News Updates
+ Happy Independence Day Ukraine!
 Today, Ukraine is celebrating its 32nd anniversary of independence. Before the war, various events and celebrations were held in Kyiv and other cities of the country, but the full-scale invasion of Russia has made its own adjustments.
In Louisville, today, August 24, Ukrainians are getting together for a peace prayer at Beulah Presbyterian Church on Bardstown from 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Also, tonight at dusk the Big Four Bridge will be lit in the colors of the Ukrainian Flag in celebration.
+ Louisville will celebrate Certified Welcoming events the entire month of September
 In 2018, Louisville became the second city nationwide to be designated as a Certified Welcoming city. This designation was renewed in October 2022 after a rigorous review process of the city’s welcoming infrastructure. Louisville boasts a connected community that is welcoming to all to choose to make Louisville home, regardless of their place of origin. For this reason, the Office for Immigrant Affairs is dedicated to celebrating Louisville’s diversity through its programming. Every September, the Office for Immigrant Affairs hosts a series of inclusive events aimed at celebrating the city’s welcoming environment.
+ Come to the largest potluck in the city
 The Big Table, a welcoming event aimed at bringing people from all backgrounds together to share food and conversation, Each participant is asked to bring a dish, fruit, dessert, or non-alcoholic drink to share with at least eight people. Participants are encouraged to bring a dish that reflects something about them or their family, along with a recipe card. Tables, chairs, eating utensils and plates will be provided by event sponsors. Click below to register and learn more.
+ Mayor details plans for WorldFest and Hike, Bike & Paddle to return over Labor Day weekend
  Mayor Craig Greenberg recently announced plans for the 21st annual WorldFest on the Belvedere and the return of the Mayor’s Hike, Bike & Paddle over the upcoming Labor Day weekend.
“WorldFest and the Mayor’s Hike, Bike & Paddle are two signature events that bring extra excitement to Labor Day weekend here in Louisville. Louisville continues to grow as a global, welcoming city, and I am thrilled to see so many Louisvillians come together to celebrate one another’s heritage,” said Mayor Greenberg. “The inclusion of Hike, Bike & Paddle on that Monday is wonderful as we continue to work toward a healthier hometown together.”
+ Take free GED prep classes
 Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS), with support from the state, is offering residents access to the Adult Basic Education (ABE) Program, a highly structured, research-based program designed to build twenty-first-century skills that enable students to successfully transition to postsecondary education and/or the workplace.
Free General Educational Development (GED) preparation, reading skills, Family Education, and workforce-specific classes are offered in the morning, afternoon, and evening to maximize convenience and accessibility. Make an appointment by calling 502-485-3400 or click below to register.
+ Sign-up for Employee Child Care Assistance Partnership (ECCAP) Program
 Employers & Employees Now Eligible for the Employee Child Care Assistance Partnership –(ECCAP)
Kentucky has launched an innovative new program to assist working families with the cost of child care and help employers attract and retain talent. The Employee Child Care Assistance Partnership (ECCAP) helps employers meaningfully contribute financial assistance directly to employee child care costs by matching their contribution up to 100%, potentially doubling the value of their employer-provided benefit.
For example, if an employer commits $100 per month to their employees' child care expenses, the state may match that contribution up to another $100, giving employees a total of up to $200 in child care assistance. All funds from the employer and the state are paid directly to eligible child care providers, who are included in this database. Various program restrictions apply. To learn more, view the Kentucky Chamber's ECCAP resource page here, visit Kentucky's ECCAP program page here, or send inquires to PartnershipChildCare@ky.gov
+ Register for free English and life skills classes
 Kentucky Adult Education (KYAE) provides free adult education services consisting of GED® preparation classes, family literacy programs, certification in job-related skills to increase employability and productivity, college preparation, and English as a second language (ESL). Through KYAE, Kentuckians can gain reading, math, and communications skills that place them on a path to higher education and training and earn certifications to advance in their careers. For more information click the button below.
+ Louisville Metro Emergency Services reminds families to stay safe with Smart911
 With the start of a new academic year, safety is top of mind for both parents and school officials. Louisville Metro Emergency Services is reminding families that there is a free service available to them to help plan ahead for an emergency.
