News Updates
+ Office for Immigrant Affairs 2023 in review
 Photo: Greater Art Solutions
As we end the year, the Office for Immigrant Affairs would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our community partners who helped us promote inclusion of immigrants and refugees through our ongoing programming. Because of your partnerships and collaborations, the Office for Immigrant Affairs is proud to report many accomplishments this year. Here are some highlights, and we look forward to working with you in the upcoming year.
Language Access
The Office for Immigrant Affairs launched Louisville Metro's Language Access Program to ensure equitable access to services and resources. We hired Dr. Monica Lakhwani as the city's first ever Language Access Coordinator.
Small Business Development
The Office for Immigrant Affairs collaborated with the Department of Economic Development to offer Sharia-Compliant modifications to Muslim business owners seeking loans through the city's revolving loan fund known as METCO.
Global Louisville Leadership Academy
Twenty leaders graduated from the ninth session of the Global Louisville Leadership Academy, The Office for Immigrant Affairs' premier program focused on empowering immigrant leaders to become civically engaged and serve as connectors for their communities. Participants joined an alumni network of 140 leaders and were matched with four continued program tracks hosted by other Louisville Metro Government agencies to deepen understanding on public safety, public health, economic inclusion, and DEI and civic engagement.
+ Global Talent Chamber Network Convening Discusses How Immigration Is a Solution to Workforce Challenges
 As the national workforce shortage persists, businesses across the country are seeking solutions to address workforce needs and fill open positions. Many Chambers of Commerce have continued to present a solution: modernizing an outdated immigration system to better meet the needs of the local, state, and national economies.
+ Sharing the Meaning of the Holidays
 By Di Tran, Author and Entrepreneur
"This time of the year only means one thing to me - Thanksgiving that represents my gratitude to God, the freedoms of the USA, and the love and support from our close-knit community."
 By Rev. Dr. Pau Khan Khai, Bethel Zomi Christian Church
"According to the Zomi Community, the Holiday is Special means to bring peace and joy. It will heal the broken heart of individual, family and community."
 By Patricia Kim, Entrepreneur
"The meaning of holiday for the Korean community is togetherness. Every family gathers together to show respect to elders with checks on their well-being and bless younger generations with the blessings and happiness for their tomorrow."
 By Norma Molestina, Preston Area Business Alliance Executive Director
"As an immigrant, the holidays shine a very bright light on the value of family, togetherness. As Christian my heart is filled with gratitude for the faith in Jesus Christ."
 By Lok Chhetri, JFCS Business Advisor
"In traditional Hindu culture, holidays are traditionally spent at my grandparents’ home with many family members, sharing cultural meals, revisiting old memories, accomplishments for the year, and special journeys taken with our loved ones. This special time is all about good food, good people, and God’s grace!"
+ Become a kNOw Waste Ambassador
 The mission of the kNOw Waste Ambassador program is to educate participants about waste reduction and disposal systems and empower them to make meaningful change for themselves and their community.
kNOw Waste Ambassadors are required to attend virtual classes and facility tours. Classes will be once per week for 7 weeks in January and February and will be recorded (specific day/time to be determined). Participants will be provided volunteer opportunities and encouraged to be creative in how they engage with neighbors and community members on the topics of waste reduction and recycling. The kNOw Waste Ambassadors are required to:
- Attend orientation session and six in-depth trainings on recycling, composting, waste management systems, and other waste initiatives. (These will take place on a weekday.)
- Participate in educational tours of local waste facilities. (These will take place on a weekday.)
- Fulfill a set number of volunteer hours and tasks annually to maintain certification. (Programs and events may take place on weekdays or weekends.)
- Attend periodic sessions to stay up to date, provide feedback, and meet other kNOw Waste Ambassadors.
- Be willing to share what you learn from the program with your community.
- Background check required prior to volunteering at events or programs.
+ Downtown Holiday Parking Promotion
 PARC is excited to announce their holiday parking program for the month of December. The program offers a special rate of $3 per day Friday-Sunday only purchased online and prepaid at parcdaypass.com.
