News Updates
+ Happy Holidays from the Office for Immigrant Affairs
 Happy Holidays from the Office for Immigrant Affairs! As 2024 comes to a close, we want to remind everyone that many Metro Government offices will be shut down on the following days:
- Tuesday December 24, 2024
- Wednesday December 25, 2024
- Wednesday January 1, 2025
We hope everyone has a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season!
+ Office for Immigrant Affairs 2024 in review
  The Office for Immigrant Affairs made big strides in 2024! Here are some of our highlights:
Language Access
Our Language Access Program boasted significant growth this year. We hosted the first ever International Mother Language Day event recognizing the value of world languages in our community. All Louisville Metro Government agencies completed their Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Language Access Plans, and we completed four Language Access training modules for continued improvement.
In collaboration with Kentucky Refugee Ministries, we hosted 16 Language Cafes offering Louisvillians from all corners of the city an opportunity to learn a new language while supporting four immigrant-owned coffee shops: KIWA Cafe, Moka & Co. (formerly Haraz), Safai coffee shop at Logan Street Market, and Abol Cafe.
Mayor's International Advisory Council
Mayor Craig Greenberg established the Mayor's International Advisory Council to reaffirm his commitment to supporting our city's growing international communities. 15 community members and seven Louisville Metro Government representatives will advise the Mayor and the Office for Immigrant Affairs regarding the needs of Louisville’s growing immigrant and refugee communities.
Grant Writing 101 Workshops
In collaboration with the Mayor's Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, we hosted two grant writing workshops for nonprofits to promote growth of our city's immigrant-led nonprofits and community associations. 29 non-profits are now equipped with grant writing tools to set them up for success.
+ Keep up with the Office for Immigrant Affairs for regular social media updates
 As 2024 comes to a close, there is important news to keep up with and events to track. The newsletter comes out twice a month, but for for the most immediate updates, follow us on our social media channels on Facebook and Instagram.
We hope you engage with us!
+ Louisville Metro launches Lien Forgiveness Pilot Program
 This month, Mayor Craig Greenberg announced the launch of the Lien Forgiveness Pilot Program, which will help create safe, quality, affordable housing, while improving the safety and health of neighborhoods.
The goal for LFPP is to create newly renovated, affordable homes and support the redevelopment of vacant and blighted residential structures through the forgiveness of code enforcement liens. The intention of this pilot program is to increase housing stock by rehabilitating vacant and abandoned structures, promote homeownership for low-to-moderate income families, while encouraging reinvestment in local neighborhoods.
You must be the owner of a vacant home with code enforcement liens that is selling to a private buyer in order to qualify for this program.
+ Update from the American Immigration Council
|
From the newsletter: On December 13, the Biden administration issued a permanent rule that automatically extends the validity of certain work permits by up to 540 days if they are timely renewed. The American Immigration Council made this a key ask to the outgoing administration to protect workers from employment gaps as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) continues to address its processing backlogs. Click here to read more details.
|
+ More News You Can Use
Upcoming Events and Things to Know
+ A night of tradition, culture, and holiday cheer!
 Celebrate the warmth and joy of the holiday season at Posada Navideña, organized by Radio Poder in partnership with Latinx business owners!
When: Saturday, December 21, 6 p.m. - 12 a.m.
Where: Bourbon Hall, 116 West Jefferson St.
In Latin culture, a posada is a cherished tradition that recreates Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter before the birth of Jesus. It’s a time for community, music, and celebration, bringing everyone together to share in the spirits of the holidays.
This event is open to the public. Bring your family and friends! There will be music, holiday treats, food booths, and fun activities for the kids.
+ 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.
Updates from the World Affairs Council
 Hershberg Scholarship
If you are a student who is truly committed to create a meaningful growth opportunity through an international experience, The David Hershberg Scholarship for Summer Study Abroad could be a great fit for you. If you or someone you know if interested, learn more here.
Celebrate Learn a Foreign Language Month
Each December, we highlight the benefits of learning new languages and to encourage people to explore linguistic and cultural diversity. The month-long observance emphasizes how language learning improves communication, broadens horizons, and fosters understanding among cultures.
Image of the Year
 The Office for Immigrant Affairs, in partnership with KentuckianaWorks, hosted the 2025 Annual Global Convening in November to address challenges faced by the global community in the city.
This event provided a valuable opportunity for community organizations to come together, share updates, develop initiatives, and create solutions that foster a more inclusive and welcoming city.
With a focus on bridging the employment gap, the convening centered on the theme of workforce development, paving the way for continued conversations and actions to ensure equitable opportunities for all.
Policy Updates
No policy updates in this edition of the newsletter.
+ Sign up for LENSAlert in Multiple Languages
Sign up to receive emergency alerts on your cell phone!
Text "LENSAlert" to 67283
|
