Summer is officially here and while we can now look forward to enjoying outdoor activities; swimming, beaches, patios, and everything else that comes with the seasonal weather, heat advisories have made the rounds unusually early this year. This past week’s 90-plus degree temperatures have been trying for folks around Western New York – with City splash pads and pools opening…
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"Kwibuka," in Rwanda's Kinyarwanda language, means “To Remember.” This weekend, Buffalonians gather to remember the events of three decades ago. We heard the horrific details as we resettled hundreds of Rwandan refugees over the years. With our former clients and the rest of our region’s Rwandan community, we will commemorate those 100 days of murder and mayhem and honor the memories of…
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At the International Institute of Buffalo, every day is World Refugee Day. Our mission is to welcome refugees, recognize their struggles, and work with them on their resettlement as they start a new chapter in their lives. Technically, June 20 is the day that the United Nations designated as World Refugee Day. It’s a time to pause and reflect on…
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Buffalo officials have opened 12 cooling centers and extended hours at ten splash pads across the city. The announcement comes as temperatures are expected to soar into the high 80's and 90's throughout the week. Additionally, Buffalo Emergency Responders remind folks to limit outdoor activities during this hot spell, drink plenty of fluids, and utilize shade when possible. Those working…
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Please join us for a 2-hour virtual training/discussion on the topics of trauma, vicarious trauma, and self-care for interpreters. Click here to register Date: Thursday, June 27, 2024 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. If you are able, please offer a donation of any amount you'd like to help cover the operating costs of our diverse departmental offerings, or even perhaps for…
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Recently, we honored our dedicated team of volunteers with an evening of lively conversation, dinner, and games. The Volunteer Appreciation Night recognized the considerable time, energy, and physical contributions provided by volunteers from across Western New York year-round. Volunteer Appreciation Night welcomed approximately 50 volunteers to our downtown location. They were joined by staff to enjoy ethnic foods provided by…
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Local non-profit Wheels for Workers 716 stopped by our location on Delaware Avenue to generously donate 10 bicycles, along with helmets and locks. They’ll now be given to our newly arrived refugee clients to help them get to and from work, school, grocery shopping, and other essential destinations. Since this past September, Wheels for Workers has now donated a total…
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Executive Director of the International Institute of Buffalo, Jennifer Rizzo-Choi, discussed the business case for why immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers are good for Western New York during a recent interview with Penny Wolfgang. If you missed it, here it is! Learn more about how New Americans are good for the business community and the economy, click here.
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We were honored to welcome 33 New Americans from 17 countries while they took their citizenship oaths at the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services Naturalization Ceremony in downtown Buffalo this morning. Here are the countries from which these new American citizens traveled: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Burma, China, Eritrea, Jamaica, Jordan, Lebanon, Congo, Mexico, Mongolia, Philippines, Russia, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, and Vietnam.…
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