Smart911, a nationwide public safety service, allows families to create a Safety Profile for their household by downloading the Smart911 App or visiting www.smart911.com and providing details such as photos of children, home address, medical notes and emergency contacts. If any member of the family dials 911 from any phone number registered to their profile, that information will be available to dispatchers to send response teams to the correct location with current information on the individual in need. These details can greatly affect the outcome of any emergency, including:
A Missing Child
In the event that a child is missing, having a current photo and physical description in the family’s Safety Profile can save valuable time, as that information can be sent to officers in the field immediately to begin a search.
Emergency Call from a Child
A child may know how to dial 911, but they may not always be able to relay the information needed to get help fast. Details such as an address or medical notes on a parent or other family member in need can be included in the Safety Profile so that the dispatcher does not have to rely on the child for information.
An Incident Walking to or from School
If a child carries a cell phone and needs help while walking to or from school for a medical issue or an accident, the Safety Profile will provide contact information for parents or other emergency contacts who need to be notified.
An Incident at Home
In the event of a house fire, accident or other emergency at home, responders can be aware of who lives in the house, including pets, and be sure everyone is safe and accounted for when they arrive on scene.
Schools can also be better prepared for an emergency with the addition of Rave Facility. By creating a profile for their facility, school administrators can make responders aware of on-site contacts, building layouts, access points and even the locations of athletic fields and parking lots. Anytime any phone calls 911 from within the boundaries of the school facility, that information will also be available to facilitate a fast response. Schools and other commercial buildings and facilities can create a profile at www.ravefacility.com.
“With the return of school, safety is our top priority for all of our children, families and staff,” said Jody Meiman, Executive Director, Louisville Metro Emergency Services. “We encourage all families in our community to take advantage of Smart911 in order to help us better help them in an emergency. The addition of the facility profile will only enhance our response time and efforts to ensure our entire community will stay safe.”
Smart911 is currently available in 40 states and more than 1,500 municipalities across the country, and it has been credited with positively affecting emergency outcomes, including a missing child in which the girl’s photo and physical description were immediately available to 911 and responders, as well as a heart attack victim where an address and medical notes allowed responders to be dispatched to his location quickly.
+ Applications for LIHEAP cooling and water assistance program now open
The Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services has begun accepting applications for the 2023 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Summer Subsidy Cooling Component and the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). These federally-funded programs are designed to help offset the cost of higher utility bills. Applications will be accepted through Sept. 22 or until funds are depleted.
Applicants for the LIHEAP Summer Subsidy and LIHWAP program must be residents of Jefferson County with a household income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines (e.g. for a household of four, the gross monthly income cannot exceed $3,750). The LIHEAP Summer Subsidy component provides households a one-time benefit ranging from $50 to $250 depending on income levels and housing category. Residents can apply regardless of the status of their utility bills. The benefit amount is paid directly to the electric vendor (i.e. LG&E). The LIHWAP program also provides a one-time benefit ranging from $50 to $100 depending on income levels.
Jefferson County residents wishing to apply must schedule an appointment utilizing the automated appointment system. Appointments can be scheduled by phone by calling 502-991-8391 or online at louisvilleky.cascheduler.com. The toll-free service is currently open and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
|
+ Sign up for WorldFest Parade of Cultures
(LAST WEEK TO SIGN UP)
 WorldFest is Louisville's premier international festival celebrating diversity, inclusion, and equity in the region.
The Office for Immigrant Affairs wants to see your pride and love for your heritage! Apply to participate in the 2023 Parade of Cultures below. A member of our team will be in touch with you regarding your application.
+ Check out Jefferson County Public Schools’ 2023-2024 calendar
 The new school year for Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) began on Wednesday, August 9, 2023. The calendar is downloadable for parents and guardians in many languages.
If you need more information, contact JCPS directly (502) 485-6250 or askstudentassignment@jefferson.kyschools.us
+ Sign up for LENSAlert
Sign up to receive emergency alerts on your cell phone!
Text "LENSAlert" to 67283
Policy Updates
+ USCIS Has Completed a Second Random Selection from Previously Submitted FY 2024 H-1B Cap Registrations
USCIS has selected additional H-1B cap registrations from previously submitted electronic registrations (including for beneficiaries eligible for the advanced degree exemption) using a random selection process. They have notified the prospective petitioners with selected registrations that they are eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition for the beneficiary named in the selected registration.
