelina Connolly is named Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation’s Class VI Outstanding Fellow!
Catch up with Welcoming Fort Wayne in our Year in Review.
Save the Dates: Celebrate Welcoming Week with us from September 13-22 and join us for One Beat-A Lip Sync Battle on October 24!
Learn more about Prevention Specialist Joel Alvarez, our featured staff for July!
Welcoming Fort Wayne Spotlight: Super Shot provides vital preventative care for vulnerable populations.
Joel Alvarez
Substance Use Prevention Specialist
Substance Use Program
3/12/2024
The opportunity to help to educate our immigrant community regarding substance use.
Looking to have to my own experience in the American culture. I had family living here that allowed me to come here and get situated.
Being able to help other immigrants develop the sense of belonging by guiding them to explore and reach their full potential in a way that their communities can benefit from their growth.
Seeing individuals willing to challenge and better themselves by doing the work is the part of my job that I enjoy. I like seeing when they realize that not only are their lives getting better, but also everyone else’s lives within their reach.
Since I have only been here a little over four months, I am still learning my job position and responsibilities. I can say that I have a great support from my substance use team as I adapt into this position.
The most challenging part of my job is to keep in mind that some of our clients have many social, emotional, economical, and political disadvantages. However, the power of a good decision may increase their chances for a better outcome.
Amani is a good work environment. We provide services for the community as we try to even the playing field for our immigrant community based on what they need. We also partner with other organizations because as a community we realize that we all may need help at some point in our lives. For those in a position to help, we are always seeking more resources to invest into our community.
I am fortunate to have the support of a good, loving family. I spend time with my large extended family whenever possible, primarily with my beautiful wife JoAnne, my super creative and kind son David, and my talented artistic daughter, Briana. With whatever time I have left, I enjoy working on home repairs.
People do not realize that I no longer drink alcohol because I am a recovering alcoholic myself. This has helped me empathize with people struggling with addictions.
Amani Family Services is hiring! This is a wonderful time to join our team and play a critical role in supporting our immigrant and refugee community. Learn more here: amanifamilyservices.org/careers
Plenty of good news to share in this month's Ambassador! Check it out here.
In this issue:
Amani joins the Greater Fort Wayne Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in celebrating the economic impact of immigrants during their Cuarto Jueves Networking Meeting.
Fort Wayne Football Club brings international soccer to the Fort!
Save the dates for Welcoming Week 2024! The full schedule is out now.
Learn more about therapist Su Roth, our featured staff for July!
In Other News: Amani celebrates World Refugee Day with a digital campaign, and One Beat tickets go on sale!
Welcoming Fort Wayne Spotlight: Three PFW faculty members represent the university in Bangladesh.
The Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation (MDLF) announced today Ewelina Connolly, CEO of Amani Family Services, is the recipient of the Class VI Outstanding Fellow Award.
Last year, Connolly was one of 25 leaders selected from a competitive pool of 137 applicants across 28 counties to participate in the Class VI Fellowship. As the sole representative from Allen County, Connolly has made a great impression on her peers and MDLF leadership with her dedication and insight. The Class VI Fellows nominated Connolly to be recognized for her contributions.
"I am deeply grateful for the Foundation's investment in me. This leadership development opportunity has not only inspired me to dream bigger but has also equipped me with the essential tools, support, and networks needed to take concrete steps toward making these dreams a reality and improving Indiana's future,” Connolly said.
Over the past year, Connolly has participated in monthly convenings and coursework focused on critical state issues including the economy, education, healthcare and civil society.
“Ewelina’s strength in relationship building is evident in her meaningful participation inside and outside our Fellowship and in her community. She is always engaged and eager to learn how she can help make Indiana a better place to build a future,” MDLF Fellowship Chair Maureen Weber stated in an announcement.
Connolly will be formally recognized alongside Former Indiana Lt. Governor John M. Mutz and and fellow Class VI honoree Dan Kozlowski on August 28, 2024 during MDLF’s Annual Event. To learn more, go to www.mdlfindiana.org/annual-event.
LCSW Su Roth’s personal and professional experiences reinforce her passion for bringing mental health services to underserved populations.
Su was born in Burma when the country was under a military regime and isolated from the rest of the world. As a child, she felt like it was a good place to live, having believed the propaganda spread by the government. Her perspective changed when her father, a visiting professor teaching the Burmese language in South Korea, relocated their family.
The exposure to democracy and new freedoms was a revelation for Su; she also learned Korean during this time. Su’s older sister developed an interest in Western culture, which inspired their parents to pursue opportunities in America. Just before she turned 16, Su’s family won the green card lottery and emigrated to the United States.
