INTLCXN: Opportunities and Insights for Immigrant and Refugee Support in Indiana

On September 25th, The International Center hosted a webinar highlighting key organizations in Indiana that provide critical support for immigrants and refugees. The event underscored the importance of community involvement in assisting newcomers as they adjust to life in the United States. From offering housing and employment services to fostering cultural exchange and understanding, Indiana is home to several organizations dedicated to making this transition smoother. Here’s a closer look at some of these organizations, what they do, and how you can get involved in their efforts.

Catholic Charities Indianapolis

Catholic Charities Indianapolis plays a vital role in the resettlement of refugees and immigrants, offering comprehensive services designed to address both immediate needs and long-term integration. Their Refugee and Immigrant Services program provides assistance with finding housing, learning English, securing employment, and navigating the legal processes surrounding immigration status. They also offer specialized programs for children and older adults, ensuring that no one is left behind.

How You Can Help: You can get involved by donating funds or household goods, or by volunteering your time to help refugees and immigrants learn English or settle into their new homes. Catholic Charities also welcomes volunteers who are interested in becoming mentors to newly arrived families.

Learn more: Catholic Charities Refugee and Immigrant Services

Contact: Gabrielle Neal, MSW (gcampo@archindy.org)

Exodus Refugee Immigration

Exodus Refugee Immigration has been a cornerstone in the refugee resettlement landscape of Indiana. They work with individuals and families fleeing persecution and violence to help them build new lives here. Exodus offers a variety of services, including pre-arrival planning, case management, employment services, and access to healthcare and education. The organization also runs a specialized program for survivors of torture, offering psychological and emotional support.

How You Can Help: Volunteers and donors are always needed at Exodus. Opportunities range from helping families furnish their new homes to assisting with job readiness training and education. You can also become a volunteer mentor, guiding refugees as they navigate the challenges of their new lives.

Learn more: Exodus Refugee Immigration

Contact: Jericho Jones (jjones@exodusrefugee.org)

Immigrant Welcome Center

The Immigrant Welcome Center (IWC) focuses on empowering immigrants and refugees through advocacy, connection to resources, and community engagement. They provide personalized services to help immigrants connect with employment opportunities, healthcare, legal aid, and education. IWC also trains volunteers to serve as “Natural Helpers,” a peer-support program that empowers community members to help immigrants successfully navigate their new environment.

How You Can Help: Volunteers can become Natural Helpers, offering peer-to-peer support to immigrants in areas like housing, employment, and language acquisition. The IWC also encourages community members to participate in advocacy initiatives and attend public events aimed at fostering cultural exchange and understanding.

Learn more: Immigrant Welcome Center

Contact: Christina Arrom Garza, J.D. (carrom@immigrantwelcomecenter.org)

Patchwork Indy

Patchwork Indy is dedicated to uniting the diverse cultural communities that now call Indiana home. Their vision is to foster a “patchwork” of diversity, equity, and integration by promoting acceptance and inclusion. Through collaboration and innovation, Patchwork Indy strives to support refugees and immigrants as they progress from surviving, to thriving, to flourishing in their new environments. Patchwork Indy’s approach is multi-faceted, offering advocacy, advancement, and awareness initiatives to empower individuals and enrich the community. They work tirelessly to ensure that every person, regardless of their background or experiences, can build a meaningful and healthy life in Indiana.

How You Can Help: If you have a passion for the arts or simply want to help build stronger communities, Patchwork Indy offers various volunteer opportunities. From event planning to directly engaging with immigrant families, there are numerous ways to get involved.

Learn more: Patchwork Indy

Contact: Ally Ntumba, MBA (ally@patchworkindy.org)

Welcome Corps

Welcome Corps is a groundbreaking national initiative that empowers ordinary Americans to sponsor and support refugees. Modeled after similar programs in Canada, Welcome Corps allows small groups of community members to step up and directly support refugee families during their first few months in the U.S. This initiative not only provides crucial financial and logistical help to refugees but also builds lasting relationships that foster mutual understanding.

How You Can Help: Anyone can participate in Welcome Corps by forming a sponsorship group. This group will collectively fundraise, secure housing, and offer hands-on support to refugees as they rebuild their lives in the U.S. It’s a powerful way to create change at the grassroots level.

Learn more: Welcome Corps

Contact: Ryan Schultheis, J.D. (schultheisra@state.gov)

The International Center:

As an integral part of Indiana’s international community, The International Center has long been a champion for cross-cultural exchange and understanding. In addition to our work promoting international relations and supporting international visitors, The  Center plays a key role in connecting Hoosiers to global initiatives that directly impact refugees and immigrants. Through partnerships with organizations like UNCF and hosting events like ICY and Loving Day, The International Center continues to foster a welcoming environment for all.