2023 Annual Report

2023 ANNUAL REPORT

2023 was a big year for International House!

Letter from the Executive Director

We moved to a wonderful new location, held our 2nd Annual Tapas & Testimonials in Camp North End, grew our staff, and served an unprecedented number of Charlotte's community members. Of course, none of this would have been possible without the investment of many individuals, families, foundations, corporations, and government partnerships.

There are a lot of bright moments to reflect on from 2023. My favorite is when a client came back to our office after having not seen him for a year. He came back to thank the staff member who helped him. Our staff member was able to help him connect to needed resources, including other nonprofits, who could help him with housing while he pursued his immigration case. He came back to say thank you, and with him was a group of friends he was guiding in a similar way.

Our staff member empowered him to find help and he returned that support by empowering others. There is nothing more impactful than that. While this annual report is full of numbers, it's the stories that matter.

Thank you for being part of our story!

Autumn Weil Executive Director

Youth ESL

unduplicated youth participants were served.

813 retention rate for Rising Up and Rising Readers.

87%

“Thank you for making it possible for us to get extra help preparing for the next grade. We enjoyed having snacks, the teachers helped, learning new things. We had lots of fun and we are smarter than before. Thank you very much for your help!”

-Student from Newell Elementary

Adult ESL

“I can now fill out forms at my work. This is very important to me and will help me at my job.”

- Carlos L., Honduras

"I feel much more confident calling the doctor to schedule an appointment and telling them about my symptoms."

- Selemawit W., Eritrea

Number of adults enrolled in classes: participants of our ESL programming improved their skills. out of 10 9

Immigration Law Clinic

“They [the Immigration Law Clinic staff] were right beside me and my family in those difficult 10 years and worked tirelessly to bring my family here. I can’t imagine who would have helped us for 10 years if I didn’t know IH. Their generosity, willingness to help and dedication is amazing. Thank you all IH staff and IH

will always be part of my family."

- Haile G., Eritrea

685 new legal cases were opened.

510 legal cases were filed.

101 green cards were approved.

109 individuals became citizens.

246 individuals received other benefits including work permits, travel documents, family petitions, replacement or renewals of green cards.

47 countries were represented.

Citizen Diplomacy

133individuals from

79countries

visited Charlotte through U.S. State Department programs.

"In Charlotte, he [Nazmus Sakib] got to know a local leader who helps people with disabilities access medical care, education, and social services. These experiences inspired Nazmus to start his own initiative in Bangladesh to help young people with disabilities get involved in politics "

-Anthony Blinken, US Secretary of State

685 new legal cases were opened.

Partnered with the US Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Citizen Diplomacy Program (CDP) at International House is part of the Global Ties US network implementing the International Visitor Leadership Program. Through this premiere professional exchange program, current and emerging foreign leaders in a variety of fields experience Charlotte firsthand and cultivate lasting relationships with their American counterparts.

International House also hosts a variety of international exchange opportunities through other state-sponsored initiatives for Charlotteans and foreign neighbors alike. Local meetings and cultural experiences are coordinated by CDP to reflect the participants' professional interests and support the foreign policy goals of the United States.

The Hub

The Hub helps newcomers from around the world find resources, community support, and a sense of home in Charlotte.

"Thank you for being so helpful in the community."

-Olivier T., Volunteer

"It is great that we get to come here and get the help we need."

-Community Navigator Client

In 2023, International House had 3172 calls or walk-ins. 61% of those individuals were assisted further through either internal or external referrals to programs in and out of International House.

3,172

1,967

Cultural Programs

Cultural Programs at IH: Conversation Hours

Doorways Int’l Women’s Club

International Book Club People of the World Young Professionals

“International House fosters a beautiful, multicultural community full of caring, kind, and engaged individuals.”

- Lana S., People of the World participant

This year

974

individuals engaged in an intercultural experience at IH.

Cultural Sensitivity Training

182

individuals participated in our Cultural Sensitivity Training, where they gained information and skills to better support those who have limited English proficiency.

“Honestly, great training. It made me think how I could've handled certain situations better, and how I can improve that going forward. It's a great training for people who are not bilingual to try and understand, even just a little, what someone speaking a second language goes through.”

Volunteers and Internships

“Everyone who works here is so passionate about what they do. You can tell that every person genuinely cares about their work and being part of a supportive team.”

