SAVE THE DATE: One Beat Returns to the Clyde Oct. 24!

Join Amani Family Services for One Beat - A Lip Sync Battle, 6 p.m. Oct. 24 at Clyde Theatre, 1808 Bluffton Rd., Fort Wayne, IN 46809.

Expect exciting Lip Sync bands, local vendor samplings, and a live auction of priceless experiences! Cheer on our sponsors and community supporters as they give all-out performances to support our local multicultural community. Vote for your favorite performances with donation dollars to help Amani Family Services serve more than 2,000 local immigrants and refugees.

Thank you to our valued sponsors

HEADLINER SPONSOR

mic drop SPONSORs

Rock Star SPONSORS

performer SPONSORS

Join us for a free opening reception, award ceremony, and silent auction.

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. opening reception, awards begin at 1:00 p.m.

Venue: Rolland Art Center, 1014 Leesburg Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46808

Admission: Free!

Registration opens August 31, 2024

Explore a fact-based snapshot of the immigrant and refugee experience in greater Fort Wayne, paired with narrative story portrait collages of specific new Americans. The artwork featured in this exhibit has been created by local students and features data from Welcoming Fort Wayne’s “New Americans in Allen County” report.

Light refreshments will be served.

in partnership

Purchase tickets here

Join us for a vibrant, urban event featuring artists in motion and live music in the art-filled alleyways of Downtown Fort Wayne. This year, explore international and multicultural art, music, and language when you visit the Welcoming Spaces area at Art This Way: Alley Bash.

Featuring:

• Live art demonstrations

• Live music

• “Welcoming” scavenger hunt

• Photo opportunities

• And more!

Download flyer:

• English

SAVE THE DATE!

WELCOMING FORT WAYNE AWARDS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20!

Join us for a free community event to honor this year’s nominees and award recipients.

Time: 8:30 to 10:00 a.m.; doors open at 8:30 a.m.; program begins at 9:00 a.m. Includes a light breakfast.

Venue: Ceruti’s Summit Room, 6601 Innovation Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46818

Admission: Free!

Please register by Monday, September 16

The 2024 Welcoming Fort Wayne 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.

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.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Dr. Pascal Losambe is the Co-Founder, Chief Content Officer, and Senior Consultant for Synergy Consulting Company. He holds a Bachelor’s in Molecular Biology and biochemistry from Middlebury College, a Master of Science in Biology from Boston College where he received the Donald J. White Award for teaching excellence, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Purdue University focusing on cultural competence. He currently serves as the Director of Diversity and Community Life at Columbus Academy.

Dr. Losambe's commitment extends beyond academia; he played a vital role in the United Front Initiative. He contributed as the keynote presenter and co-curriculum developer, fostering regional unity and reconciliation. Together with his wife and business partner, Dr. Crystal Losambe, he co-authored the impactful book "Breaking the Barriers to Belonging: United by Our Biology and Shared Humanity."

As a sought-after consultant, Dr. Losambe addresses diverse topics like diversity, equity, inclusion, educational leadership, and organizational culture. His influence is felt in strategic vision initiatives for institutions and workshops on cultural competence at national and international conferences. Recognitions include the Mosaic Award 2018 and invitations to advisory boards at Purdue University and other esteemed organizations, showcasing his dedication to excellence. Dr. Losambe's prior service on the Independent School Association of the Central States Equity and Justice Committee Board further emphasizes his commitment to equity and justice.

Download flyer:

• English

Join us at 201 E. Rudisill Blvd for a tour of the building, learn more about Bowen Health Clinic and other community resources, and more!

More details to come.

Download flyer:

• English

Join us for lunch at Electric works!

Explore the diverse array of food from around the world at Union Street Market, then stop by Amani’s table to learn more about Welcoming Week and how you can celebrate.

Food available for purchase.

Download flyer:

• English

Únase a nosotros mientras destacamos las historias inspiradoras de los emprendedores locales a través de un panel de discusión y un evento de networking. El objetivo es celebrar el espíritu emprendedor dentro de nuestra comunidad y proporcionar valiosos conocimientos y conexiones para los asistentes.