The transition was tough for Su, who started high school with limited English skills and felt lonely and anxious as the only Burmese student. Nevertheless, she worked hard and improved her grades from Fs to As. Her college years were transformative. She met a diverse group of international students, made lifelong friends, and even participated in an exchange program to South Korea. At first, Su followed the pre-med track due to external expectations, but an introductory psychology course sparked a deep interest in her. Despite her family’s stigmatizing views on the subject, Su went on to earn a minor in Psychology from Purdue Fort Wayne (PFW).
““I love working with refugee populations because they demonstrate a willingness and eagerness to learn. These individuals have overcome so much to be here, and they put extra effort into anything that they do”.”
Su’s time at university was also her first point of contact with Crime Victim Care of Allen County (CVC), which later became Amani Family Services. She met Babra, a program manager with CVC, who introduced her to the agency. Through this contact, Su began working as an interpreter and collaborated with Ewelina, current Amani CEO and former CVC therapist. Babra and Ewelina were both influential figures in Su’s life who showed her the impact she could have in the mental health field.
Working with Amani was an amazing experience for Su, which provided valuable insights into navigating American culture and systems. Ewelina encouraged Su to pursue counseling, which led Su to follow that passion to Indianapolis and earn her Master of Social Work (MSW) from IUPUI in 2020. While working at a clinic in Indianapolis, Su interacted with many Burmese refugees. She noticed that they were incredibly hardworking and focused on providing for their families, but often struggled with balancing work and home life. “Refugees are often misunderstood because of the title attached to them,” said Su. “Talk to people and listen to their stories. It can be heartbreaking, but you will understand how they are seeking stability for their families, just like everyone else."
In 2022, Su moved back to Fort Wayne to be closer to family and worked as a therapist at a local facility. She recently passed her clinical exam to become a fully licensed Clinical Socal Worker (LCSW) and returned to work at Amani through funding provided by the Refugee Health Collaborative. “I love working with refugee populations because they demonstrate a willingness and eagerness to learn,” said Su. “These individuals have overcome so much to be here, and they put extra effort into anything that they do”.
Outside of work, Su is a mother of two young children, aged 6 and 2. She enjoys cooking, traveling internationally, and spending time in nature.
Amani Family Services is hiring! This is a wonderful time to join our team and play a critical role in supporting our immigrant and refugee community. Learn more here: amanifamilyservices.org/careers
Four all-star kiddos (Eli Connolly, Aldin Cejvanovic, Jose Daniel Romero, and Felix Roth) represented Amani during the opening ceremony of the Fort Wayne FC-Chivas game on June 16.
On Father’s Day, Amani had the opportunity to witness firsthand a thrilling international friendly soccer match between Fort Wayne FC and Chivas de Guadalajara U23 from Mexico, at the University of Saint Francis’ Bishop D’Arcy Stadium.
Fort Wayne FC, a pre-professional football club in Fort Wayne, IN, invited Amani Family Services to be a partner in their friendly face-off against Chivas. Amani staff and supporters had a great time celebrating the international love of soccer at this event. In addition, Amani outreach were able to share about our programs and services through an outreach table.
Founded in 1906, Club Deportivo Guadalajara, known colloquially as Chivas, is a popular and beloved club in Mexico. This event was a special opportunity for Fort Wayne residents to experience international soccer at the highest level.
The match was a spectacle of skill, strategy, and sheer determination from both sides. Both teams showcased some of the best talents in North American soccer. The atmosphere surrounding the game was electric, with supporters from both teams bringing their fervor and energy to the stadium. Whether you were cheering for Fort Wayne FC or Las Chivas de Guadalajara U23, one thing is certain: Fort Wayne Indiana brings the opportunity for both nations to come together, celebrate diversity, promote goodwill, and demonstrate unity.
Watch Amani lead the Opening Ceremony of the Fort Wayne FC-Chivas game here!
Plenty of good news to share in this month's Ambassador! Check it out here.
In this issue:
Amani’s very own Su Roth and our work with the Refugee Health Collective were featured on the front page of the Journal Gazette!
Nominations for the 2024 Welcoming Fort Wayne Awards are now open! Submit nominations from now to August 9, 2024.
In Other News: Amani receives the G4G Implementation Grant and CEO Ewelina Connolly is featured in the United Way Boldy Engage podcast
Take Amani out to the ball game for Tincaps Manzanas night!