+ DHS announces family reunification parole processes for Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras
Nationals from Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras with U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family members can be considered for parole on a case-by-case basis for up to three years while they wait to apply to become a lawful permanent resident. Qualifying beneficiaries must be outside the U.S., meet all requirements, including screening and vetting and medical requirements, and must not have already received an immigrant visa.
+ Temporary Protected Status designations for El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal and Nicaragua reinstated and extended for 18 months
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rescinded the 2017 and 2018 terminations of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations of El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua and extended these four reinstated TPS designations for 18 months.
TPS beneficiaries under the four designations must re-register to maintain their TPS during the 18-month extension. Eligible individuals are those who arrived in the U.S. before the following continuous residence dates: Feb. 13, 2001, for El Salvador; Dec. 30, 1998, for Honduras; June 24, 2015, for Nepal; and Dec. 30, 1998, for Nicaragua.
+ Redesign of Green Cards and Employment Authorization Document
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) began issuing redesigned Permanent Resident Cards (Green Cards) and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) to improve security. The new Green Card and EAD designs contain improved technology and designs meant to further secure the documents. Current cards remain valid until their expiration date unless otherwise noted. Green card holders are encouraged to apply for the new cards.
+ Guidance for Adjustment of Status applications
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated their guidance in their policy manual to clarify that both asylees and refugees must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least one year when their Adjustment of Status is adjudicated. This new physical presence requirement supersedes the old rule which stated that asylees and refugees must have been physically present in the U.S. for one year at the time they file their adjustment of status application.
Events
+ Celebrate Ukraine's Independence Day Dinner
 Saturday, August 24 | 6:30 p.m.
Ukrainians are getting together for a peace prayer at Beulah Presbyterian Church, 6704 Bardstown Rd. at the upper parking lot.
For additional information call or text, Pavel Chubaruk, 859-552-0596.
+ Register for the Kentucky Affordable Housing Conference this August
 Thursday, August 24 and Friday, August 25
The Kentucky Affordable Housing Conference will be hosted this year in Lexington at the new Central Bank Center. This year’s theme “Rising to the Challenge: Building A Stronger Kentucky" reflects the work of the Kentucky Housing Coalition and its partners in the aftermath of COVID-19, working together to re-home those affected by disasters in both Eastern and Western Kentucky, and overcoming ongoing issues in affordable housing.
The conference lineup includes keynote speeches from Gregg Colburn, Martin Muoto, and Shane Phillips, as well as breakout sessions about mortgage lending, homeless services, single-family development, multifamily development, and business development.
+ Downtown Drive-In with the Cinebus
Select Fridays through October 20
The Downtown Drive-In is an outdoor movie night series, taking place at Brown-Forman Amphitheater on select Friday nights through October.
Movies will begin at sundown, with the amphitheater open an hour before to allow guests to grab their spot in the theater. The event will include snacks and beer for purchase from local brewer Ten20 Craft Brewery and lemonade by Amiracle Ade Company. Movie-goers are also welcome to bring blankets and lawn chairs to the viewing.
In collaboration with Waterfront Development Corporation, the film series is hosted at Waterfront Park’s Brown-Forman Amphitheater, 1301 River Road. The event is free to the public with free parking available at Waterfront Park’s Tan and Turquoise lots.
The Downtown Drive-In schedule:
- August 11: A League of Their Own (PG)
- August 25: Cars (G)
- September 8: Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark (PG)
- September 22: Up (PG)
- October 20: Hocus Pocus (PG)
|
+ Sign up for WorldFest on the Belvedere
(LAST WEEK TO SIGN UP)
 August 31-September 4, 2023
WorldFest, Louisville’s premier international festival is the most diverse, inclusive, and equitable event in the region, featuring:
We want to see your pride and love for your heritage! Apply to participate in the 2023 Parade of Cultures and/or Global Village below! A member of our team will be in touch with you regarding your application(s).
+ Join Mayor Greenberg's Hike, Bike & Paddle
Monday, September 4 | 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Join Mayor Craig Greenberg for the Labor Day Hike, Bike & Paddle!