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore Downtown Louisville this holiday season, while saving on parking!
The program covers the following PARC locations and destinations:
Jefferson Street garage – Whiskey Row
8th/Main Street garage – Museum Row
Market Street garage – Derby City Gaming, West Market Street corridor
Louisville Gardens garage – Jefferson Square (Tree/Light-up Louisville)
Seelbach garage – 4th Street Live/4th Street corridor
+ Apply now to the International Rescue Committee
There are multiple job openings available with the International Rescue Committee. Click the link below to review open positions and to apply
+ Apply today for the Study Abroad Scholarship!
 If you are a student who is truly committed to creating a meaningful growth opportunity through an international experience, the David Hershberg Scholarship for Summer Study Abroad could be a great fit for you. This scholarship was established in memory of David Hershberg, a Louisville educator, mentor, and guiding force in the creation and development of the Louisville International Cultural Center (now the World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana).
This annual scholarship awards recipients at least $3,000 to be used to help defray the costs of international travel, lodging, and maintenance for at least 21 days of study or research outside the United States. Candidates are evaluated based on academic merit and by the importance of their proposed study/research abroad experience for their personal, intellectual, and professional career goals. Scholarship applications are now open to Kentucky and southern Indiana-based students.
+ Applications now being accepted for The Global Louisville Leadership Academy
 The Global Louisville Leadership Academy, formerly known as Louisville Welcome Academy, is a free leadership training program sponsored by the Louisville Metro Government Office for Immigrant Affairs. The mission is to build the knowledge and networks of foreign-born leaders to increase their capacity and become key stakeholders to empower and assist their communities.
Deadline to apply is January 8, 2024. Information collected will not be shared outside of the Office for Immigrant Affairs.
+ Applications for LIHEAP cooling and water assistance program now open for Fall
 EARLY REGISTRATION FOR LIHEAP IS OPEN
Seniors and disabled people on fixed incomes can apply early for LIHEAP and MSD’s Senior Citizen Discount Program
The Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services (RCS) is offering pre-registration for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Fall Subsidy Component.
Income-eligible residents who do not meet the requirements for LIHEAP pre-registration (who are not elderly or disabled and on a fixed income) may still apply for LIHEAP benefits beginning Nov. 6, 2023. Appointments will be taken in advance starting Nov. 2, 2023, using automated scheduler at link below.
Pre-registration is for Jefferson County residents, within 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, who are 60 years of age or older, or are disabled and receiving a fixed income (Social Security, SSI, pension or Black Lung benefits).
Additionally, through partnership with the Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD), eligible residents will have the opportunity to apply for a discount on their water bill through MSD’s Senior Citizen Discount Program. Customers 65 or older with a gross annual household income of $35,000 or less, may be eligible to receive a 30 percent discount on the wastewater portion of their bill.
Residents who received assistance in 2022 under MSD’s Senior Citizen Discount Program do NOT need to reapply this year – their enrollment in the program will continue for 2023.
Eligible households can apply for one or both LIHEAP Subsidy and the MSD’s Senior Discount Program with one single appointment.
The toll-free automated appointment system is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to schedule an in-person appointment at one of seven locations. The automated scheduler will provide details about these locations as well as eligibility and required documentation.
LIHEAP Fall Subsidy Component, Early Registration Phase
How to apply: Jefferson County residents meeting eligibility can call the automated scheduler at 502-991-8391 or visit online at louisvilleky.cascheduler.com.
+ Sign up for LENSAlert
Sign up to receive emergency alerts on your cell phone!
Text "LENSAlert" to 67283
Policy Updates
+ Department of Homeland Security Extends Temporary Protected Status for several countries
On December 13, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) re-registration periods for individuals from the following countries: El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua and Sudan. Re-registration periods have been extended from 60 days to the full designation extension period for each country. Existing TPS beneficiaries from these countries should re-register during their respective country’s re-registration period.
