THE POWER OF COMMUNITY
2015 Annual Report
International Institute of Connecticut
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2 IICONN ANNUAL REPORT
Image Credit: Brandon Day
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT & CEO AND OUR BOARD CHAIR
Rafael Aparicio Kathleen Freis Gary Holmes Caroline Pech Leslie Edwin Lewis Robert Maresca, Esq. Jeffrey Mayer Alex Meyerovich George F. Paik Peter Penczer, Esq. Richard Ryscavage, S.J. Robert Smith III Emeritus John LaCava, Esq. George Wolf, Esq.
Image Credit: David Vita
Barbara F. Green, Esq., Chair Jane Norgren, Vice Chair James R. Rulmyr, Secretary Youssef Boutros, Treasurer
As an organization whose mission is focused on serving and empowering refugees, immigrants and survivors of human trafficking, 2015 was a pivotal year for the International Institute of Connecticut, as significant global events and national dialogue affected directly the people we serve and our core mission. In June 2015, the UNHCR annual report announced that the number of displaced people globally had reached 60 million. This staggering number – the highest since World War II – was coupled with the tragic images of people fleeing for their lives from Syria and the continued persecution of people from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Colombia among other countries. Terrible acts of terrorism drew refugees and immigrants into the spotlight, despite clear evidence that the perpetrators of the events in Paris and San Bernardino and elsewhere were not refugees. These events nonetheless stoked the embers of some peoples’ fears and provided ample material to the purveyors of discriminatory and hateful speech. In a similar vein, immigrants living in America have come under extraordinary scrutiny over the past year, with immigration becoming increasingly politicized and polarized. President Obama’s executive action for expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) was pushed into the judicial branch, where it languished until 2016 and where it ended – for now – with a disappointing split decision in the Supreme Court.
“When we came to America, all we hoped for was that we had food to eat every day. A lot of people had just died of starvation, disease, murder. IICONN gave me everything I needed to start a new life. This country gives so much opportunity if you are willing to work hard for it. I love that.” -Bunseng Tain, father, business owner, Cambodian refugee 3 IICONN ANNUAL REPORT
At IICONN, we believe immigration reform is more necessary than ever due in part to long outdated processes that do not begin to address the specific circumstances of today’s globalized environment and that do not recognize the significant economic, cultural, and professional contributions of immigrants to our communities and inextricably, to the success of our nation. The United States has a rich history of welcoming refugees and immigrants seeking safety, justice and opportunity. The Statue of Liberty – the iconic beacon in New York harbor – is a poignant reminder of our nation’s legacy of welcoming scores of people coming to our shores “yearning to breathe free.” At IICONN, we hold fast to these principles and to our mission. The US refugee resettlement program reflects our nation’s values and commitment to compassion, kindness and humanitarian leadership. Displaced as a result of violence or persecution, refugees are forced to flee their home countries, leaving everything behind, including loved ones, to seek safety in a foreign land. IICONN is deeply committed to this program and is proud to receive and resettle refugees in Bridgeport; we actively encourage our communities to open their collective arms to welcome these newcomers. IICONN’s Immigration Legal Services program transforms the lives and legal status of the low-income clients we serve. We provide immigrants with the legal advice and representation they need to solve the critical problems affecting their ability to be selfsufficient, to access immigration benefits, to reunify with family members, and to improve the quality of life in America. We continue to advocate for the millions of undocumented immigrants who are active, engaged, tax-paying and contributing members of our communities. We fiercely believe that they, too, deserve a voice and the opportunity to enjoy the rights to which all people are entitled.
COLLABORATION Solving today’s complex immigration, refugee, and human trafficking issues is beyond the purview of IICONN alone. We work collaboratively to build cross-sector partnerships that allow us to make a greater impact throughout Connecticut’s communities. Collaborations include those with health care services, adult education groups, faith based organizations, like-minded nonprofits, and community businesses.