Welcoming Fort Wayne Spotlight: Harrison Hill Elementary celebrates culture with local students.
Plenty of good news to share in this month's Ambassador! Check it out here.
In this issue:
Amani hosts Creating an Inclusive Community, a presentation and panel discussion on the next phase of the Welcoming Fort Wayne Plan.
Save the date for our World Refugee Day Celebration on June 20.
Amani’s Victim Care program takes over our social media in support of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week: April 22-26.
Meet our newest Victim Advocate, Reyna Salgado!
Welcoming Fort Wayne Spotlight: Musical Conexion teaches kids to celebrate culture, language, and musicality.
Art This Way is currently accepting RFQs for Alley Bash, immigrant and refugee artists are encouraged to apply!
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.
Victim Advocate Reyna Salgado supports victims of crimes as they navigate the criminal and civil justice systems.
Born and raised in Fort Wayne, Reyna's connection to her cultural heritage and the immigrant experience has shaped her both personally and professionally. Her parents are from Mexico and arrived in the United States as young adults seeking better opportunities. Reyna watched them work hard to provide for her and her siblings while struggling with the complexities of life in a new country. Growing up in a Spanish-speaking home meant she faced her own challenges, particularly with English during her early school years.
Reyna’s grandfather always reminded her to keep pushing forward so she could achieve more than the generations before, and his encouragement fueled her determination to succeed after graduating high school. Initially drawn to nursing, Reyna's career path took a pivotal turn towards social work when she had an important realization that she could support those with similar upbringings to her own, “I wish I had someone who was there for me when I was going through so many challenges as a teen.” Her studies at Ivy Tech led her to professors who provided critical guidance and networking opportunities.
“I wish I had someone who was there for me when I was going through so many challenges as a teen.”
While taking classes, she was a receptionist at an immigration law firm where she witnessed firsthand the anxiety, depression, and helplessness many immigrants feel when they are unaware of the resources available to assist them. That job inspired her to seek out an internship with Amani working in the Substance Use Support program and learning how to teach others healthy coping habits. She said she could see how much the employees cared about their clients and that made her want to work at Amani full-time. After the internship ended, Reyna was hired as a Victim Advocate. Her role is vital in assisting victims of crimes, like domestic violence and work accidents, navigate the criminal and civil justice systems. Clients often share with Reyna that they are scared to speak up or ask for help, and she is proud to reassure and support them. Her favorite part of the job is seeing the big relief on a client’s face when they experience a success, “I’m happy knowing there will be more opportunities in their future!”
Outside of her professional life, Reyna enjoys traveling, especially to Spanish-speaking countries, and learning about different cultures and people. She is an enthusiastic dancer and takes Zumba classes regularly. She also loves hosting gatherings for friends and family, celebrating with good food and company. Reyna graduated with her associate’s degree this past December and she will begin her bachelor’s degree at Indiana University Fort Wayne in the fall.
Amani Family Services is hiring! This is a wonderful time to join our team and play a critical role in supporting our immigrant and refugee community. Learn more here: amanifamilyservices.org/careers
For more than 18 years, Amani Family Services has partnered with immigrants and refugees and the community to promote safety, encourage personal growth and foster a spirit of belonging. Amani has created innovative, award-winning programs to serve our clients and have played a critical role as cultural brokers and community advocates for a more welcoming community. Amani’s leadership is now prepared to shepherd in the next chapter of community impact.
We are now accepting RFPS for Strategic Planning Consultant Services until Friday, May 10, 2024. More information can be found here. Amani touches the lives of more than 2,000 individuals and families annually, while reaching out to more than 26,000 community members through our Welcoming Fort Wayne Initiative. We are committed to engaging with a strategic planning consultant who will contribute significantly to our mission.
Proposal Submission
1. Proposal Content: Outline your strategic planning methodology, tools, and techniques, highlighting your experience with nonprofit organizations and your approach to making strategic goals actionable. Include a proposed timeline and budget.
2. Submission Deadline: Proposals must be submitted by May 10th, 2024.
3. Contact Information: Direct all proposals and inquiries to Ewelina Connolly, CEO, Amani Family Services at grants@amanifamilyservices.org.
Fort Wayne, IN (April 10) – Amani Family Services in partnership with the Northeast Indiana Immigration Network will be hosting a presentation and panel on the recently launched Welcoming Fort Wayne Plan at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday April 30 at the Allen County Public Library-Main Theater.
The Northeast Indiana Immigration Network, which includes Amani, St. Joseph Community Health Foundation, Catholic Charities and International House, collaborate to host quarterly sessions to empower the community to better engage with the local immigrant and refugee community.
