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The International Institute of Buffalo will celebrate Welcoming Week (September 14 – 23, 2018) with a series of events and activities recognizing the contributions of immigrants and refugees to the Western New York community. Members of the community are invited to join in the celebrations.
Our participation in Welcoming Week shows that in Buffalo, Americans of all backgrounds are coming together to create stronger, more prosperous communities. We are proud to be a part of Welcoming Week, which is demonstrating that in places large and small, rural and urban, people of all backgrounds are coming together to create stronger communities. It is a time to celebrate the values that unite us as neighbors, parents, and colleagues, and to make our towns more welcoming to newcomers and to everyone who calls Buffalo home.
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Welcoming Week Events:
Friday September 14: Peace Bridge lit in orange & green
To kick off the events for the community, on Friday, September 14th, the Peace Bridge will be lit in orange and green, the signature colors of the Welcoming Week.
Saturday September 15: Welcoming Week reception at Expo 68
On Saturday, September 15th, Expo 68, a gallery located in the Eastern Hills Mall, will hold a Welcoming Week Reception from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. The current exhibit, There is life here: An Immigrant’s Story, features works by Haitian artist Markenzy Cesar. The gallery will donate a portion of the proceeds for any sales made on September 15th to the International Institute.
September 18, 19, 20: Open Houses at YMCA
During Welcoming Week, YMCA Buffalo Niagara is partnering with the International Institute of Buffalo to host open houses, in coordination with Journey’s End, Catholic Charities, and Jewish Family Services agencies. New community members are welcome to visit the Y to learn more about programs and membership, tour the facilities, meet staff, and more.
September 18
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Ken-Ton Family YMCA
September 19
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
William-Emslie Family YMCA
September 20
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Delaware Family YMCA
Thursday September 20: Lunch hour at the West Side Bazaar
Institute staff will visit the West Side Bazaar, 25 Grant Street, on Thursday, September 20th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to spread the message of Welcoming Week and invite community members to welcome and greet both native-born and foreign-born neighbors to Buffalo.
Saturday September 22: Info session and HELLO orientation at the International Institute of Buffalo
Join us on Saturday, September 22nd to learn about refugee resettlement, current changes to programming, the history of the International Institute and how we assist clients and volunteer opportunities. Immediately following the one hour presentation, we will offer an orientation for our most popular volunteer opportunity – the HELLO program. HELLO provides home bound clients, young mothers with small children and working adults the chance to learn conversation in their homes for a limited amount of time. We provide the tools, you provide the time and mentoring! You do not need to stay for both sessions! Light breakfast will be provided. Please RSVP to Audrey at volunteers@iibuff.org.
9:30 – 10:30am – history of the Institute and general information and volunteer opportunities
10:45 – 1:30am – HELLO program orientation/training
More information about other Welcoming Events around the city of Buffalo here: