Ben Ruiz had a presence about him, which attracted people from all walks of life. He was a writer, creator, mentor and influencer among other things. He was a pillar of help in the community and anyone that knew him knows he would make a way out of no way.
Ben was born in Mexico City, but moved to California with his family at a young age-California is where he grew up. It was through his father that Ben was exposed to the newspaper business and started working for them. Ben was a natural illustrator and had the gift of writing. When he initially attended school in the United States, he was not able to speak English and was asked to literally leave school. Ruiz soon returned to school in full force, commanding the English language.
Ruiz may have started out in California, but worked his way across the U.S. through Chicago, and eventually moved to Kentucky. It was in Chicago he got his first opportunity to work within the advertising agency industry. Over the years, as he lived with his family in Chicago and his network began to expand. His journey from Chicago to Kentucky led him to marketing and copywriting for General Electric. It was in the late 1970s that Ruiz moved with his family to Kentucky, the place where they raised their kids, created solid friendships and settled down.
+ Récits Francophones au Coeur de Amériques: The only U.S. podcast hosted in French
Patrick Litanga, assistant professor of international relations and political science at Eastern Kentucky University, and Emeritus Professor James (Jim) Natsishost a podcas, Récits Francophones au Coeur de Amériques. Roughly translatable as “Francophones Tales in the Heart of America.”
These guys are proud that they are currently the only podcast conducted entirely in French in the US.They consider Récits Francophones as Louisville’s contribution to the francophone experience in the US. They have been active since August 2021 and publish biweekly-so far they have published 70 episodes.
Their conversations tackle a variety of topics, including the bourbon industry in Kentucky, the Derby, the Alliance Francophone of Louisville, French Movies Festival at the University of Louisville, etc. They also speak about immigrant communities as well the experience of American Francophones and Creoles of the South and the American-Francophones of the North.
+ Amiracel Ade opens new location in Lynn Family Stadium
As we continue celebrating Women's History Month, we recently helped a local entrepreneur, Tiffani Adams. She was also a part of the first Office for Women Cohort of Ambassadors. The Office for Women Ambassadors is a six-month training program for women and gender-diverse individuals who represent the diverse communities across Metro Louisville.
In honor of Women’s History Month, Amiracle Ade, a female and minority-owned and operated business specializing in Fresh Fruit Lemonades, just opened its newest location at the Lynn Family Stadium. The primary mission of Amiracle Ade is to provide employment opportunities for youth and offer professional development programs. This initiative aims to create seasonal job opportunities for young individuals, allowing them to gain valuable work experience.
+ Global Louisville Leadership Academy meets for second session
This week the Global Louisville Leadership Academy had their second meeting in Metro Hall about Leadership Development -Discussion around how to form and lead teams. Exploring the difference between a community leader and a community influencer.. The groups heard from a panel of local immigrant leaders, the New Leaders Council, YPAL and Louisville Metro Government's boards and commissions.
Coming next month-SESSION III: April 15, 2024, Citizenship and Civic Engagement - Learn about the naturalization process and its importance, how to apply for U.S. citizenship, what it means to be a U.S. citizen. Discussion on what civic engagement means and ways to become civically engaged.
The Offic for Immigrant Affairs now has an Instagram page! Add us @immigrantaffairslou to stay up to date on all things Immigrant Affairs!
+ Get Free Tax Preparation Services
Metro government officials and community partners will kick off the start of tax season Friday, February 2, with a press event announcing the start of free tax preparation assistance for eligible residents.
The Louisville Asset Building Coalition’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides trained, IRS-certified volunteers who offer free tax services at 15 sites across the city. VITA is available to individuals and families who earned less than $66,000 in 2023.
Since its launch in 2001, the VITA program has helped more than 143,000 Louisville tax filers. Last year, VITA volunteers processed more than 7,700 returns, adding more than $12 million to the local economy, including nearly $2 million in Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to residents.
Eligible Louisville residents can make an appointment to visit these VITA sites for in-person free tax filing. Most sites use convenient drop-off services.