This presentation dives into the plan's development and implementation strategies in four key areas: Connected Communities & Public Safety, Economic Development, Civic Engagement, and Education. This is an opportunity to inform the community on how they can contribute to this effort and how diversity strengthens our workforce, cultural offerings and recognition in the nation.
Amani will also discuss the recent partnership with the City of Fort Wayne to pursue a Certified Welcoming Designation through the national Welcoming America organization. Fort Wayne is the first city in the state to formally pursue this designation. The presentation will be followed by a panel of community leaders who are participating on the steering committee for the Welcoming Fort Wayne Plan.
Launched in January, Welcoming Fort Wayne Plan is the result of participating in the Gateways for Growth Initiative, in which Amani, Greater Fort Wayne Inc. and Downtown Fort Wayne received funding in January 2023 to create a plan backed by data with local community leaders. The next phase of the plan will be aligning committed stakeholders to implement the plan and receive a formal Certified Welcoming designation. To learn more about the plan, go to www.amanifamilyservices.org. The plan can be downloaded from Amani’s homepage.
EVENT INFORMATION
What: Creating An Inclusive Community: The Next Phase of the Welcoming Fort Wayne Plan
When: 3:30 to 5 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Allen County Public Library-Main Branch Theatre, 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne IN 46802
Register: https://bit.ly/49RNaMa; event is free and open to the public.
Amani acknowledges the following funders for the ongoing support: St. Joseph Community Health Foundation investing grant match dollars to support the Gateways for Growth collaboration; the James Foundation and Old National Bank for their early investment into the Welcoming Fort Wayne initiative; Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne for investing in the future of Welcoming Fort Wayne. This past fall, the foundation awarded Welcoming Fort Wayne a $200,000 multi-year grant to support the deployment of Welcoming Fort Wayne Plan. This grant was made possible through the Richard D. Waterfield Charitable Fund and the Richard Dallas & Marni McKinney Waterfield Charitable Fund.
A special thank you to Greater Fort Wayne Inc., Downtown Fort Wayne and the supporting organizations who have participated in the Gateways for Growth/Welcoming Fort Wayne Plan Steering Committee.
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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.
Plenty of good news to share in this month's Ambassador! Check it out here.
In this issue:
Amani receives more than $7000 through “Leading with Kindness” event
Join us on April 30th for Creating an Inclusive Community, a presentation and panel discussion on the next phase of the Welcoming Fort Wayne Plan
Amani celebrates International Women’s Day with staff and supporters
Meet Amani at the Ballgame! Come see us at Tincaps Manzanas night in April, June, and August
Get to the newest member of our Mission Advancement Team - Rui Gui
Welcoming Spotlight: Urban League sparks conversation with Race Card Project
Amani sends wishes of peace and comfort to the family, friends, and staff of Mayor Tom Henry. We will always be grateful for Mayor Henry’s dedication to creating a community we can all be proud of.
Mission Advancement Specialist Rui Gui is available for presentations on Amani’s services, the Welcoming Fort Wayne initiative, or cultural competency topics.
Born in Xi-An, China, Rui and her family embarked on a global journey in 1995, moving to Germany and later the United States for her father’s career as a mechanical engineer. Upon their arrival in the U.S., Rui’s parents found support and friendship from local Chinese churches. Rui’s family moved several times before settling in Mississippi, but in each new town, they quickly built connections with the local Chinese community. Over time, Rui’s parents transformed their own experience of receiving aid by welcoming international students and other Chinese immigrants into their home to share traditional dishes and celebrate cultural holidays.
“Food is such a wonderful way to share culture. The act of sharing food creates a safe place where people can be vulnerable and ask questions which otherwise may be a little scary.”
Rui went on to participate in a high school exchange to Germany and attend college in New York. In every new place she lived, Rui found herself repeatedly returning to food as a tool for cultural exchange. Sometimes it was sharing traditional Shaanxi or Sichuanese cuisine with her roommates in New York, another time it was introducing her German host parents to Tex-Mex-style burritos, “Food is such a wonderful way to share cuture,” said Rui. “The act of sharing food creates a safe place where people can be vulnerable and ask questions which otherwise may be a bit scary.
Rui studied social sciences and creative writing as an undergraduate, taking courses on immigration, race, and identity. Her roles following graduation further honed her commitment to social justice and included work with diverse populations such as domestic violence survivors, mental health and substance use disorders, unhoused individuals, and intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). She is currently pursuing a Masters degree through Indiana University School of Social Work and completed her MSW generalist internship at Amani in Fall of 2023.