*Este programa se llevará a cabo en español

Join us as we highlight the inspiring stories of local entrepreneurs through a panel discussion and networking event. The aim is to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit within our community and provide valuable insights and connections for attendees.

*This program will take place in Spanish

Panelists:

• Fabiola Rosas, Nutrition is Life, Mas Mujer FW

• Victor Espinoza, Carmelita Ice Cream, La Michoacan

• Ingrid Perez Ortega, Pink Duster Cleaning

• Juan Garcia, Hair Studio Evolution

Download flyer:

• English

• Spanish

Join us for a presentation of Ivy Tech’s available programs followed by a campus tour. Explore how an Ivy Tech education can be accessible for anyone!

10:00am - Introduction Presentation, Student Life Room 127

10:30am - Campus Tour

11:45am - Closing

*Spanish and Burmese interpreters will be available

Download flyer:

• English

Join the Chase Bank team and local community organizations for a celebration filled with community resources, giveaways, and music!

Download flyer:

• English

Celebrate welcoming through film with Cinema Center!

11:00 AM to 2 PM Saturday, September 14

Renaissance Pointe YMCA

2323 Bowser Ave., Fort Wayne IN 46803

The Welcome Fair gathers vendors, employers, and community organizations together to provide a wealth of resources to immigrants, refugees, and all community supporters.

Join us for entertainment, food trucks, and more!

Download Welcome Fair Flyers:

• English

• Burmese

• Spanish

In Partnership

Join us for this informative workshop to gain the knowledge and tools you need to succeed as an independent contractor!

What You’ll Learn:

• Independent Contracting vs. Employee: Understand the key differences and why it matters

• Benefits and Challenges: Explore the pros and cons of independent contracting

• Business Registration: A step-by-step guide to registering your business.

• Best Practices for Success: Learn the essential practices for setting up your business for success right from the start.

• Tax Implications and Financial Management: Gain insights into the tax responsibilities and effective financial management for independent contractors.

Who Should Attend:

• Beginner independent contractors

• Freelancers and gig workers

• Beginner entrepreneurs and small business owners

Register by calling Amani Family Services at (260) 484-1414

In Partnership

If you weren't able to attend Amani's Welcoming Fort Wayne presentation in April, here is another opportunity!

Celebrate Fort Wayne's diversity and commitment to being a welcoming community through an evening of conversation with local leaders, refugee and immigrant leaders and sponsors.

Event is free and open to the public. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../welcome-corps-on-the-road...

Hosted by Patchwork Indy, Amani Family Services, Purdue University Fort Wayne and the Welcome Corps.

SAVE THE DATE: One Beat Returns to the Clyde Nov. 2, 2023!

Join Amani Family Services for One Beat - A Lip Sync Battle, 6 p.m. November 2, 2023 at Clyde Theatre, 1808 Bluffton Rd., Fort Wayne, IN 46809.

Expect exciting Lip Sync bands, local vendor samplings, and a live auction of priceless experiences! Cheer on our sponsors and community supporters as they give all-out performances to support our local multicultural community. Vote for your favorite performances with donation dollars to help Amani Family Services serve more than 2,000 local immigrants and refugees.

Thank you to our valued sponsors

Headliner Sponsor

Mic Drop Sponsors

Rock Star Sponsors

Performer Sponsors

In Partnership

It's a worldwide trip in our own backyard! Join us at Union Street Market to support our local cultural food vendors and experience global dances in The Arcade from 2 to 5 p.m.

The fun doesn't stop there: when you purchase a $20 ticket, you get an all-access pass to cultural dance lessons provided by Fort Wayne Dance Collective on The Mezzanine level at Union Street Market and a $10 gift card to use with any food vendor of your choice. In addition to some phenomenal perks, 50 percent of ticket proceeds will directly support Amani Family Services, a local nonprofit supporting our multicultural community. 

Presented by

SAVE THE DATE!

WELCOMING FORT WAYNE AWARDS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15!

Join us for a free community event to honor this year’s nominees and award recipients.

Time: 8:30 to 10:00 a.m.; doors open at 8:30 a.m.; program begins at 9:00 a.m. Includes a light breakfast.

Venue: Ceruti’s Summit Room, 6601 Innovation Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46818

Admission: Free!