Americana Community Center, 4801 Southside Dr.
Bates, 728 East Lampton St.
Edison Center, 701 W. Ormsby Ave., Ste 201
Family Scholar House U of L, 403 Reg Smith Circle
Family Scholar House Riverport, 3311 Cathe Dykstra Way
Goodwill Resource Center, 909 E. Broadway
Louisville Urban League, 1535 W. Broadway
Oldham County LaGrange Library, 308 Yager Avenue (LaGrange)
Portland Promise Center, 1831 Baird St.
Shively City Hall, 3920 Dixie Hwy.
St. Vincent de Paul Family Success Center, 1029 S Preston Hwy.
Sun Valley Community Center, 6505 Bethany Lane
United Crescent Hill Ministries, 150 State St.
Wesley House Community Services, 5114 Preston Hwy.
+ Apply for Community Foundation of Louisville Grants
The Community Foundation of Louisville has launched its Sparking Change Mini-Grants Program.
According to a release, the foundation will award three $1,000 grants each month supported by each of the foundation’s Fund for Louisville Action Areas: Louisville’s People, Louisville’s Prosperity, and Louisville’s Well-Being.
The World Affairs Council is excited to announce the first Leadership Trip for Sister Cities to Mainz, Germany in 2024! Join them from September 7-13, 2024 to commemorate and celebrate the 30th anniversary of the enduring city relationship between Mainz and Louisville.
Embark on a unique journey with the delegation tour of Mainz and unlock of a world of opportunities, culture, and connections. A variety of discount options are available.
SAVE YOUR SPOT! Space is limited. For more details, contact Lydia Lewis, Sister Cities Coordinator, or Xiao Yin Zhao, Executive Director for corporate inquiries.
+ Become an International Home Hospitality Host
Interested in becoming a local resource for international exchange groups? Other opportunities to engage with delegates include attending mixers and forums, or hosting a dinner or homestay. If you are interested, get in touch with Madison Brooks, the Exchange Program Manager, at madison.brooks@worldkentucky.org for more information.
+ Applications for LIHEAP CRISIS Assistance Program Now Open
LIHEAP CRISIS COMPONENT ENROLLMENT IS OPEN
The Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services is now accepting appointments for the annual Crisis Component of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program assists income-eligible households in Jefferson County with home heating costs on a first-come, first-served basis, now through March 29, 2024, or until funds are depleted.
This program assists eligible households facing a home heating emergency, such as imminent loss of heat, low fuel supply, or eviction due to unpaid utility bills. Households must meet eligibility requirements, including income eligibility of up to and including 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. Prior LIHEAP assistance does not impact a household’s eligibility.
Crisis benefits will cover the minimum needed to alleviate the crisis, not to exceed the local cost for a deliverable supply of the household’s primary heating fuel or $400 for gas or electric. Households can reapply each time they experience a crisis until they reach their maximum benefit. Benefits are paid directly to the fuel vendor.
MSD’s Emergency Wastewater Rate Assistance Program (EWRAP)
Through our partnership with Louisville MSD, eligible residents still have the opportunity to apply for MSD’s Emergency Wastewater Rate Assistance Program (EWRAP).
EWRAP can provide eligible residents in Jefferson County a 30% discount on wastewater charges and the consent decree surcharge. Eligibility includes households at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, with proof of an active utility account with the Louisville Water Company and MSD. This enrollment period is for new and renewing MSD discount program clients.
MSD clients who are 65 years of age or older with a gross household income of $35,000 or less per year may be eligible for MSD’s Senior Citizen Discount Program. It is recommended you submit your MSD bill with your LIHEAP documentation to see if you qualify for a MSD discount program. For more details about the MSD Discount Programs, visithttps://louisvillemsd.org/paymybill.
How to Apply
To apply for the LIHEAP and/or EWRAP programs, Jefferson County residents meeting eligibility can call the automated scheduler at 502-991-8391 or visit online at louisvilleky.cascheduler.com.
