Registration for the Baltimore Immigration Summit on May 31 is NOW OPEN! Register for this FREE EVENT here
April 1st marked the first year countdown to Census 2020. Historically, immigrants have been underrepresented in the decennial count. Help us increase Census participation by commenting on the Complete Count Committee Action Plan, which includes a section on how to engage New American communities in Baltimore. The Baltimore Complete Count Committee Action Plan is available for public comment throughout the month of April.
Tell us how to reach your communities as Everyone Counts in Baltimore!
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MIMA's Strategic Plan: Tell us What YOU Think!
The Mayor’s Office of immigrant Affairs (MIMA) was established in 2014 as a result of recommendation of the New Americans Task Force and its report “The Role of Immigrants in Growing Baltimore.”
Five years after the initial release of that report, MIMA recognizes the demographics and needs of New Americans in Baltimore may have changed and require a new strategy. That’s why MIMA will be releasing an updated strategic plan this summer, but before its release, we need YOUR input.
Let us know what you think about our Strategic Plan here.
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MIMA en Español: Be on Alert for Utility Pricing Scam / Alerta de Estafa de Utilidades
Alerta de Estafa de Utilidades
Snapshot of Our Community: International Family Night
On April 4, Baltimore City Public Schools held its first ever International Family Night at the Inner Harbor! Over 700 families registered to attend the event at Columbus Center for a night of food, fun and celebrations for Baltimore’s immigrant and newcomer communities from all over the city. MIMA and community partners participated in the event to provide information and resources.
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Partner Spotlight: Baltimore City Community College and Baltimore City Community Action Partnership initiative
This month, Ex Officio Mayor Young joined representatives of U.S. Conference of Mayors to kick off a partnership between the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, Baltimore Community Action Partnerships and Baltimore City Community College to promote financial literacy among English language learner students.
The initiative, funded by a DollarWise grant from the US Conference of Mayors, allows English Language Learner students attending BCCC to access workshops and one-on-one coaching based on financial literacy topics. In addition, the initiative will release a series of public service announcements to increase awareness and access to information about the importance of financial literacy to those who are new to the country. Check out the first PSA!
For information regarding financial services please contact 410-396-3228.
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National Happenings: Proposal to Amend the Citizenship Fee Waiver
When applying for citizenship, if you’re receiving a means-tested public benefit, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), you may still currently qualify for a fee waiver. On April 5, 2019, the Trump administration proposed eliminating the means-tested benefit as a way to qualify for the fee waiver. This proposal could become effective as early as late May. What can you do?
- Submit comment opposing the proposed regulation by May 6, 2019
- Contact your member of Congress, urging them to take action against the proposal.
MIMA encourages all eligible lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to apply for citizenship as soon as possible - before the change eliminates fee waivers for those who receive means-tested benefits. Impacted residents should seek legal advice from licensed attorneys or legal service providers. Check out MIMA’s Welcome Guide for information regarding legal services or via AILA’s Immigration Lawyer Search
Grant Opportunities
Maryland State Department of Education – Pre-K Development Grant for Early Childhood Advisory Councils: This grant supports efforts to foster collaboration and maximize local resources to prepare children with high needs (including children from low-income families, children with disabilities, and English Learners) to enter kindergarten. Deadline for Submission: May 31st no later than 4:00 p.m.
Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation – Autumn Round of Grants: The Foundation considers requests to support museums, cultural, and performing arts programs; schools, hospitals, educational and skills training programs, programs for youth, seniors, and persons with disabilities; environmental and wildlife protection activities; and other community-based organizations and their programs. Awards typically range from $1,000 to $20,000. Deadline for Submission: May 10th.
Baltimore Heritage Area Association – Heritage Investment Grants: This grant is a source of funding designed to provide small, but strategic investments in cultural heritage tourism projects and organizations within the boundaries of the heritage area. First-time applicants are required to attend an information session on the grant process. Deadline for Submission: June 5th.
Chesapeake Bay Trust – Community Engagement Grant: The Community Engagement Grant is designed to engage Maryland residents in activities that enhance communities, engage residents, and improve natural resources. Requests for this Grant Program are accepted on an on-going basis until funds are fully expended for the fiscal year.
Wells Fargo – Community Development Grant: Wells Fargo is interested in funding organizations that focus on workforce training and job-readiness, affordable rental housing and home ownership, and support for diverse/underserved entrepreneurs and small businesses. Applications open on May 1, 2019 and are due by July 1, 2019.
Calendar of Events
2019 International Fair at Digital Harbor April 26, 8:00AM – 2:50PM Digital Harbor High School 1100 Covington St.
Día del Niño– Children’s Day April 27, 11:00AM-2:00PM Patterson Park (Pagoda) 27 S. Patterson Park Ave.
Roots & Raíces Youth Fest April 28, 1:00PM -12:00AM 128 W. North Ave. Main Entrance through Maryland Ave. and 19 1/12 St.
Flower Mart Dog Show and Parade May 4, 12:30 PM -1:30PM Flower Mart at Mount Vernon Place
11th Annual LPN Feria Latina May 4, 10:00AM Sagrado Corazon de Jesus/ Sacred Heart of Jesus 600 S Conkling St
21st Annual Kinetic Sculpture Race May 4, 9:30AM American Visionary Art Museum 800 Key Hwy.
Educación para Compradores de Vivienda May 9, 5:00PM Southeast CDC 500 South Highland Ave.
Lithuanian Festival – Baltimore May 11, 11:00 AM- 6:00PM Lithuanian Hall 851 Hollins St.
7th Annual African American Children's Book Fair May 11, 10:00AM – 4:00PM Reginald F. Lewis Museum 830 E Pratt St.
The Unwanted: America, Auschwitz, and a Village Caught in Between May 15, 7:00PM Jewish Museum of Maryland 15 Lloyd St.
MICA Annual ArtWalk May 17, 5:30PM- 8:30PM\ Maryland Institute College of Art 1300 W. Mt Royal Ave.
Komite Ayiti Presents Haitian Flag Day Celebration May 19, 5:00PM-8:30PM Creative Alliance 3134 Eastern Ave.
Baltimore Immigration Summit May 31, 8:30AM-4:30PM Coppin State University Physical Education Complex
2019 Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Event May 31, 5:00PM- 9:00PM Brown Center, Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) 1301 West Mount Royal Ave.
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Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs 100 N. Holliday Street, Room 250 Baltimore, MD 21202 410-396-8056
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