The START Act, S.674/A.459, has been signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul. The Start Act is a criminal record relief law that will enable survivors of human trafficking to petition the court to clear convictions for any and all offenses survivors were forced to commit during their exploitation.This law is a significant win for survivors of human trafficking across…
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Joint Statement By: The Board of Directors of the International Institute of Buffalo and Eva Hassett, former Executive Director 10/7/2021 Over the past 12 years, because of Eva Hassett’s work as executive director of the International Institute, our programming has expanded, our finances have strengthened, collaboration with partners and peers has deepened and become more strategic, and thousands of vulnerable…
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The Board of Directors of the International Institute of Buffalo is pleased to introduce Jennifer Rizzo-Choi, a recent Institute board member and experienced nonprofit leader, as the Institute’s Interim Executive Director. The board will immediately begin a search for a new, permanent executive director. In the meantime, Jenny will lend her experience—including more than a decade in law, public policy,…
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What: A donation drive-thru for household items for our arriving refugee cases! What we are looking for: Fans Rice Cookers Umbrellas Alarm Clock Radios Microwave Toaster ovens *NEW bath towels *NEW Twin and Full/Queen Sz Blankets *NEW Twin and Full/Queen Sz Sheets *NEW Pillows *NEW Cookware When: 3:30pm to 5:30pm Where: 864 Delaware Ave Why: Every donation given to our…
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We are deeply disturbed by Wednesday’s riots in the nation’s capital. Scenes of violent insurgents roaming freely, destructively, and without immediate consequence through the halls of Congress are appalling. We condemn the rioters and the elected and appointed officials who incited them, including the President of the United States. These actions imperil our democracy. We are reminded that our refugee…
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In an effort to keep our community safe, we have been collaborating with The Erie County Department of Health to have essential COVID-19 updates translated into 14 languages to make sure health information is accessible to ALL Americans. Please share this webpage and consider making a gift to the Institute to support language access services for our clients and the…
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Download our free, local holiday guide to immigrant run stores
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We are excited to announce that scheduling Zoom, Google, Skype, etc. meetings through our Boostlingo platform has just become easier! Interpreting and Translation clients can find more information and step-by-step directions for scheduling meetings here:
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Buffalo, NY, October 29, 2020 - Yesterday, the Trump administration announced that the refugee resettlement ceiling will be set at 15,000 for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021. This is the lowest number since the U.S. resettlement program was established nearly 40 years ago. While the resettlement number continues to dwindle here in the United States, the number of refugees worldwide grows…
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