This September, Fort Wayne will be celebrating the culture and heritage of our local residents during Welcoming Week, taking place September 13 – 22, 2024.
Welcoming Fort Wayne Celebrates Welcoming Week
Fort Wayne, Indiana (September 3, 2024) – This September, Fort Wayne will be celebrating the culture and heritage of our local residents during Welcoming Week, taking place September 13 – 22. In collaboration with several community partners, Welcoming Fort Wayne, an initiative of Amani Family Services, offers a wide range of accessible and engaging events for all ages and backgrounds.
“We’re thrilled to be part of the nationwide Welcoming Week celebration alongside over 300 other organizations,” said Amani CEO Ewelina Connolly. “Allen County’s cultural heritage is a source of strength, and the Welcoming Fort Wayne initiative helps us create a more inclusive and welcoming community for everyone.”
Why this week is important:
- Highlights Fort Wayne’s growing multicultural community: Data released by Amani Family Services in 2023 highlights the significant economic and social contributions of immigrants and refugees in Allen County.
- Amplifies the Welcoming Fort Wayne Plan: Launched in January, this plan provides a roadmap for fostering a more welcoming environment for newcomers.
- Showcasing Efforts & Celebrating Achievements: Welcoming Week allows us to celebrate the progress made in inclusion, while showcasing how local partners are implementing incremental efforts to foster a spirit of belonging.
What to expect:
- A Week of Diverse Events: From art exhibitions inspired by the immigrant journey (“Works of Welcome”), to a bustling Welcome Fair featuring local resources, the week offers something for everyone.
- The Annual Welcoming Fort Wayne Awards: This prestigious event recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations who champion a welcoming community for immigrants and refugees. Inspirational speaker Dr. Pascal Losambe will serve as this year’s keynote speaker.
- Free and Accessible Activities: All events are designed to be inclusive and accessible, fostering connections across cultures.
Call to Action:
- Join the Celebration: Get involved by attending Welcoming Week events! See the full schedule at https://amanifamilyservices.org/welcoming-week.
- Register for the Welcoming Fort Wayne Awards: Learn more and register for the event at https://amanifamilyservices.org/welcoming-fort-wayne-awards. Media is invited to join us.
Welcoming Week is made possible by the following sponsors: Presenting Sponsor – Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, Advocate Sponsors – Google, Bowen Health Center and NIPSCO/NiSource Charitable Foundation, Supporter Sponsor – AnCor HR and St. Joseph Community Health Foundation, Welcomer Sponsors – Ivy Tech, Old National Bank and Liechty Media, and Media Sponsor – WANE 15
Schedule of Events
When: 11 AM to 2 PM Saturday, Sept. 14
Where: YMCA Renaissance Pointe, 2323 Bowser Avenue Fort Wayne, IN, 46803
Cost: Free
Description: The annual Welcome Fair gathers vendors, employers, and community organizations together to provide a wealth of resources.Hobnobben Preview
When: 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14
Where: Spectator Lounge at Cinema Center, 437 East Berry Street Fort Wayne, IN, 46802
Cost: Free
Description: Celebrate welcoming through film with Cinema Center!Block Party
When: 9 AM to 2 PM Monday, Sept. 16
Where: Southgate Plaza, 204 E Pettit Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46806 Fort Wayne, IN, 46825
Cost: Free
Description: Join the Chase Bank team and local community organizations for a celebration filled with community resources, giveaways, and music!Welcoming College Tour
When: 10 AM to Noon Tuesday, Sept. 17
Where: Ivy Tech Keith E. Busse Tech Center, Coliseum Campus, 3701 Dean Drive Fort Wayne, IN, 46835
Cost: Free
Description: Join us for a presentation of Ivy Tech’s available programs followed by a bilingual campus tour. Explore how an Ivy Tech education can be accessible for anyone!Dando la bievenida a las historias de los emprendedores immigrantes (Welcoming the Stories of Immigrant Entrepreneurs)
When: 5:30 to 7:30 PM Wednesday, Sept. 18
Where: Northeast Indiana Innovation Center, 3201 Stellhorn Road Fort Wayne, IN, 46815
Cost: Gratis con registro (Free)
Description: Únase a nosotros mientras destacamos las historias inspiradoras de los emprendedores locales a través de un panel de discusión y un evento de networking. El objetivo es celebrar el espíritu emprendedor dentro de nuestra comunidad y proporcionar valiosos conocimientos y conexiones para los asistentes.
