News Updates
+ Join us as a volunteer with the Office for Immigrant Affairs!
 Volunteers play a crucial role in supporting our events and programs. You’ll have the opportunity to:
Connect with Organizations and Businesses: Support partnerships across Louisville that uplift immigrants and refugees, and help strengthen our city’s diverse landscape.
Meet People from Around the Globe: Be a welcoming face and a bridge for our international neighbors as they integrate and thrive within our vibrant city.
Learn & Support: Gain hands-on experience working with organizations dedicated to empowering immigrants and helping them succeed.
+ The Deadline to Apply for the Louisville Metro FY26 External Agency Funds is Approaching
The FY 26 External Agency Fund Grant Application window closes March 3, 2025.
EAF grants provide critical funding to nonprofits serving Louisville’s diverse community needs. Once applications are submitted, they enter a competitive process and are scored by a panel based on impact and measurable outcomes.
Successful applicants’ proposals will be recommended for funding in the mayor’s next budget proposal to Metro Council.
Each of the following Louisville Metro agencies will administer the EAF Funds:
Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods: Youth Engagement Services Funding
Office of Resilience and Community Services: Community Services Funding
Office of Arts + Creative Industries: Arts, Heritage, and Creative Industry Funding
A link to each agency’s application may be found at:
Louisville Metro Government External Agency Fund
+ Cane Run Road Neighborhood Place Closed until May 1, 2025
 The Cane Run Neighborhood Place will be closed for renovations until May 1, 2025. During this time of transition, Cane Run Neighborhood Place will not be accessible for services or appointments. To ensure continued access to essential social services, clients are encouraged to visit one of these nearby facilities:
- Ujima Neighborhood Place (3610 Bohne Ave.)
- Bridges of Hope Neighborhood Place (1411 Algonquin Pkwy.)
Both locations offer a similar range of services and are staffed to assist with your needs. We recommend calling ahead to schedule an appointment.
Clients seeking appointments for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) should continue to use the automated scheduler by calling 502-991-8391 or visiting online at louisvilleky.cascheduler.com.
Clients seeking the Housing Stabilization Program can visit the online appointment scheduler at https://housingstability.itfrontdesk.com or call 502-308-3344 for more information.
+ News You Can Use
Matched Savings Program: A Path to Financial Growth!
 The Matched Savings Program helps individuals with refugee status and other eligible populations save for a car, home, education/professional certification, or starting a business.
For eligibility requirements and program details contact Tony Messina at tmessina@jfcslouisville.org
+ Opportunities for High School Students
 The Thorobred Academy is a 4-week, on-site program where students will have the opportunity to take up to two college classes. The camp is fully funded, covering tuition, food, and accommodations.
Spots are limited and they are actively seeking to recruit Latino/Immigrant/Refugee students as well. EL classes and an EL curriculum to help students thrive in STEM fields are being developed.
+ SummerWorks: Gain Experience & Earn This Summer!
 Are you between the ages of 16 and 21? SummerWorks offers an incredible opportunity to gain valuable job experience while earning a paycheck.
Through this program, you'll develop professional skills, explore career pathways, and even secure a job that aligns with your education and future goals. Don't miss this chance to build your resume and take a step toward a successful career.
+ Scholarships available to participate in Leadership Louisville Programs
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The Leadership Louisville Center has scholarship opportunities to support people interested in upcoming Focus Louisville classes held June 12-14 and September 18-20.
Learn more details about the classes and tuition support by visiting their website. You can also find more information for longer community leadership programs such as Ignite and Leadership Louisville.
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Upcoming Events
+ Understanding Section 8: A Community Information Session
 Join an informative session on the Housing Choice Voucher Program, commonly known as Section 8. This event will provide valuable insights into the rental assistance process, program eligibility, and opportunities for both tenants and landlords to participate.
Date: Monday, March 3, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Location: Highlands-Shelby Park Library, 1250 Bardstown Rd
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more and get your questions answered!
+ Rouler: A Mardi Gras Celebration for a Great Cause!
Catholic Charities of Louisville will host Rouler, a lively Mardi Gras fundraiser. The evening will feature Dawn Gee as Master of Ceremonies, bringing energy and excitement to a night filled with music, delicious New Orleans Buffet, Silent Auction and more.
When: Tuesday, March 4 from 5:30-9 p.m.
Where: Mellwood Art Center, 1860 Mellwood Avenue
Don’t miss this unforgettable event. Tickets on sale now!
+ Attend the 15th Annual Interfaith Iftar Dinner
 Attend the annual Iftar dinner presented by Muslim Americans for Compassion. This annual event presents an opportunity for attendees to engage with people from diverse backgrounds, including religious traditions. Iftar is the daily breaking of the fast during the holy month of Ramadan.
+ Celebrate International Women's Day with Americana's Annual Breakfast Briefing
In response to evolving community conversations, this year’s Breakfast Briefing will focus on the Downstream effects of Immigration Policy. Given the vital role of community spaces in these discussions, this year’s event will be held at Americana Community Center, a cornerstone support for immigrant and refugees in the city.
Now more than ever, community support is critical. Americana is facing closure, and urgent action is needed to keep its doors open. Attending, sponsoring, or donating to this event directly supports the SOS Americana campaign, ensuring that essential programs continue for those who rely on them.
To purchase tickets, become a sponsor, or make a donation, visit americanacc.org/iwd More information on the campaign can be found at sos.americanacc.org
The community’s involvement can make a lasting impact.
+ Explore Your Future with Louisville Metro Government!
 Louisville Metro Government invites job seekers to an exciting career event on Tuesday, March 18, at Louisville Slugger Field (501 East Main Street) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This is an opportunity to discover endless career paths, competitive benefits, and a workplace where growth and change are encourages. Don’t miss this chance to learn how a career in public service can make a difference.
Image of the Week
On February 20, the Office for Immigrant Affairs, in collaboration with University of Louisville’s College of Arts and Sciences, the University Writing Center, and the University of Louisville Classical and Modern Languages, hosted the celebration of International Mother Language Day. This event highlighted the linguistic and cultural diversity within our communities and beyond. It was truly inspiring to see the community come together to celebrate our collective heartfelt thank you to all participants, sponsors, and collaborators who made this second annual citywide event possible.
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Policy Updates
+ DHS Secretary Cancels Temporary Protected Status (TPS) extension for Haitians
On February 20, the Trump administration announced that it will cancel a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) extension for Haitians, potentially ending protections on August 3, 2025. The extension was previously designated by the Biden administration until February 2026.
This decision impacts over 520,000 Haitians eligible for TPS nationally, potentially stripping grantees of work permits and exposing them to deportation despite ongoing instability in Haiti.
+ Immigration Policy Tracker
The Immigration Policy Tracking project keeps up with federal agencies policy memos, executive action, and internal communication. Be sure to keep up with new communications here: Immigration Policy Tracking Project
+ Summary of Day 1 Executive Orders
The new presidential administration announced a slew of executive orders that will impact our immigration policies. See a summary of the day one actions here: American Immigration Council Summary
+ Sign up to receive emergency alerts in your language
Sign up to receive emergency alerts on your cell phone!
Text "LENSAlert" to 67283
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