IIB would not be able to make WNY a better place for, and because of, immigrants and refugees were it not for our team, the community, and those we serve. |
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We simply could not do all that needs to be done without the help of our awesome volunteers! While many graciously help by setting up homes for our clients, who are arriving constantly, volunteers also help us with many other things. A special thanks goes out to Meg Gerrity. She has volunteered by doing home set-ups, but she's done much more! In addition, Meg has: |
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- coordinated our Paint with a Purpose event, brought materials for it, instructed people on how to paint the signs, and painted multiple signs herself
- taught New Americans the basics of English
- minded our clients’ children during training sessions and even brought crafts for the kids to do
- helped to update our Map for Adventurous Eaters
- accompanied clients to the Buffalo Museum of Science
- donated a bunch of household items and home décor
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Abdul Baseer Adelyar. New American Client |
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We are excited to share the success story of a recent client, Abdul Baseer Adelyar. Abdul Baseer arrived in the United States in April 2024 from Afghanistan, bringing over 17 years of experience in engineering management. Our dedicated Pathways team was pivotal in Abdul Baseer's successful |
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Our New American Integration Team |
It has been quite the year for our New American Integration (NAI) team. After expecting 326 refugees at the beginning of the fiscal year, the team continually adapted to increases over the last 12 months. We are happy to report that we ultimately welcomed a whopping 507 people to our community. That is a 56 percent increase of what we initially expected! Kudos to them for their hard work and creative problem-solving to serve our newest neighbors! Click here to learn all that is involved with welcoming New Americans. |
Longfei Jiang, Mandarin Chinese Interpreter/Translator | |
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| Longfei was born in China and has also lived in Vietnam. He came to the United States 12 years ago to study in a master’s program at the University at Buffalo.
He works full-time as a software engineer for an international organization. From his personal and professional experiences in this country, he learned to be inclusive and respectful of people from all walks of life. |
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“I always treat people with kindness no matter their skin color, nationality, or sex,” he says. Longfei adds that he tries to have real-world experiences and talk to people he encounters locally. He loves being a linguist and helping new immigrants break their language barriers so they can settle down quickly in our community. He diligently practices yoga daily and considers it his “lifetime hobby and passion.”
Learn more about how our Interpreting & Translation Team serves the community. |
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Thom Tran, Comedian and Actor |
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| Thom Tran is a comedian and actor raised in Western New York. When he was a little boy, his family was resettled as refugees from Vietnam. He lives in Los Angeles and has a successful comedy, film, and television career.
Last year, Tran returned to Buffalo for a one-man show to benefit IIB. Since that event was so successful, Thom will return to do a comedy night as a fundraiser. This time, he is bringing along two comedian friends who are also foreign-born. |
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Jose Sarduy (born in Cuba) and Jose Barrientos (born in Mexico) will make you laugh and help us raise funds to support immigrants and refugees living in Western New York. They will be part of The Refugees of Comedy show on Wednesday, November 20, at the WNED Studios in Buffalo. Click here for more information and tickets.
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Marinette Kozlow, Graphic Artist |
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Marinette Kozlow’s parents immigrated from Lebanon in the 1970s to seek a better life. Thanks to Marinette (pictured on the right, with her mom) for paying it forward by creating t-shirts, hoodies, cups, earrings, decorative wall hangings, and other things designed to benefit the International Institute of Buffalo!
When you purchase these items, IIB will get 20 percent of the proceeds to support all we do to make Western New York a better place for, and because of, immigrants and refugees. Sales end on Monday, November 4, so take a look now! |
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"The International Institute of Buffalo makes Western New York a better place for, and because of, immigrants and refugees." |
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{{Disclaimer}} International Institute of Buffalo
864 Delaware Ave
Buffalo, NY 14209
United States |
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