In her current role at Amani, Rui helps oversee the Welcoming Fort Wayne initiative, a community development and advocacy platform focused on reducing inclusion barriers and increasing opportunities for immigrants and refugees. In addition, Rui supports Amani’s mission through mission events, fundraisers, and leading cultural competency training. “I’m grateful to be a part of the Amani team,” said Rui. “Each immigrant story is unique, you can’t make generalizations because there is so much nuance and richness in why people choose to leave their homes and build their lives somewhere else.”
Rui met her husband in college, and they moved to Fort Wayne 8 years ago. They share many interests, like an obsession with their dog and reading. Together they run the local chapter of Silent Book Club, a group of readers and introverts who get together to read in quiet camaraderie. Rui also loves to cook, try food from different countries, and learn about the history of international cuisines,
“Each immigration story is unique, you can’t make generalizations because there is so much nuance and richness in why people choose to leave their homes and build their lives somewhere else.”
Amani Family Services is hiring! This is a wonderful time to join our team and play a critical role in supporting our immigrant and refugee community. Learn more here: amanifamilyservices.org/careers
Plenty of good news to share in this month's Ambassador! Check it out here!
In this issue:
Mark your calendars! Amani's has a year full of events coming your way.
Amani welcomes two new board members
Join us as we celebrate community impact with IU Health the IU Health Foundation
Get to know the "glue" that keeps our office together - Community Navigator Gloria Vargas!
Welcoming Spotlight: The local production of "Ragtime."
Community Navigator Gloria Vargas is a friendly face for visitors at Amani Family Service’s office lobby.
Gloria’s path to her role as Amani’s Community Navigator demonstrates a commitment to community support shaped by personal experience. Born in Mexico, she moved to the United States at the age of 13, a journey initiated by her mother who was looking for better opportunities and determined to provide for her family as a single parent of four children. Gloria faced the many challenges of adapting to a new country, culture, and language, “Right when I was starting to become my own person, I had to stop everything. I didn’t know English, so I didn’t understand anything at school and I would come home with a headache every day. It was so hard.” Despite the initial barriers and the struggle to find her footing in an entirely new environment, within two years she had become fluent in English, connected with the Latino students in her classes, and found people in the community to support her.
“If my mom had the help people have through Amani, it would have been so much easier. That’s why I love working here, I can see a big positive impact on the families we serve!”
Gloria has always been drawn to roles that encourage growth and learning. She has a background in early childhood development and spent a decade as a teaching assistant for a pre-kindergarten department. Today, as a Community Navigator, Gloria embodies the spirit of service through her dedication to creating an environment where everyone feels like they belong. Her attention to detail allows operations to run smoothly and she prides herself on creating a homey feeling for everyone who walks through the door. She is the first point of contact for individuals reaching out to Amani, ensuring that each person is heard and directed to the appropriate resources or staff members. Witnessing the struggles her own family faced upon their arrival in the United States, Gloria understands the critical difference that this kind of support can make, “If my mom had the help people have through Amani, it would have been so much easier. That’s why I love working here, I can see a big positive impact on the families we serve!”
Gloria has three children and she is married to her high school sweetheart. Outside of work, Gloria loves to immerse herself in the creativity of her sewing projects. In Mexico, her grandmother was skilled with a needle and thread and her mother pursued formal training to be a seamstress. Gloria received her first sewing machine as a child and quickly embraced the legacy of the craft within her family history. Now she’s sold her creations online and at the local farmers markets. Additionally, Gloria enjoys running and hiking, spending time with family and friends, and exploring new places through her travels.
Amani Family Services is hiring! This is a wonderful time to join our team and play a critical role in supporting our immigrant and refugee community. Learn more here: amanifamilyservices.org/careers
Plenty of good news to share in this month's Ambassador! Check it out here!
In this issue:
Welcoming Fort Wayne Launches Community Plan to Improve Immigrant Inclusion
A Year in Review: 2023 Client Data Summary
Save the Date! Leading with Kindness: An Evening with Steve Hartman
Welcoming Fort Wayne Spotlight: FW Philharmonic Celebrates Lunar New Year with Musical Storytelling
"Amani" : peace (Kiswahili), aspirations or wishes (Arabic)
Amani Family Services is a 501(c)(3) organization. Services funded by Amani are provided to all persons without regard to age, gender, race, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, immigration status, or any other barriers to participation.
Founded in 2006 | 2022 Annual Report | 2020 Form 990
