New American Leadership Institute (NALI)
Congratulations to the graduates of our 4th New American Leadership Institute (NALI) program, an annual four-session civics academy for emerging immigrant & refugee leaders to learn about the structure of local government, hone leadership skills, network with peers, and identify opportunities for civic participation. Their initiative to participate in the program is a clear example of their dedication and commitment to improving their communities and our city as a whole. We at MIMA could not be more proud of this cohort! Stay tuned for the next application cycle in 2023.
MIMA Biweekly Community Stakeholder Calls
Are you a service provider, non-profit worker, faith leader or community advocate working with Baltimore City immigrant communities? MIMA’s Biweekly Community Stakeholder Calls bring together community partners and city agencies to share resources, updates, and information about programs. Past presenters have covered ESOL classes, housing resources, immigration legal services, workforce development, rental assistance, and food distribution, among other topics. To receive calendar invitations or post-meeting notes, complete the Community Stakeholder Call sign-up form to join the mailing list. We send agendas in advance, so you can decide whether to join depending on interest.
Funding for Community Events Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy
Funding is available for organizations seeking to hold events addressing vaccine hesitancy (e.g., Q&A sessions, health fairs, back-to-school events) until November 13. For more information, please contact Gina Baez at gina.baez@baltimorecity.gov
Vaccination
Everyone should stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccination, including all primary series doses and boosters recommended for their age group:
- People ages 6 months through 4 years should get all COVID-19 primary series doses.
- People ages 5 years and older should get all primary series doses, and the booster dose recommended for them by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if eligible.
- People ages 5 years to 11 years are currently recommended to get the original (monovalent) booster.
- People ages 12 years and older are recommended to receive one updated Pfizer or Moderna (bivalent) booster. This includes people who have received all primary series doses and people who have previously received one or more original (monovalent) boosters. You can receive the updated booster if it has been at least 2 months since your final primary dose or last booster.
For more information about vaccine recommendations in English and Spanish, visit the CDC vaccination and booster web page.
 You can register for the vaccine appointment by visiting the Baltimore City Health Department's vaccination registration web page, available in English and Spanish, or by calling 443-984-8650. Spanish speakers can call and/or leave a voicemail with the Esperanza Center (667-600-2314) to sign up for a vaccine appointment. If you leave a voicemail, you will get a call back within 24-48 hours.
Testing
Check MIMA’s Facebook page every Monday for the upcoming week’s testing schedule.
Treatment
If you have tested positive for COVID-19 and are having symptoms, there may be treatment available for you. These treatments are only for patients who are at high risk of severe covid illness. Those who may be eligible can complete the Baltimore Convention Center Field Hospital COVID Task Force Adult Patient Telehealth Self-Referral Form.
As MIMA continues to reconnect with community groups, this past month, we've had the pleasure of chatting with organizations making change throughout Baltimore. Read more about how they're working to support our Baltimore communities!
Are you a nonprofit organization, ethnic civic organization, religious institution, or other community group interested in meeting with MIMA? Contact us at mima@baltimorecity.gov.
Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC)
LEDC equips Latinos and other underserved communities with the skills and financial tools to create a better future for their families and communities. Programs include small business loans, business advice, credit building, homeownership counseling, and affordable housing preservation/tenant organizing.
ICNA Relief Maryland
ICNA Relief strives to uplift the underserved in the US through a nationwide network of shelters, food pantries, health clinics, skill development programs, disaster relief services, refugee services and more. In Baltimore, ICNA Relief Maryland services include a Women’s Transitional Home, Financial Assistance and Support Services, Food Distribution, and Muslim Family Services Counseling.
Women’s Law Center
The Women’s Law Center of Maryland serves as a leading voice for justice and fairness for women by advocating for the physical safety, economic security, and autonomy of women throughout the state. They work towards this goal by providing direct legal representation, information and referral services, and legislative advocacy.
Just Neighbors
Just Neighbors provides high-quality immigration legal services to low-income immigrants, asylees and refugees in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
Centro Sol
Centro Sol promotes equity in health and opportunity for Latinos by advancing clinical care, research, education, and advocacy at Johns Hopkins and beyond in active partnership with its Latino neighbors. Programs focus on education, research, community health, outreach, and community resources.
Esperanza Center
The Esperanza Center is a comprehensive resource center whose mission is to welcome immigrants by offering hope, compassionate services, and the power to improve their lives. Services include those related to education, health care, immigration legal matters, family reunification, anti-trafficking, and general community support.
What's New This Month?
New System for Online Payments
Starting this month, the City of Baltimore will be transitioning to Paymentus, a new customer portal for online bill payments. The City has implemented the new system for existing online payment types, effective October 1, 2022. Paymentus uses a new Interactive Voice Response (IVR) phone number, available in both English and Spanish.
