2024 Annual Report by IHCLT

2024 ANNUAL REPORT

2024 in Review: A Year of Milestones and

a Call

for Future Support

Letter from the Executive Director

In 2024, we continued to settle into our new home on 7th Street, expanded our legal clinic and served– yet again - a record setting number of individuals, families and children through our programs and services.

Throughout this report, I invite you to reflect on all that International House accomplished to help immigrants and international culture thrive in our community. Our mission cannot be achieved without the support of family foundations, donor advised funds, donors, volunteers, interns, sponsors, staff members, individual contributors, visitors and more. Thank you to everyone who made this possible!

As you will see on the last page, we were also reliant on a substantial amount of funding through government contracts. In the current political environment, these contracts will likely be reduced, if not discontinued. Because of this, our ability to carry out our mission and accomplish all that you will see in these beautiful pages will be directly impacted by how much our local community supports our mission in the coming months and years.

2024 was a great year for International House, and I'm proud of the work we do every day. Your continued support is vital, and I thank you in advance for your commitment to helping immigrants and international culture thrive in Charlotte.

Warmly, Autumn Weil Executive Director

Youth Education

Unduplicated youth participants were served in 2024.

International House partners with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) to support approximately 300 K-5 English language learners (ELLs) at four local schools.

Rising Readers is our six-week summer literacy camp focused on preventing summer reading and learning loss for rising 1st-5th grade students who have been identified as ELLs. Students are improving literacy and language skills and then transferring and applying knowledge and content to STEAM project-based enrichment.

Rising Up is our afterschool tutoring program focused on increasing students' foundational literacy skills and English language proficiency.

“These classes help me learn how to read in English and do my work. I’ve learned the word water.”

- Jero, 2nd Grader, Druid Hills Elementary

Retention rate for Rising Up and Rising Readers. 94% Students increasing their skills. 88%

Adult Education

International House offers a variety of classes for ELLs to fit their schedule and ability level. In 2024, we offered 30 workforce development themed ESL classes throughout the year ranging from the Pre-literate Beginner level to HighIntermediate level as well as three ongoing informal English Conversation Hours. We also offered a Citizenship Preparation Program three times in 2024, with sessions geared towards ELLs that teaches the vocabulary of the citizenship application and essential civics knowledge in preparation for the Citizenship interview.

Participants of our ESL programming improved their skills. out of 10 9 Countries

“When I come to International House, I feel like I’m coming home ”

ividuals “Thanks to your thoughtfulness and encouragement, it has been a fulfilling year for me, and each month I can firmly feel my English skills growing.”

Immigration Law Clinic

"I began my family reunification journey in 2013 I never imagined the depth of perseverance it would require. After a disheartening setback in 2015, where the US Embassy returned the visa files to USCIS, I felt lost -- unable to understand the next steps. It wasn't until 2018, when I discovered International House, that I finally found a glimmer of hope. Liz Zipperer's dedication and support led to a hard-won appeal in 2021, a victory that took 2.5 years of patience and unwavering commitment. In November of 2024, more than a decade later, my family was finally approved for their immigrant visas. There were countless moments when I was ready to give up and return to Ghana, but International House's relentless and tireless efforts kept me going. I will never be able to find the right words to express my gratitude b

new cases, filed 520 cases, secured permanent residency for 109 individuals, and helped 75 people achieve U.S. citizenship.

997Individuals from 56 Countries

were represented by our Immigration Law Clinic this year.

Citizen Diplomacy

The Citizen Diplomacy Program plays an integral es they ng the harlotte geable actices, g our warmth made me feel envelop of home across the ocean. The work you do at International House closely mirrors the work we do in Baku, and I am truly inspired by your dedication to the community."

150 Individuals from 74 countries

visited Charlotte through U.S. State D

- IVLP Delegate from Azerbaijan

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

my parents if we had this kind of support and guidance when we first arrived.”

-Welcome to Charlotte Participant

In 2024,

3,271 referrals and 1,227 indivi served through The Hub.

Cultural Programs

Our cultural clubs offer a doorway to the rich world of cultures right here in Charlotte. They provide opportunities for community members to share their culture, connect with likeminded individuals and find their sense of belonging.

Individuals engaged in an intercultural experience at International House.

Cultural Programs at IH:

Conversation Hours

Doorways Int’l Women’s Club

International Book Club

People of the World

Young Professionals

"I am very happy to have met you all, who I now consider my friends. Thank you, a thousand times, for facilitating this group!”