HIKE! This year’s Hike will consist of a 4-mile walk with multiple marked turnaround points throughout. Travel from the Great Lawn and follow the Ohio River east to RiverPark Place and back. The furthest distance will cross the Big Four Bridge into Indiana and come back.
BIKE! Cycle from the Great Lawn out to Shawnee Park and back! The roads will be closed for you to safely travel to Iroquois, and there will be individuals riding along to help with any roadside assistance.
PADDLE! Paddlers will have the option of launching at the Harbor Lawn or the U of L Boat Docks and paddle downstream to meet the other paddlers. This year’s paddle will go from the Harbor Lawn downriver to the McAlpine Locks, through the locks and to the Shawnee Park Boat Ramp.
Beginning at 8 a.m. there will be plenty of fun, free fitness activities for you to enjoy. These include Yoga with Yoga East, Tai Chi with Nu Chapter Tai Chi Chuan & QiGong Institute, and Zumba with Nu Image Fitness.
FREE t-shirts are available to the first 2,000 people. The t-shirt tent will open at 8:30 a.m. Make sure to get in line early!
The Hike, Bike & Paddle portion of the event will begin at 10 a.m. after remarks from Mayor Craig Greenberg and our Presenting Sponsor, Norton Sports Health!
+ JFCS Community Chat: Refugees and Immigrants in the Workforce
September 5 | 6 p.m.
Join JFCS for their community discussion to learn about refugees and immigrants in the workforce in the Greater Louisville Community. Learn from experts on what the current barriers are, what services are available, and innovative ways local companies are working with this population. Audience members will walk away with a better knowledge of the variety of resources available and how refugees and immigrants bring a brighter, more vibrant workforce to Louisville.
Welcome:
-State Representative Nima Kulkarni
Panelists:
-Mandela Gapala, Kentucky Refugee Ministries
-Kristina Mielke, Jewish Family & Career Services
-Gabriela Salazar, GE Appliances
-Amos Izerimana, Office of Immigrant Affairs
Moderator:
-David L. Finke, Ph.D., Jewish Family & Career Services
+ Welcoming Week is September 8-17
 Through Welcoming Week, organizations and communities bring together neighbors of all backgrounds to build strong connections and affirm the importance of welcoming and inclusive places in achieving collective prosperity.
+ Muslim Americans for Compassion
 September 11
Muslim Americans for Compassion is an organization built to engage the community through interfaith, environmental, and philanthropic outreach initiatives and to promote educational activities and events, whether hosted by MAC or another organization, focused on interfaith dialogue. MAC hopes to provide a platform by which Muslim Americans are able to engage their fellow citizens in such a way as to increase mutual understanding and respect through service and compassion for all.
+ National Hispanic Heritage Month kick-off
 September 15
Hispanic Heritage Month kick-off!
+ Free summer movie nights at Iroquois Amphitheater
 Select Wednesdays through September
Louisville Parks and Recreation has added 12 free movie nights to this year’s event calendar.
The Free Summer Movie Season includes the following titles and dates:.
- August 16: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG) 8:30 p.m.
- August 23: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (PG-13) 8:30 p.m.
- August 31: Goldfinger (PG) 8 p.m.
- September 6: Star Trek: Into Darkness (PG-13) 8 p.m.
- September 13: Pokémon: The First Movie-Mewtwo Strikes Back (G) 8 p.m.
- September 20: Godzilla (NR) 7:30 p.m.
- September 27: The Rocky Horror Picture Show (R) 7:30 p.m.
For a full list of events, visit www.iroquoisamphitheater.com.
+ Sign up for Violence Prevention Ambassador Training
 September 23 | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The One Love Louisville Ambassador Training is free and in-person, and lunch will be served. Hear from experts as they cover a range of topics including Firearm Safety, Question Persuade Refer (QPR), Stop the Bleed, and The Public Health Approach to Violence. This training, which has been attended by over 900 people since its inception in 2017, aims to inform participants of individual and collective efforts to reduce violence in Louisville. For many of the participants, this is a gateway to get involved with the Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods and wonderful partner organizations working to curb violence in our community. If you have ever wanted to get plugged in to this work, the Ambassador Training is a great place to start.
|