- El Salvador is currently open and now runs through March 9, 2025;
- Haiti is currently open and now runs through Aug. 3, 2024;
- Honduras is currently open and now runs through July 5, 2025;
- Nepal is currently open and now runs through June 24, 2025;
- Nicaragua is currently open and now runs through July 5, 2025;
- Sudan is currently open and now runs through April 19, 2025.
+ Department of Labor Report Highlights Severity of Child Labor in the U.S. and Worldwide
The Department of Labor recently released a report examining 131 countries’ efforts to abolish child labor in 2022 and the obstacles those efforts face. The report highlights, in part, the vulnerability of migrant children in the United States working for little pay in industries that are especially unsafe for children and notes an alarming 69% increase in unlawful work by children since 2018.
+ 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.
Events
+ Join a Night of Honor
 Friday, January 5, 2024 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Come out to this interfaith event that will honor and remember the victims of gun violence from 2023.
+ Join the Holiday Fun in Paristown-
FÊTE DE NOËL WINTER HOLIDAY FESTIVAL
 Open now through January 2, 2024
Start your newest holiday season tradition at Paristown’s annual Fête De Noël ("Festival of Christmas") Winter Holiday Festival, a 6-week winter wonderland featuring Louisville’s only authentic outdoor ice skating rink, photos with Santa, the Brent Street Holiday Market, trackless train rides and so much more. Skate, shop, eat and drink in the heart of Paristown starting November 2023.
+ Go See Lights Under Louisville
Now through January 1, 2024
Louisville Mega Cavern’s Lights Under Louisville returns with more than 40 themed displays, mapping projections, approximately 900 illuminated characters, 4 LED light tunnels, including a new 200-foot-long MEGA light tunnel, two laser sections, and nearly 6,000,000 points of light that will spread mega cheer and holiday spirit this season. Lights Under Louisville will take visitors on an immersive ride through more than one mile of cavern passageways as visitors drive through millions of dazzling lights, festive lasers, and even larger captivating light tunnels.
Lights Under Louisville begins this Friday at 6 p.m. then will be open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
1841 Taylor Ave., Louisville, Kentucky 40213
+ Visit A Christmas on Story Avenue
November 17 - December 31
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Visit the Whirling Tiger in Butchertown for an over the top Christmas themed pop-up all season long! Along with specialty cocktails and plenty of festive fun, they will be announcing additional special, holiday events throughout the month.
Open at 6 p.m. each day. Hours are expected to extend the closer it gets to Christmas.
1335 Story Ave.
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+Check out the Miracle on Market
November 21 - December 31
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Miracle is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar that serves holiday cocktails in a festive setting. With kitschy holiday décor, professionally-developed cocktails and the nostalgic energy of the best office party you’ve ever been to, Miracle is sure to get even the grouchiest Grinch in the holiday spirit.
Miracle is open daily starting at 4 p.m. and closes at 12 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. No reservations are accepted, all seating is first come, first serve.
Along with cocktails, there will be food options, other beverages such as wine and beer, and non-alcoholic beverages. All ages are allowed until 9 p.m. each night. After 9, it's 21+ only.
732 E. Market St.
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+ Head Down to Tinsel Tavern
November 24 - December 31
Immerse yourself in this Holiday pop-up bar decked to the halls - literally, with floor to ceiling decor.
Featuring a festive food and drink menu that absolutely sleighs, multiple photo ops, featured events, and more!
Bar seating will be available on a first come first serve basis, optimal for drinks and socializing. In addition to visiting with an intimate group, guests have the option to reserve the space for private events, ideal for end of season holiday parties.
For private event inquiries, please email events@4thstlive.com.
Open daily from 4 p.m. until midnight starting Friday, November 24.
Tinsel Tavern collides with New Year's Eve Live! for an over-the-top holiday celebration to ring in 2024. Fourth Street Live!'s platinum ticket package unlocks access to a private party at Tinsel Tavern and all-inclusive premium drink package, private entrance with VIP red carpet experience, exclusive tastings, multiple photo opportunities, vendors, complimentary coat check, party favors, and a midnight champagne toast.
445 S. 4th St.
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