Project Rescue continues to be a leader in the anti-human trafficking efforts in Connecticut. We are fostering new community partnerships and helping to build the statewide coalition to ensure strong, coordinated education, outreach and response. IICONN’s Project Rescue team saw increased numbers of unaccompanied minors arriving into Connecticut and is well prepared to serve these young people who have endured long and painful journeys seeking safety and a place to call home. This was a year of consolidating our strengths and expanding our community roots wide and deep. As you will read in this Annual Report, IICONN staff exceeded impact goals and delivered high quality programs with exceptional results for thousands of refugees, immigrants and survivors in Connecticut. We continued to engage with a wide range of community partners without whom our work would not be possible. At the local level, IICONN witnessed an outpouring of community desire to speak up, take action and make a difference. 2015 demonstrated the power of community: how committed individuals moved to action can collectively have significant impact. IICONN is humbled by and grateful for the many members of our Connecticut communities who furnish apartments for newly arriving refugees, represent pro bono asylum applicants, sort donated goods, tutor English, contact elected officials, teach knitting or beading or gardening, mentor and befriend refugees, and provide survivors with hope and humor. To all of our community volunteers, mentors and partners - this 2015 Annual Report is dedicated to you. In this report, you will see the tremendous impact that IICONN is having on our clients and in our local community. We could not have achieved our successes without you. Thank you.
Claudia Connor President & CEO
Barbara F. Green Chair, Board of Directors
RECIPIENT OF CONNECTICUT WOMEN’S HALL OF FAME FOUNDING PRESIDENT’S AWARD IICONN ANNUAL REPORT 4
Image Credit: Lucas Franco
OUR MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES
MISSION. The International Institute of
Connecticut is a statewide nonprofit organization that assists refugees and immigrants with resolving legal, economic, linguistic and social barriers so that they become self-sufficient, integrated and contributing members of the community. IICONN achieves this mission by providing a compassionate array of high-quality legal, social and educational programming and by promoting cross-cultural understanding and decent treatment for all.
VISION. IICONN envisions Connecticut as a
place where new Americans may fully participate in our culturally diverse communities, where low-income families may have access to affordable immigration services and be reunited with family, where survivors of crime and persecution may have the resources needed to become self-supporting and healed and where ethnic diversity is valued as a cultural and economic strength by all.
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VALUES.
Collaborative | We are a stronger organization when we work collaboratively with other social service organizations and government agencies to provide the best possible services to our clients. Adaptable | We are resourceful and nimble. We have succeeded and endured because of our ability to change and evolve to meet the needs of the refugees and immigrants we serve. Compassion | We are a human service organization and our services are marked by cultural competence, empathy and understanding. Integrity | We are well-respected by our constituents, our peers and our funders and we maintain the highest level of honesty and respect in all aspects of our work. Expertise | We are recognized as an organization with a high level of knowledge, professionalism and experience in the field.
“
AS YOU DISCOVER WHAT STRENGTH YOU CAN DRAW FROM YOUR COMMUNITY IN THIS WORLD FROM WHICH IT STANDS APART, LOOK OUTWARD AS WELL AS INWARD. BUILD BRIDGES INSTEAD OF WALLS. CHIEF JUSTICE SONIA SOTOMAYOR
”
RECIPIENT OF $25,000 GRANT FROM NBC UNIVERSAL FOUNDATION
IICONN ANNUAL REPORT 6
COM•MU•NI•TY a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals. Each year, IICONN works with thousands of people. These include program beneficiaries newly arrived refugees, immigrants, victims of torture and trafficking, children and families - as well as local volunteers, elected officials, medical and wellness professionals, students, local busineses, and many more.
THE FACES OF OUR COMMUNITY Carleen is one of IICONN’s mentors. Carleen mentors a young girl and her family, for whom she has been an invaluable source of support.
“The love that they have brought to our family...”
President, Southern CT Region, of People’s United Bank was the keynote speaker at the Naturalization Ceremony where he spoke about his journey as an immigrant from Portugal.
CARLEEN mother, grandmother, IICONN mentor
ARMANDO Goncalves, former IICONN board member
Together, we are building an engaged community throughout Connecticut that is founded on equality, hope, and deep human connection. Here are just a few of the many faces that helped to build our community in 2015.
MOTHER survivor, refugee, IICONN client
“I am a survivor of domestic violence, which a lot of women go through...and a lot of women stay quiet...that is why its important to speak up. Because there are people out there that defend our rights. Thanks to the support from IICONN, I have been able to move on with my life. Today, I am very happy and my daughters are very happy here with me.”
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VOLUNTEERS Norfield Congregational Church
Giving Day at Norfield Congregational Church has evolved into a five-year partnership with IICONN. Today, members of the Norfield Community are mentors, community educators, and work collaboratively with members of other congregations to furnish apartments for newly arriving refugees.
Congressman Richard Blumenthal visits IICONN for roundtable discussions and working meetings.