For the Crisis component, applicants requiring assistance for natural gas or electric must bring a disconnect/past due notice. If your rent includes heat, bring a copy of your lease and eviction notice. Pre-Pay Electric Program participants must show they have 10 days or less of pre-paid electric service.
All applicants will be required to supply the following documentation at the time of application:
Proof of Social Security Number or Permanent Residence card (Green Card) for each member of the household.
Proof of all household’s (all members) income from the preceding month.
Most current heating bill, statement from your landlord if heating expenses are included in your rent, statement from utility company if you participate in a Pre-Pay Electric Program.
The account number and name on the account for main heating fuel sources and electric bill.
For MSD’s EWRAP program, you will need proof of an active utility account with Louisville Water Company and MSD. (i.e. named customers with MSD, receiving metered water service for a property used solely for residential purposes, and owned or leased by the customer as principal residence).
For more information about this process on how to apply for LIHEAP or the MSD discount programs, please contact Metro311 by simply dialing 311 or 574-5000, email metro.call@louisvilleky.gov, visit the website’s Online Customer Service or Live Chat at www.louisvilleky.gov/metrocall, or download the free Mobile 311 app from the website.
Sign up to receive emergency alerts on your cell phone!
Text "LENSAlert" to 67283
Policy Updates
+ Updated Parole period for Ukranian citizens
Effective February 27, certain Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members who were paroled into the U.S. on or after February 11, 2022, will be able to apply for a new period of parole - also known as re-parole, for up to two years. This form of parole comes as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and the extraordinary circumstances in Ukraine continue to exist today. Eligible applicants should submit form I-131 with the appropriate filing fee through a USCIS online account. Once approved for re-parole, Ukrainians can then apply for an initial or renewal EAD with USCIS. https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/uniting-for-ukraine/re-parole-process-for-certain-ukrainian-citizens-and-their-immediate-family-members
+ Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for eligible Palestinians
On February 14, 2024, President Biden announced and authorized Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for eligible Palestinians. This announcement means that for the next 18 months, eligible individuals will not be deported to Palestine. Around 6,000 Palestinians are eligible to benefit from DED designation nationally. The main eligibility criterion for DED for Palestine is continuous residency in the U.S. since February 14, 2024. Other eligibility criteria related to public safety and national security. Individuals with questions about eligibility criteria should consult with an immigration attorney. DED announcements often coincide with suspension of certain requirements related to F-1 visas (student visas), designed to make it easier for students to comply with the requirements of their visa. Students who have questions about whether these changes might affect their F-1 visa should reach out to their campus contact or consult with an immigration attorney. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/02/14/memorandum-on-the-deferred-enforced-departure-for-certain-palestinians/
+ USCIS Begins New Process for Paying Application Fees at a Field Office
We will start requiring most applicants, attorneys, and accredited representatives to pay the fees for forms filed at a field office by mail or remotely, instead of in person at a field office.
What You Need to Know We receive most of our immigration benefit requests through a Lockbox or a service center. However, in limited instances, we may receive a USCIS form through a local USCIS office. To file a form or pay a fee at a local office, applicants, petitioners, and requestors must schedule an appointment in advance with the USCIS Contact Center and physically visit a field office to make certain application fee payments. We are changing that process.
Beginning Feb. 1, 2024, there will be three methods for paying fees to USCIS for field office filings:
By mail with credit or debit card. Applicants, petitioners, or requestors may mail a check or Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, to the field office and no longer need to make an appointment and appear in person.
Emergency Form I-131 filings. Applicants submitting Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, with an emergency advance parole request must still apply in person, after making an appointment through the USCIS Contact Center, with their form packet (including any applicable payment and supporting documentation) and pay their application fee by credit card with Form G-1450 or check at the field office once approved.
+ 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.