-Anna Smith, IH Intern

d interns donated

6,870 in 2023, the equivalent of 3 staff members. Without our volunteer team, International House would not be able to accomplish all we do! hours

To get involved with IH, scan the QR code.

The Big Move

International House was founded in May of 1981 and first opened its doors at 322 Hawthorne Lane in 1985. Twenty three years later, International House has relocated back to its roots in the Elizabeth neighborhood.

The process of finding our new location took much longer than we had anticipated. Our desire to stay centrally located, our fiscal responsibility to our programs and those we serve, and the real estate market were the driving forces that led our decision making process.

1611 East 7th Street is a beautiful, open, and a welcoming space for our staff, students, clients, interns, volunteers, and everyone who finds their way to our new location. Please stop by if you haven’t already, anytime Monday - Thursday from 9 AM - 5 PM, and we’ll be happy to give you a tour.

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The Journey

Cultural

Triumph

by Anuja Jain

In 2023, thirteen immigrant artists were invited to submit a piece of art that represents their journey to the United States, allowing the community to experience their story and take a walk in their shoes.

The Journey uses visual art to illustrate the harrowing, complicated, and hopefilled journeys our immigrant and refugee neighbors take to come to the United States.

The winning artist, Anuja Jain, is known to create freehand intricate, vibrant, and vivid mandala artworks, without using any stencils. Her creative mission is to introduce this meditative art form into the lives of her audience. "In my culture, the elephant is the ultimate symbol of triumph.”

Scan the QR code to learn more about The Journey and the thirteen immigrant artists.

Tapa Testimon

Our 2nd annual Tapas & Te was a huge success. $115,000 and welcomed 233 the evening of Friday, O

Thank you to all of our commu members, colleagues, and friends, joined us to enjoy delicious food f around the world, see colorful Ind dancing, and listen to stories from th we ' ve serv

Another big thank you for all our 2 Tapas and Testimonials’ sponsors. would not have been able to host s an amazing event without your h

We’ll host our next Tapas & Testimoni l event on September 20, 20

Scan the QR code to learn more about Tapas & Testimonials and our plans for 2024.

2023 Tapas & Testimonials Global Champions & Builder Spons

“I have been a proud supporter, cheerleader, volunteer, and Board Member of International House since I migrated to Charlotte from New England in 1988. IH draws in people who desire to be connected with international cultures, serve the immigrants in our community and those who need the services available at International House. It is a multi-faceted gem of a place.”

- Cynthia Aziz

“International House represents all that is good within the Charlotte Community. Their commitment and dedication to helping immigrants settle and succeed in this region while supporting residents and businesses is why we have been a proud supporter for over 15 years and will continue to be.”

-Sou Astete

"International House has made a profound difference in the lives of countless individuals. Their dedication to helping those in need and providing essential support is truly inspiring. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute to such a worthy cause and witness the positive impact of their work firsthand.

International House embodies compassion, empowerment, and hope, and we ’ re proud to support their mission."

“luquire is so thrilled to be able to support International House. The ability to make such a meaningful impact not only in the lives of the immigrants IH serves, but in the fabric and culture of the broader Charlotte community is so rewarding.”

-Stephanie Spicer

-Bob Fregmen

Stuart and Teresa Singer

"I first became aware of International House when I, a native Brazilian, joined the Doorways International Women's Group, a social group made up of women representing over 40 countries, about 15 years ago. Over time I became aware of all that International House does to strengthen our international community with education programs, an immigration law clinic, and other cultural programs. My husband, Stuart, and I love supporting such a unique organization, and we also have had the benefit of having made life-long friends through Doorways members and their families."

-Teresa Singer

“Our support for International House is part of Wells Fargo’s broader commitment as the Bank of Doing,” said Rod Banks, Senior Community Relations Lead Consultant for Wells Fargo.

“From making financial education more accessible and housing more attainable, to empowering diverse small businesses and helping make communities more sustainable, doing makes all of us stronger.”

-Rodrick

Banks

Program Partners

Financial Overview

Revenue Sources

Our 2023 Operating Budget was $1.6M with 80% directly supporting our programs

Expenses

Fundraising Admin Programs

FederalContracts

StateContracts

CountyContracts

FoundationGrants

Donations/Events

FeeforService/Other

A copy of our 990 and audit, is available at the bottom of our website.