“I have never been loved the way I feel loved since I came here.” OKALAKA
CONGRESSMAN
former teacher, student, refugee
Richard Blumenthal
CLEMENT Cheesecake Factory employee, refugee
MAGUE mother, seamstress, widow, refugee
“I am very happy to have come here.” STUDENTS leaders, refugees
This group of IICONN youth participates in the Refugee Mentor Program. These Bridgeport high school students are touring Fairfield University to learn about full tuition scholarships available to qualifying high school graduates.
“When I came here, I just hoped I could work.”
175 COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS AND MENTORS COMMITTED 5,653 HOURS OF SERVICE. PRO BONO ATTORNEYS PROVIDED 2,000 HOURS OF LEGAL AID. IICONN ANNUAL REPORT 8
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT Many thanks to Books4Everyone and the Greenwich Boys and Girls Club for donating new backpacks filled with supplies. Julio of Books4Everyone recalled how valuable backpacks and supplies had been for him and his family when they arrived in the US, and felt that IICONN would be able to distribute the backpacks to children who had just arrived in Bridgeport and were now enrolling in school prior to enrolling in school.
2015 BY THE NUMBERS 2,848
new immigration cases opened by legal services.
89 refugees resettled from 5
266
lawful permanent residents were guided through the citizenship application process.
countries.
We want to thank all of our volunteers, and the many organizations with whom we work.
37clients enrolled in Project Rescue from 10 Graphics Copyright FreePik
1,300 individuals
across the state were provided information on immigration laws, humanitarian relief, and “Know your Rights� for undocumented individuals.
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countries.
40 mentors
partnered with newly arrived refugees to provide support and serve as reliable liaisons with the Bridgeport community.
742 Paralegals,
Attorneys, Educators, Students, Providers, Health Centers, and community members trained on human trafficking issues.
12 survivors of persecution and torture won asylum.
18 T-Visas approved for victims of human trafficking.
VISA
26 financial literacy classes taught by the New American Micro Loan Program on banking, budgeting, consumer protection, & more.
56 survivors of
human trafficking, domestic violence, and other serious crimes secured legal status.
42 survivors of torture, including
recently resettled refugees and asylum seekers, were enrolled into intensive case management services. Providers representing the medical, mental health, legal, housing, education, and social services disciplines in the Bridgeport area provided support services.
18 Beauty School program
sessions were held, providing psychosocial wellness and life skills building for women enrolled in IICONN’s Survivor Services and Refugee Services programs.
RECIPIENT OF $40,000 GRANT FROM CITI COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOR NEW AMERICANS MICROLOAN PROGRAM IICONN ANNUAL REPORT 10
FINANCIALS 2015 Expenses Language Services 3% Fundraising 1% Survivor Services 13%
Immigration Services 30% General & Administrative 9%
Refugee Services 44%
2015 Revenue: $1.97 million Government & Related Grants 42% Professional Service Fees 33%
Individual Contributions 4%
Corporate & Foundation Grants 21%
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DONORS >$99 Aum Family Yoga LLC Jon and Alice Bauer Gianna Bavido Jamie Bennison Samantha Bremer Miggs and Esta F. Burroughs Maureen Jane Carini Laurence Caso John Cody Robert Colgan Mary Crawford Jack R. and Joan M. Cutting, In Memory of Kenneth Thoman Bill and Barbara Daley, In Memory of Kenneth Thoman Don and Marie Dallas Francis J. and Aileen Donnelly Aniko Dowell Justine Feighery Janet Fisher Cynthia Flynn Charlie Galliher Sabra Gallo Susan Gay Chris George Marie Geyer Anita Gliniecki and Robert Dombrowski Daniel and Terri Green Susan Grey Jennifer Gutman Clare B. Hare Kelly Hebrank Julian Henkin William and Sarah Hickson Jennifer Hnath Fiona K. Hodgson Linda Hoskins Melissa Jacobs Laura Jones Dylan Malone Jones and Christin Knowlton Jean-Pierre Kamwa Jocelyn Keith John Keith and Cynthia Russell Bounnhon and Chanmaly Khamhoung Alicia and Douglas Kinsman Peter and Carleen Kunkel Phoebe Leask Jennifer Letitia Margaret Leuro Margaret Lewis Gerald and Darryl Manning Christine Manzi Elizabeth McKenna Sandra Michaelson George and Marjorie O’Brien