Please register by Monday, September 11

The 2023 Welcoming Fort Wayne 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.

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.

In partnership

Registration Coming Soon!

Allen County's immigrant population accounts for 24 percent of our total population growth. The expansion of our multicultural community has led to two new local assessments on the impact of immigration and inclusion. Join us at 3:30 p.m. Monday. Sept. 11 at the Allen County Main Public Library Theatre as experts reveal the latest data in immigration, inclusion, and refugee resettlement, and what we can do better to improve our "immigration report card" in Allen County.

In partnership

Welcoming Week is a collaborative effort to create inclusive spaces for all. The Embassy Theatre is excited to be one of many nonprofit organizations and community partners participating in this special week during September. Conjunto is James Sanders' long-running project to unite his classical training and theory with the freedom of jazz improvisation, all grounded in the lively rhythms of the Caribbean: rumba, son, danzón, bolero and more. The result are performances that move audiences figuratively and literally, where moments of hushed intimacy are followed by joyous dancing. From Afro-roots to salsa to jazz, Conjunto is equally at home at a dance party, jazz club or festival stage.

In Partnership

11:00 AM to 2 PM Saturday, September 10 Renaissance Pointe YMCA,

2323 Bowser Ave., Fort Wayne IN 46803

The Welcome Fair gathers vendors, employers, and community organizations together to provide a wealth of resources to immigrants, refugees, and all community supporters.

Join us for entertainment, food trucks, and more!

Download Welcome Fair Flyers:

• English

• Burmese

• Spanish

Welcoming Week 2023 kicks off with a block party celebration!

The U.S. State Department, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services, recently launched the Welcome Corps. This new private sponsorship program will enable Americans over the age of 18 to directly sponsor refugees arriving through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP).

Check out the Welcome Corps FAQ page here.

For 17 years, Amani Family Services has been involved in supporting refugees who have newly arrived in our community. Through our challenges and successes, we have a deep understanding of the investment of time and resources it takes to ensure the safety and mental well-being of refugee families. While we cheer on the progress of creating more welcoming communities, we feel a responsibility to educate our neighbors on this new federal program and its impact on agencies supporting refugees.

Amani, in partnership with St. Joseph Community Health Foundation, Catholic Charities, and International House will host a presentation on Refugee Resettlement Programs at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, March 30 at Allen County Public Library. Reserve a seat here.

“As an agency with the history and experience of helping immigrants and refugees navigate the aftermath of resettlement, we are already working to prepare and educate our community about how this will impact the city,” Ewelina Connolly, Amani CEO, said. “We are partnering with St. Joseph Community Health Foundation, Catholic Charities, and International House to launch quarterly learning communities to provide a space for nonprofits, for-profits, and individuals to learn about some tools and resources for how we can be a welcoming community. Unlike the traditional resettlement process where we already have an expectation of new individuals for the year, this new program will bring an unknown influx to Fort Wayne and we need to consider how we can build capacity to serve those in need, especially when working with the healthcare and legal systems.”

We are so excited to partner with Greater Fort Wayne Inc. Women's Network to celebrate International Women's Day on March 8! Join us 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. for an awesome conversation on the cultural advancement for women in our community.

Featured panelists:

- Flora Barron, Owner & Founder of Flora & Lily's Mexican Kitchen and Kanela

- Farah Combs, Honors Program Director and Senior Lecturer in Arabic, Purdue University Fort Wayne

- Ines Etheridge, Loss Mitigation Specialist, PNC Bank

- Malak Heiny, City Attorney, City of Fort Wayne

- Nikki Quintana, Executive Director, Fort Wayne Metro Human Relations Commission

The most entertaining night in Fort Wayne is back!

Join Amani Family Services for One Beat - A Lip Sync Battle, 6 p.m. November 3, 2022 at Clyde Theatre, 1808 Bluffton Rd., Fort Wayne, IN 46809.

Expect exciting Lip Sync bands, local vendor samplings, an open bar and a live auction of priceless experiences! Cheer on our sponsors and community supporters as they give all-out performances to support our local multicultural community. Vote for your favorite performances with donation dollars to help Amani Family Services serve more than 2,000 local immigrants and refugees.

Individual tickets are $125. Purchase your tickets today!