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New IVR number (as of Oct. 1)
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Pay by credit card
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866-377-0765
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Pay by check (ACH)
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866-377-0765
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Customers with future or recurring payments scheduled through the City’s current portal need to take action to reschedule payments through the new website. To schedule future or recurring payments, residents need to set up an account through the new customer payment portal.
For more information and step-by-step guides for using the new system, visit the Payment Frequently Asked Questions page.
Free Assistance for Cameroonians Applying for Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
Just Neighbors (immigration legal services) will be providing free assistance to Cameroonians applying for TPS. Cameroonians who have no permanent status and who entered the United States before April 14, 2022, may qualify for TPS and thereby obtain a work permit and the right to remain in the United States. Please contact Just Neighbors on Tuesday–Friday from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. at 703-979-1240 to complete a screening and see if you qualify for the immigration services. For all other immigration case inquiries, please contact the same intake line during the same hours.
Baltimore City Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Commission
The Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs is currently accepting applications for the LGBTQ Commission. The commission will support the duties of the office, advise the Mayor, City Council, and City agencies about issues of concern affecting the LGBTQ community, recommend policies and legislation, bring the LGBTQ communities and the larger Baltimore community together through long-ranged projects, and ensure that City agencies fairly and equitably address issues affecting Baltimore's LGBTQ communities. For more information and to apply, visit the LGBTQ Commission web page.
Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners
Mayor Brandon M. Scott is seeking candidates to serve on the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners. The Board is responsible for raising the level of academic achievement of the students enrolled in Baltimore City Public Schools, improving the management and administration of the city’s public school system, and is held accountable for the academic achievement of the public school students in Baltimore City. For more information and to apply, visit the Board of School Commissioners web page.
Baltimore City Community College (BCCC) ESOL and CNA Courses
BCCC English Language Services program's Integrated English Language & Civics Education / Certified Nursing Assistant (IELCE/IET CNA) course provides students with the knowledge and skills required of CNAs, while offering ESL. All Maryland residents are eligible, but they must be able to attend the in-person program component in Baltimore City. The intake form can be completed here. For more information on the IELCE/IET CNA course and other no-cost offerings, please see IELCE/IET CNA course flyer or contact Noah Grant at ngrant@BCCC.edu or 410-986-5430. More information on offerings can also be found on the ELS Department homepage, and an interest form is available for all programs.
iPromise Center Baltimore
iPromise is an enrichment and emotional support program for K-12 located in Baltimore City and Anne Arundel County. For more information, see the iPromise flyer. If you are interested in partnering, please contact ipromise@lotusbhrsinc.org or visit the LOTUS BHRS website.
Small Business Grants from Baltimore Base Network
If your business needs business development funds for 2022 and your revenue has been affected due to COVID-19, you can apply for a grant and be awarded based on annual revenue through Baltimore Base Network’s small business grants! Funds can be used to pay for future e-commerce, technology, marketing, legal, accounting, and human resources, special initiatives, safety measures, expenses related to pandemic recovery, new line of business, or business strategy pivoting. Businesses must identify actual or estimated costs in their applications. Businesses must be located in Baltimore City. ITIN holders are eligible to apply. Applications close on October 13, 2022. Visit the Baltimore BASE Network website for more details and to apply.
Orientation for Starting Small Businesses
Join LEDC, Gallery Church and Comunidad Catarsis on October 25, 2022, at 7 p.m. at Gallery Church (3115 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore MD, 21224) to learn more about small businesses. This event will offer support for starting small businesses, free and comprehensive advising, orientation for registering a company, and more. The event will be conducted in Spanish. For more information, contact (410) 892-6999 on WhatsApp.
Grow My Business (GMB)
GMB is a 12-session business growth program designed to accelerate women entrepreneurs with existing microenterprises. Participants will increase their understanding and effectiveness in business and accelerate sales of their products and services through training and peer and professional support. For more information, see the GMB flyer. To apply, complete the GMB Program Application.
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Featherstone Foundation Reaching New Heights Financial Industry Training Program
Interested in working in the banking and financial industry? The Featherstone Foundation's Reaching New Heights program is a free 8-week career development program that expands pathways into professional careers for immigrants and multilingual communities who have non-traditional challenges entering the workforce. Graduates now work for top corporations such as Bank of America, BGE, Fulton Bank, MECU, PNC, Pandora, State Farm, Truist, and Wells Fargo, earning between $9,000-$42,000 more in wages plus benefits. The next program starts on October 15, 2022, and a few slots are available. Participants must have work authorization and speak English. Visit the Featherstone Foundation's website for more information and to apply by October 13.
Our Baltimore “Shape Your City” Workshops
Our Baltimore is a comprehensive plan to guide physical development of the City over the next ten years and beyond. The plan is based on community input and values, with a focus on topics related to urban planning. As the Baltimore City Department of Planning (DOP) moves to Phase 2 of the plan, they are hosting public workshops to help develop recommendations. Visit the DOP press release to see the full schedule, dates, location, and times.
