News Updates
Good afternoon! We have a number of holidays across our different communities as the end of the year approaches. We're looking forward to celebrating with you.
With the election of Donald Trump as our next president, we do expect some policy changes. We will update our policy section in the newsletter as those are announced. Please stay engaged with your community and local agencies to be informed.
New hospital opens in west Louisville
 The first new hospital to be built west of Ninth Street in more than 150 years is officially open! Norton West Louisville Hospital is located near the corner of Broadway and 28th Street, next to the Goodwill Opportunity Campus. Watch news coverage from WHAS, and learn more about the hospital's services by clicking the links below.
Spectrum News: Kentucky lawmakers discuss immigration law enforcement
 An official from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) attended a hearing at the State Capitol Annex in Frankfort this week to discuss the agency's work in Kentucky. The ICE official was asked about what happens when non-citizens are arrested by police and addressed deportation proceedings.
See the story from Spectrum News by clicking the button below.
Haitian artist, Christella, debuts new music video
 From Kentucky Refugee Ministries: Born out of the artist’s contrasting experiences across cultures in Europe, Africa and the United States, the song, Bells of Liberty, is an expression of what it means to feel truly free; the vitality of belonging; a call for compassion towards one another.
Christella is originally from Haiti, and moved to the U.S. as a child, attending Manual High School's Youth Performing Arts School in Louisville. She later graduated from Berea College, and is pursuing a Master of Divinity at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
More News You Can Use
Upcoming Events and Deadlines
Neighbors Loving Neighbors Project: Service and Celebration
 Councilwoman Betsy Ruhe and community leader Lisa Howard have announced that this Saturday, November 16, a one-day special community day of service will be held. Neighbors Loving Neighbors Project will bring together a powerful network of organizations, including the Beechmont Community Center, Wilder Park Community Center, Brightside, Hope Collaborative, New Directions Housing Corporation, Second Hope House, The Hope Bus, Dare to Care, and the Salvation Army. Together, these groups hope to involve immigrant neighbors in the community by helping them to be more active and engaged residents.
This program is open to all homeowners within Metro Council District 21, which covers some South End neighborhoods. Volunteers have already started canvassing areas to gather referrals for those who could benefit from this program.
Follow the link below for more information or you can contact Councilwoman Ruhe's office at 502-574-1121.
You're invited to an Ethiopian coffee and culture experience
 Join author Mahder Tella for a traditional Ethiopian coffee experience and fireside dialogue about Ethiopian food culture. We'll also be discussing the newly released cookbook, Sheba's Kitchen. Anyone is invited to attend!
When: Monday, November 18 at 8:30 a.m.
Where: Story Louisville, 828 East Market Street
If you're interested in learning more about Ethiopian cuisine, you can watch the latest edition of Dining Around the World, which takes us inside Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant. The program is available on MetroTV and is hosted by Amos Izerimana, the director of the Office of Immigrant Affairs. To watch, click the button below.
Networking Night at the Broadway Family YMCA
 You are invited to join the next Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods Networking Nights event! This is an opportunity to get to know some of the change-agents doing great work in Louisville. At this event, we will feature guests from Russell Place of Promise, MOLO Village, and Amped. It's a great opportunity to get plugged into violence prevention work, learn about resources, and meet others working towards a better Louisville.
When: Thursday, November 21 from 6-7:30 p.m.
Where: Broadway Family YMCA, 1720 West Broadway
Food and refreshments will be served! Follow the QR code, or link below, to register.
Free REACH Workshop Series Continues
 There are just two REACH Workshops left this year! If you want to expand your business, or start a new one, the free 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 November 23 and focuses on business operations.
Deadline approaching: Student Poetry Contest for International Mother Language Day
 We are thrilled to announce a collaborative student poetry contest in partnership with the University of Louisville's College of Arts and Sciences that celebrates International Mother Language Day.
This is an opportunity for high school and first-year college students who identify as immigrants or refugees to express their unique voices and experiences.
We invite you to submit poems that capture the rich themes associated with your mother language or mother tongue.
Eligibility: High school and first-year college students who identify as immigrants or refugees.
Theme: Your mother language or mother tongue.
Submission Deadline: December 5, 2024
Questions: Contact Monica Lakhwani at monica.lakhwani@louisvilleky.gov
Register to be the next Global Louisville Leadership Academy graduates!
 The Global Louisville Leadership Academy (GLLA) is a free leadership training program sponsored by the 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.
Apply now! The deadline for applications is January 11, 2025. Once members are selected, the first of eight sessions will be held on February 17, 2025.
Language Cafe sessions are returning in 2025!
Our upcoming Language Cafes aim to foster cross-cultural connections and language learning within Louisville’s diverse communities. These cafes will serve as vibrant hubs where people of various backgrounds can come together, share snacks, coffee, and conversations, and learn new languages.
The sessions will be in collaboration at Actors Theater and embed themes around the upcoming performances from culture and identity to celebrations and sports!
Language Cafe is free to attend and we invite the community to come and experience or return to one or all of the sessions from January 16, 2025 until April 17, 2025. Languages included Beginner Spanish, Beginner French, Vietnamese, and Swahili.
Please register using the QR code or contact monica.lakhwani@louisvilleky.gov.
 Americana Community Center has been a foundation of support for immigrant families, creating a welcoming community where individuals are empowered. "Global Gather" was a night to celebrate diverse histories and cultures, while raising money for the vital center. The Office for Immigrant Affairs team was excited to celebrate our communities and a great cause.
Policy Updates
+ No policy updates in USCIS is now accepting applications for Parole in Place for eligible spouses and children of U.S. citizens
+ Sign up for LENSAlert in Multiple Languages
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