- Italian Conversation Hour Attendee

Cultural Sensitivity Training

Individuals participated in our Cultural Sensitivity Training, where better support those who are d English proficiency.

king on the implicit bias I t to expand my knowledge ural groups that I encounter

nsitivity Training Participant

"This was a fantastic and very timely training! Possibly the best training of my career. Lauren is an excellent teacher, her methods were awesome and the small group helped to enhance the whole experience."

-Cultural Sensitivity Training Participant

art Cultural as been ugh the ociation.

Volunteers and Internships

“IH has given me the chance to become a community leader in a way I could have never imagined The trust the whole team put in me first as an intern and now as a staff member, has transformed the wa Everyone truly wants to see each other thrive -- it's

Volunteers and interns donated 6,485

This is the equivalent of three 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.

“I look forward to coming here afterschool because this group is amazing, and I absolutely love the resources you give us. I love this group so much! They’re so amazing!”

-Ms. Ross, Winding Springs Elementary Teacher and Rising Up Tutor

The Journey 2024

Defender by Maryna Solohub

In 2024, more than thirty foreign-born artists submitted a proposal and eighteen of those artists were invited to create a piece of art that represented their journey to the United States, allowing the community to experience their story and take a walk in their shoes.

The Journey program invites immigrant and refugee artists to illustrate the harrowing, complicated and hope-filled journeys they take to come to the United States.

The winning artist, Maryna Solohub, is a Ukrainian artist who crochets decorative toys. Maryna infused her work with a longing for her flourishing country, its culture and traditions. The money from selling her dolls is donated to support Ukrainian soldiers and humanitarian aid efforts.

Her winning project, “Defender” featured a crocheted doll symbolizing the fight against the enemy and the desire for peace and freedom.

Scan the QR code to learn more about The Journey and the 18 immigrant artists in 2024.

We believe that when immigran our entire community thrives.

ission is to help immigrants and

Tapas & Testimonials

2024 Annual Fundraiser

Our Third Annual Tapas & Testimonials event was a huge success. We raised $120,160 and welcomed 236 guests.

Thank you to all of our community members, colleagues and friends who joined us to enjoy delicious food from around the world, exciting lion dancing and stories from those we ' ve served.

Binti Muzuri Tady shared her testimonial, and we honored Satoshi Watanabe for his incredible support.

Another big thank you for all our Tapas and Testimonials sponsors. We would not have been able to host such an amazing event without your help.

We’ll host our next Tapas & Testimonials event on Friday, October 24, 2025.

Scan the QR code to learn more about Tapas & Testimonials and our plans for 2025.

2024 Tapas & Testimonials

Global Champions & Unity Builder Sponsors

"We at IT Solutions proudly support International House because we know firsthand how vital organizations like this are for newcomers. Our mother immigrated to the U.S. and faced many challenges navigating immigration, finding resources and building a new life. Thanks to the support they received, our family was able to thrive. We're grateful for that help, and that's why we stand with International House to ensure other families get the same opportunity."

-Josh Astete, CEO

"Our company is proud to support International House and their incredible mission of empowering immigrants and celebrating international culture in our community. Their dedication to providing essential resources, education and cultural programs makes a meaningful difference in the lives of so many. We believe in their vision of a more inclusive and diverse society, and we are honored to contribute to their efforts. Supporting International House isn’t just a donation it’s an investment in a stronger, more connected community for everyone. "

-Bob Fremgen, VP of Marketing

“The work that International House does for our community is so important and impactful. The role immigrants and international culture play in strengthening our community cannot be overstated.”

-Stephanie Spicer, President

“Midrex Technologies and International House share a valued partnership built on collaboration. Together, we have fostered a community that celebrates cultural diversity, encourages global connections, and empowers our teammates. Through our shared vision and commitment, this partnership has made a lasting impact, promoting meaningful engagement across cultures and strengthening bonds within the community.”

-Brandy Resse, Director of People & Culture

Stuart and Teresa Singer

"As long-time supporters, we both consider International House, and the work they do, an important community resource for Charlotte and to us personally. Whether it's participating in the Doorways social club, or the annual Tapas & Testimonials event, we are also well aware of their education programs, immigration law clinic and the critical need of those programs to those who rely on them."

-Stuart & Teresa Singer