Maryland Hunger Solutions
Maryland Hunger Solutions provides training on SNAP, assistance with applications and redeterminations, finding food resources, food distributions/pantries, and more. For more information, contact Jenny Torres at JTorres@mdhungersolutions.org. Those needing assistance applying for SNAP can call 1-866-821-5552.
Training on HOME Act for Property Owners
The Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition will be holding free online training on the HOME Act, the new protected class it creates, and the many business practices that must change to comply with the law. For more information, visit the Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition website.
CASH Campaign of Maryland Clínica de Impuestos
The Clínica de Impuestos is a monthly Spanish-language IRS VITA free tax preparation clinic, catering to the growing Hispanic and Latinx population in Baltimore City and County. The final clínica will take place on Thursday October 27 in Downtown Baltimore City at the BMore CoLab. To register for the final clínica, complete the Clínica de Impuestos intake form. For more information, see the Clínica de Impuestos flyer (Spanish).
Grant Opportunities
Comcast RISE Investment Fund
The Comcast RISE Investment Fund offers business grants for businesses owned by people of color and/or women. The application period ends on October 16, 2022. For more information and to apply, visit the Comcast RISE website.
Urban Agriculture Request for Proposals (RFP)
The Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD), in partnership with the Department of Planning (DOP) is seeking urban farming proposals from for-profits, non-profits, or individuals for one or more of four identified city-owned sites. Proposals will be received until November 16, 2022. For more information and to apply, visit the Urban Agriculture RFP web page.
Community Events
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Second Thursdays with National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) Baltimore
Sweet 27, 123 W 27th. Street, Baltimore, MD
October 13, 6 p.m.
The Second Thursdays program celebrates local Asian-owned businesses, especially restaurants, as anchors of the Asian and Pacific Islander American (APIA) community in the region. Every month, NAAAP brings together APIA professionals to socialize, hear from local leaders, and learn about upcoming events and opportunities. For more information and to RSVP, visit the October Second Thursdays web page.
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Free Fall Baltimore
Multiple locations
Throughout October
Every October, Free Fall Baltimore showcases the importance of the arts with free concerts, dance and theater performances, festivals, lectures, workshops, art exhibitions, and special events. By providing a variety of virtual and in-person events, Free Fall Baltimore maintains public health & safety while expanding its virtual reach beyond Baltimore City. Visit the Free Fall Baltimore website for the full schedule of free events.
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Mayor’s Fall Cleanup/Day of Service
Multiple locations
October 22, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Join Mayor Brandon M. Scott for this year's Fall Cleanup/Day of Service to contribute to keeping your city cleaner and greener. To register, call 311 or visit the Day of Service sign-up form. Registration ends Sunday, October 16.
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Civil Rights Week 2022
Multiple locations
October 31–November 4
The Baltimore City Office of Equity and Civil Rights presents a week-long celebration of services, accomplishments, and new milestones, starting with their signature Equity and Civil Rights Breakfast, a 29-year tradition. Join them for exciting speakers, workshops, hybrid and virtual performances, and more! For more information, visit the Civil Rights Week website.
National Happenings
Biden Administration Publishes Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Presidential Determination (PD)
On September 27, 2022, President Biden recommended at least 125,000 refugees be resettled during FY2023. While the administration announced the same PD for FY2022, only 16% of that number were resettled. With the number of forcibly displaced individuals increasing over the past year, advocates are urging Congress to allocate resources toward refugee admissions. To read more about how leaders are responding to the PD announcement, see the press release from the National Partnership for New Americans.
Southeast Asian Deportation Relief Act (SEADRA)
Lawmakers in Congress introduced a bill on Tuesday, September 21, 2022, that would prevent the Department of Homeland Security from detaining or deporting refugees from Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos who arrived before 2008. It would also end in-person check-ins with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency and authorize permanent employment eligibility for those with final orders of removal. The Southeast Asian Freedom Network and the Southeast Asian Resource Action Center have created a SEADRA toolkit with more information on the legislation and ways to advocate.
Employment Opportunities
[NEW] Paralegal (bilingual Spanish/English preferred), Public Justice Center
[NEW] Technical Assistance Specialist/Early Childhood Coach (bilingual strongly preferred), The Family Tree
[NEW] Construction Building Inspector II (Weatherization) (bilingual Spanish/English preferred), Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development
Economic Development Officer, Baltimore Development Corporation
Bilingual Claims Processor, Governor's Office of Crime Prevention, Youth & Victim Services
Bilingual Housing Counselor, Maryland, LEDC
Bilingual Housing Counselor, Baltimore, LEDC
Want to stay updated with the latest information and resources for our immigrant and refugee communities?
Follow MIMA on Facebook and Instagram!
To sign up to receive our monthly update via email or suggest announcements to include, please contact mima@baltimorecity.gov.
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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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