News and Events
+ Join Us for the JFCS Community Chat: Empowering Entrepreneurs & Shaping Louisville's Small Business Future
 You're invited to the JFCS Community Chat! Join expert panelists and entrepreneurs as they share insights on starting a business, offer resources, and discuss their journeys as business owners. Learn how small businesses are shaping Louisville and get your questions answered.
When: Tuesday, September 10 at 6 p.m.
Where: 2821 Klempner Way
+ Last week for Language Cafe
 During these past seven weeks, we have met some wonderful community members, learned words and phrases in a new language, tasted delicious cultural treats, and made new friends.
This is the last week for Language Cafe, and the final two sessions will be at Abol Cafe at 102 1/2 Cannons Lane on Tuesday September 10 and Thursday September 12, starting at 4 p.m.
If you're interested in joining, please register beforehand by filling out this form.
+ REACH Workshops
  If you want to expand your business, or start a new one, the free REACH workshop series is an opportunity to learn valuable knowledge and insights from industry experts about running a successful business.
This is a chance to network with like-minded individuals, build relationships, share ideas, and explore potential collaborations.
The next REACH workshop is September 28. Secure your spot by registering below.
+ The English Conversation Club Returns to Iroquois Library
  The English Conversation Club is back at the Iroquois Library, located at 601 Woodlawn Avenue. It is seeking volunteers to assist English language learners with basic conversation skills, citizenship preparation, and homework assistance.
Sessions take place every Saturday from 3-4 p.m. Your participation can make a difference and a lasting impact.
+ Integrating Cultures and Communities
 Join us for Renew, Resettle, Recognize: a session exploring the historical narratives of immigration and the Black community in Louisville. Discover defining moments in immigration policy, neighborhood evolution, and entrepreneurship, and learn how these stories have shaped our city.
When: Monday, September 16 from 5-6:30 p.m.
Where: Americana, 4801 Southside Dr, Louisville, KY 40214
If you're looking for more information, email Monica Lakhwani with the Office for Immigrant Affairs at Monica.Lakhwani@louisvilleky.gov.
+ Nominations are open for the JFCS MOSAIC Awards
 The 2025 JFCS MOSAIC Awards are still months away, but the nomination process has started. This is a recognition of refugees and immigrants in Greater Louisville who are making an impact in the community. You have until October 15 to nominate qualified leaders, changemakers, and humanitarians!
+ In the News...
 |
|
This week, Louisville Public Media featured the Seneca High School Hispanic Student Union in a story that highlights the growth in the multilingual student population across Jefferson County Public Schools.
LPM's reporting shows that Jefferson County's estimated foreign-born population increased 24% from 2017 to 2022, and the community continues to grow.
Read the story at LPM right now.
|
|
The 22nd annual WorldFest wrapped up last week. The event invited thousands to the Belvedere to celebrate food and cultures from international communities that share one city: Louisville.
There were many stories filed about WorldFest, including headliner Twinjabi, the Parade of Cultures, and the many vendors who came to Louisville.
|
|
 |
+ September's Journey of Success:
 Mustafa Ali is a JCPS graduate and working as a respiratory therapist at a local hospital. But there's so much more to his story.
Right now on the Office for Immigrant Affairs page, you can read about Mustafa Ali's journey from Iraq to Louisville, and many places in between.
+ Welcoming Month Events
 Welcoming Month continues this week. This is a list of events and we have some links below if you're interested in participating.
+ Asian Night Market
 The Asia Institute Crane House proudly presents its annual Asian Night Market, a vibrant celebration of the Louisville's Asian cultures, community, and cuisine. There will be Asian themed food trucks, live entertainment, and local retail vendors.
When: Saturday, September 14 from 5-10 p.m.
Where: Fourth Street Live!, Downtown Louisville
+ You're Invited to The Big Table
 Join us for The Big Table, one of the world’s largest potluck events, where everyone is welcome to take a seat at the table, regardless of background or beliefs. You are invited to come together to share meaningful experiences across differences through good food and personal stories, all with the goal of making our city a better place! Whether you're there to connect or volunteer, everyone is welcome.
When: Sunday, September 15 from 5-7 p.m.
Where: Iroquois Park, 2120 Rundill Road, Louisville
+ Calling all employers!
 The Office for Immigrant Affairs is pleased to invite you to the International Job Fair, an event dedicated to connecting diverse talent with forward-thinking employers.
When: Saturday, September 21 from 11-2 p.m.
Where: Goodwill Opportunity Center (next to Guanajuato Supermarket)
6201 Preston Hwy A, Louisville, KY 40219
This is a valuable opportunity for employers to showcase career opportunities to a global audience and engage with candidates who bring unique perspectives and skills. Participation is free, with tables and chairs provided.
+ AFLORA at the Ali Center
Join us for AFLORA at the Ali Center! The exhibit opens on Saturday September 28 at 10 a.m. for a day of music, dance, and food as we celebrate the talents of Latinx artists.
The exhibition will be open from September 28 - October 15 at the Muhammad Ali Center, which is located at 144 N. 6th Street in downtown Louisville.
Policy Updates
U.S. Refugee Program arrivals increased significantly in August
The U.S. resettled 9,520 refugees in August - the second-highest monthly arrival total for Fiscal Year 2024. The eleven-month total of refugee arrivals for FY2024 is 84,271 refugees.
While the U.S. is not on track to reach its target of 125,000 arrivals in FY2024, the increase in pace bodes well as the end of the fiscal year approaches on September 30. If the U.S. were to resettle 9,520 refugees again in September, it would resettle 93,791 refugees for FY2024. To resettle 100,000 refugees, the U.S. would need to resettle 15,729 refugees in September.
It is fairly common to see the highest number of monthly arrivals in the last month of the fiscal year. Continuing this pace in September would mark the highest levels of resettlement in nearly three decades, with the U.S. last resettling 90,000 refugees in FY1995. Follow this link for more information from the Refugee Processing Center.
+ USCIS is now accepting applications for Parole in Place for eligible spouses and children of U.S. citizens
On August 19, USCIS began accepting applications for the new parole in place program for eligible spouses and children of U.S. Citizens. Eligible individuals must file the ONLINE form I-131F with USCIS along with supporting documentation to demonstrate eligibility and pay the $580 filing fee. There is no fee waiver available for Form I-131F.
Examples of supporting documents to demonstrate eligibility are listed in the General Questions section of the USCIS Frequently Asked Questions About Keeping Families Together webpage.
+ Sign up for LENSAlert in Multiple Languages
Sign up to receive emergency alerts on your cell phone!
Text "LENSAlert" to 67283
|