*Este programa se llevará a cabo en españolJoin us as we highlight the inspiring stories of local entrepreneurs through a panel discussion and networking event. The aim is to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit within our community and provide valuable insights and connections for attendees.
*This program will take place in SpanishPanelists:
- Fabiola Rosas, Nutrition is Life, Mas Mujer FW
- Victor Espinoza, Carmelita Ice Cream, La Michoacan
- Ingrid Perez Ortega, Pink Duster Cleaning
- Juan Garcia, Hair Studio Evolution
Welcoming Week at Electric Works
When: 11 AM to 1 PM Thursday, Sept. 19
Where: Union Street Market, 1622 Broadway Fort Wayne, IN, 46802
Cost: Free; food available for purchase
Description: Explore the diverse array of food from around the world at Union Street Market, then stop by Amani’s table to learn more about Welcoming Week and how you can celebrate.A Resource Tour of Rudisill Plaza
When: 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19
Where: Bowen Health Clinic, 201 East Rudisill Boulevard Fort Wayne, IN, 46806
Cost: Free
Description: Join us at 201 E. Rudisill Blvd for a tour of the building, learn more about Bowen Health Clinic and other community resources, and more!Welcoming Fort Wayne Awards
When: 8:30 to 10:30 AM Friday, Sept. 20
Where: Ceruti’s Summit Room, 6601 Innovation Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46818
Cost: Free; Registration is required
Description: The 2024 Welcoming Fort Wayne Awards celebrate the achievements of exceptional immigrants and refugees, native community individuals, organizations and companies that have demonstrated a strong commitment to multiculturalism, and others who have shown dedication to creating a welcoming Fort Wayne community. The awards are presented by Welcoming Fort Wayne, an initiative of Amani Family Services.Welcoming Spaces at the 2024 Art This Way Art Crawl: Alley Bash
When: 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20
Where: Downtown Fort Wayne
Cost: Tickets available at Art This Way
Description: Join us for a vibrant, urban event featuring artists in motion and live music in the art-filled alleyways of Downtown Fort Wayne. This year, explore international and multicultural art, music, and language when you visit the Welcoming Spaces area at Art This Way: Alley Bash.Featuring:
- Live art demonstrations
- Live music
- “Welcoming” scavenger hunt
- Photo opportunities
- And more!
Works of Welcome
When: 11 AM to 2 PM Saturday, Sept. 21
Where: Rolland Art Center, 1014 Leesburg Road Fort Wayne, IN, 46808
Cost: Free with registration
Description: Join us for a free opening reception, award ceremony, and silent auction.
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. opening reception, awards begin at 1:00 p.m.
Venue: Rolland Art Center, 1014 Leesburg Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46808
Admission: Free!
Registration opens August 31, 2024Explore a fact-based snapshot of the immigrant and refugee experience in greater Fort Wayne, paired with narrative story portrait collages of specific new Americans. The artwork featured in this exhibit has been created by local students and features data from Welcoming Fort Wayne’s “New Americans in Allen County” report.
Light refreshments will be served.
About Welcoming Week
Welcoming Week is an annual campaign and celebration to showcase the movement of communities striving to be more welcoming places for all, including immigrants. Launched in 2012 by Welcoming America and its members, Welcoming Week provides individuals and communities the opportunity to proclaim welcoming values through events and local initiatives that foster mutual understanding between immigrants and non-immigrants, as well as deeper belonging for all.About Welcoming America
Welcoming America is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that leads a movement of inclusive communities becoming more prosperous by ensuring everyone belongs. Through the Welcoming Network, we work to change systems and culture by providing communities the roadmap they need to create welcoming policies and share new approaches to inclusion to create an environment where everyone can truly thrive. Learn more at welcomingamerica.org.
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