Illana Ofgang Favour Olumofin Tanya Parker Jim Percival Donald and Norma Peterson Judith A. Politano Izabella Przybysz Nancy Redmond Katherine Roberts Jane and Sabino Rodriguez Joan Rosenbaum Beth Royer Mary L. Sanders Jeffrey Sandler Robert and Carol Semanchik Cristelle Sens-Castet Jorge Soini South Windsor High School Keith Stein and J. Brett Aronow Brian and Christine Sullivan Amanuel Tefferi Gay Tice Howard W. Tolk, In Memory of Kenneth Thoman Thang Tran and Day T. Le Daniel Trust Karen Sjostrom Wise Susan Lloyd Yolen Jenn and Peter Zocco $100-$499 David Ader and Pippa Bell Ader Sharon Alkerstedt Jeffrey Alpert and Janice Kozlowski Robin B. Arnsten Denise Barajas and Michael Dillon Daniel Bass Maria Carla Bautista Sue Bechalany Kathie and Scott Bennewitz Michael Blumenthal and Judith Green Martha S. Brooks and Thomas E. Donaher Diane and Luis Cano, In Memory of Kenneth Thoman Gezahegne Chegano Daniel and Joyce Chung Theodore and Bonnie Cohen The Community Foundation of Greater New Haven Connecticut Bar Association Paralegals Section Joel and Cynthia Davis Doctor’s Center Andrew Drewatolitsch and Amanda Montgomery Jeffrey Dreznick and Carol Dreznick, Esq. Raymond and Gay Empson Lorie A. Evans and Janet Yamanicky Stephen and Marcia Falk IICONN ANNUAL REPORT 12
The Felner Corporation Emily Fine, M.D. and Stephen Stine, M.D. Kevin Finkel Eileen Lavigne Flug Jonathan D. Fraade Maria Freis Arthur and Ellen Gang Melanie Glenn William Glover Joshua and Suzanne Gold Tim and Marianne Goodell Joel and Erica Green Eric Gross Francis and Jennifer Hallissey Thomas and Susan Hanrahan Nicole Heath Mary Hogue David Hurwitz and Claudia Fine Keith and Bonnie Indeck Interfaith Council of Westport/Weston Robert Jacobs Dennis and Sharon Kay Sheila Klein Arthur Knowlton Bruce Labbate Johanna LaSala-Burland Howard Lathrop David and Elizabeth Leigh Robert Leighton and Maureen Weaver John and Eileen Leo Robert and Ruth Lesser Edwin Lewis Loews Foundation Andrew and Florence Lozyniak Delaney Lundberg Robert and Lynne Machson David MacWilliams Eric and Inge Jonckheer Maki Mama Jane’s Global Boutique LLC David Marando Ronald Marcel Daniel Marcus Amy Margolis Jeffrey Mayer and Nancy Diamond Medical Care Center of Cheshire, Inc. Alex Meyerovich Maria Miranda Jane Montgomery Irene Moser Mark and Elizabeth Nigrosh Ryan and Thomas Odinak Office for Catholic Social Justice Ministry of the Archdiocese of Hartford Raymond Oliver Lawrence and Margery Orell George and Janice Paik David and Patricia Porter Mark Preston and Bonnie Huang
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Craig Schiavone Joseph and Judith Schubert Karen Sherman Jon Silverstein James Simon and Jill Gordon Richard and Deborah Smilow Deanna Spartachino Krishnan and Nirmala Sreenivasan St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Stephen Stein and Emily Fine Steven and Pamela Stuchin Gary and Deborah Tansino Anette and Harold H. Tara, Jr. Jane Tendler Robyn K. Teplitzky Thomas and Elinor Tibbatts Rafael and Dora Velez John and Meghan Vesel Donna M.Viner Pedro Wasmer Mary Leigh Whitmer Laura and Packer Wilbur Karen and Ronald R. Winslow, Jr. $500-$999 Alloy Engineering Kenneth and Carol Baldwin Whitney Ball and Paul Ovigele Youssef and Afaf Boutros Sandra Brown Karen R. Brown Audrey and Bruce Carlson Claudia and Sam Connor James M. Corgel Kathleen Freis and Edward Pirnik Thadd and Lyudmila Gnocchi Dorothy Larson Jack Leslie and Caroline Pech Paul Ovigele and Whitney Ball Edward Pirnik and Kathleen Freis Premier Accounting Group St. Anthony’s Trust of Hartford Kimberly Tsocanos The Unitarian Church in Westport Vanguard Charitable Joseph and Angelica Venishnick John Warburg Weston Middle School Student Government $1,000-$4,999 Jeffrey Ackerman and Andrea Goodman Anonymous Erica Asaro Stephen Bayer and Elizabeth Schiro Claire Helsing Foundation Stanley D. and Hinda N. Fisher Fund Fred R. & Hazel N. Cartensen Memorial Foundation GE
