Title
To honor & recognize US Together, Inc. for their extraordinary work with Immigrants & Refugees in Central Ohio.
Body
WHEREAS, US Together, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2003 as a response to the needs of refugees and immigrants in central Ohio; and
WHEREAS, its’ mission is to coordinate, organize, and initiate services to immigrants and refugees through education, advocacy, support services, and networking opportunities to strengthen the communities in which they live; and
WHEREAS, US Together, Inc. is a unique agency in that it was formed as a mutual assistance association that is run by refugees, exemplifying refugees helping other refugees; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus began partnering with US Together, Inc. in 2005 via the New Americans Initiative Program, housed in the Community Relations Commission; and
WHEREAS, the New American Initiative’s goal is to help our immigrant and refugee communities become productive and responsible residents in the City of Columbus; and
WHEREAS, more than 70 immigrants and refugees participated in Citizenship and Integration program in 2011 have participated in this collaboration; and
WHEREAS, naturalization is not only a benefit in itself, but also a mechanism to foster immigrant integration. Naturalization provides civic and economic opportunities for new citizens, and strengthens our community. Through preparation for naturalization, participants gain the tools to become successful citizens - ready to exercise their rights and meet their responsibilities as United States Citizens; and
WHEREAS, collaboration between the city government and Citizenship and Integration program to promote integration and increase new citizens participation in local government is the best practice, and is a pilot program to be served as a national model; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby celebrate and applaud the efforts of US Together,...
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