Events
+ Join the World Affairs Council discussion: Chevalier de Saint-Georges, the ‘Black Mozart’
Thursday, March 21, 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Join World Affairs Council, Dr. Quinton Morris and WUOL's Colleen Wheelanhan-Phelps as they discuss the man who wrote celebrated violin concertos, several hit operas and was one of the first French composers to write for a string quartet, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, the ‘Black Mozart’.
Dr. Quinton Morris enjoys a multifaceted career as a violinist, educator, entrepreneur, and filmmaker. He has performed recitals and given master classes around the world including venues at Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House, The Louvre Museum, Berklee College of Music, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the University of Paris at Dauphine, Dong-Eui University (Korea), and the National Taiwan Normal University.
Tickets range $10.00 - $20.00
University Club, 200 E. Brandeis Ave., Louisville, 40208
The Office for Immigrant Affairs, Louisville's Office of Economic Development, and Kentucky Small Business Development Center in Louisville invite you to participate in a small business workshop. Learn how to tax plan for your small business. This is the first of this workshop series.
The University of Louisville Cancer Research Center is looking for participants for a focus group discussion led by women from their research team. Questions asked will relate to your understanding of breast cancer screening recommendations and about issues that make it challenging to get a mammogram. Finally, you will be asked to complete a brief survey related to mammograms and health behaviors.
+ Join Networking Night with the Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods
Tuesday, March 26, 6:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.
The Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods (OSHN) networking nights are an opportunity to get to know some of the change-agents doing great work in Louisville. This event, we will feature guests from Bank Street Food Bank, Legal Aid, and OSHN’s Anti – Violence Coalition Neighborhood Updates. This is a great opportunity to get plugged into violence prevention work, learn about resources, and meet others working towards a better Louisville. Refreshments will be served.
Broadway Family YMCA, 1720 W. Broadway, Louisville
April 24, 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm (various starting times)
Enjoy an evening of Spanish charm at Cured Restaurant and Salumeria Paella Night. The Paella will be cooked in the Rose Patio at Cured Restaurant and Salumeria by guest Chef Gustavo Perez, who has won National Awards in Paella cooking. Guests are welcome to visit the Paella station throughout the night. The ticket includes a glass of wine and cost is $55.00. Tickets can be purchased on Open Table link below.
Jack Harlow has just announces GAZEBO Festival, a music festival at Louisville’s Waterfront Park. The line-up also includes James Blake (DJ Set), Omar Apollo, PinkPantheress, Vince Staples and more.
The two-day event will feature 26 acts on two stages and highlight some of Louisville’s local food and culture. The Waterfront Park location uniquely marries the energy of downtown Louisville with more than 85 acres of green space on the Ohio River. Tickets for the festival will go on sale Friday, March 8, 2024 at 10 a.m.
The Global Louisville Directory is an interactive online tool that connects the community with institutions, businesses, organizations, and services that speak their language and have a higher understanding of cultural competency structures that reduce anxiety for foreign-born consumers and increase their level of comfort to thrive as a valued resident of Louisville.
Click HERE to register your business, organanization, or service on the Global Louisville Directory.
Global Lou Highlights
There are many authentic restaurants owned by Louisvillians who brought their delicious cuisine to our city. Each week, we highlight some of the great restaurants and grocery stores that celebrate our city's diversity. Here are some restaurants to try:
International Halal Supermarket, 5057-1 Poplar Level Rd., 502-964-9207
Register your business here HERE to add to the list of international businesses!
Image of the Week
+ Cultural orientation at KRM (Kentucky Refugee Ministries)
The Office for Immigrant Affairs language access coordinator, Monica Lakhwani, presented a cultural orientation at KRM (Kentucky Refugee Ministries). There were translators on hand to translate the presentation in Swahili, Arabic, French, Spanish and English. To learn more about the services KRM offers, click below.
Hi, you are receiving this email because we added you to our mailing list as a valuable partner and member of the community. You can unsubscribe anytime by clicking on the subscriber services link. Please do not reply to this account since we won't be able to see your emails. You can contact us at: immigrantaffairs@louisvilleky.gov