Greenfield Hill Congregational Church The Grove Foundation Nelson and Lou Baur Heumann Gary Holmes Iberdrola Renewables Lone Pine Foundation The Master’s School Robert and Jean Maresca William and Barbara Murphy New Canaan Community Foundation Jane Norgren Jeffrey Orell and Barbara Green Peter and Lynne Penczer Purdue Pharma Rotary Club of Bridgeport Rotary Club of Fairfield Chuck and Deborah Royce, In Honor of Jim Rulmyr James Rulmyr and Mary Halloran Michael and Nancy Shullman Robert and Tanya Smith St. Francis Episcopal Church United Way of Western CT Valley United Way Joseph and Angelica Venishnick Lisa Walker $5,000-$9,999 Keith Bremer and Barbara Paprocki GE Foundation Katherine Matthies Foundation Norfield Congregational Church People’s United Community Foundation Pitney Bowes Sherry and Jonathan Schreiber Stamford Community Development Block Grant Alan and Debbie Steckler
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT “I have been a mentor to an African family who arrived 18 months ago, having fled their country because of threats to their family. You cannot imagine how difficult it was for the family to survive, and the cultural shock of coming to the United States and having to restart their lives...Thank you, IICONN, for giving me the opportunity to reach out across age, ethnic, religious, and cultural differences to help this family make a new life for themselves.” -Ellie Weinstein, IICONN Mentor
$10,000-$24,999 Fairfield County’s Community Foundation The Goodnow Fund Hartford Foundation for Public Giving The Jeniam Foundation Neighborhood Assistance Action Fund Connecticut Office of Policy and Management St. John’s Community Foundation Vincent J. Coates Foundation Virginia B. Squiers Foundation Wells Fargo $25,000+ Apple Pickers Foundation Citi Community Development NBC Universal Foundation Social Venture Partners Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of these lists. If you feel that an error has been made, we sincerely apologize and ask that you call us at (203) 336-0141 so we may correct
IICONN ANNUAL REPORT 14
International Institute of Connecticut 2015 Annual Report Bridgeport Office: 670 Clinton Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06605 203-336-0141
Stamford Office: 34 Woodland Ave., Stamford, CT 06902 203-965-7190
Hartford Office: 175 Main St., Hartford, CT 06106 860-692-3085
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT & CEO AND OUR BOARD CHAIR
Rafael Aparicio Kathleen Freis Gary Holmes Caroline Pech Leslie Edwin Lewis Robert Maresca, Esq. Jeffrey Mayer Alex Meyerovich George F. Paik Peter Penczer, Esq. Richard Ryscavage, S.J. Robert Smith III Emeritus John LaCava, Esq. George Wolf, Esq.
Image Credit: David Vita
Barbara F. Green, Esq., Chair Jane Norgren, Vice Chair James R. Rulmyr, Secretary Youssef Boutros, Treasurer
As an organization whose mission is focused on serving and empowering refugees, immigrants and survivors of human trafficking, 2015 was a pivotal year for the International Institute of Connecticut, as significant global events and national dialogue affected directly the people we serve and our core mission. In June 2015, the UNHCR annual report announced that the number of displaced people globally had reached 60 million. This staggering number – the highest since World War II – was coupled with the tragic images of people fleeing for their lives from Syria and the continued persecution of people from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Colombia among other countries. Terrible acts of terrorism drew refugees and immigrants into the spotlight, despite clear evidence that the perpetrators of the events in Paris and San Bernardino and elsewhere were not refugees. These events nonetheless stoked the embers of some peoples’ fears and provided ample material to the purveyors of discriminatory and hateful speech. In a similar vein, immigrants living in America have come under extraordinary scrutiny over the past year, with immigration becoming increasingly politicized and polarized. President Obama’s executive action for expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) was pushed into the judicial branch, where it languished until 2016 and where it ended – for now – with a disappointing split decision in the Supreme Court.
“When we came to America, all we hoped for was that we had food to eat every day. A lot of people had just died of starvation, disease, murder. IICONN gave me everything I needed to start a new life. This country gives so much opportunity if you are willing to work hard for it. I love that.” -Bunseng Tain, father, business owner, Cambodian refugee 16 IICONN ANNUAL REPORT