IFSI News, Events and Navigator Stories
TPS and Work Permit Clinic in Georgia
A Milestone Event for Haitian Immigrant Support
Resounding Success of the TPS, Work Permit, Legal and Medical Consultation Day Organized by IFSI-USA in Lawrenceville, Georgia
On Saturday, September 7, 2023, the Good Samaritan Haitian Alliance Church in Lawrenceville, Georgia, hosted a crucial event for the local Haitian community. Organized by the local Haitian community in partnership with IFSI-USA, this day, aimed at providing new immigrants with legal and medical assistance, as well as access to TPS (Temporary Protected Status) and work permits, brought together over 150 participants, significantly exceeding initial expectations.
This event was made possible through effective collaboration between IFSI-USA and key partners such as "Give to Haiti," represented by Dr. Louis Tyson Wilkenson, "Good Samaritan's Heart Foundation," led by Mr. Watson Escarment, and "Mouvman Lanmou pou Ayiti," chaired by Mrs. Chantal Auguste. Pastors Brave Laverdure and Mardochée Pardieu, spiritual leaders of the Good Samaritan Haitian Alliance Church, along with Roselande Emmanuel, a passionate advocate for immigrant rights, also played a crucial role in the success of this event.
From the moment the doors opened at 771 Davis Rd, Lawrenceville, a dedicated team of volunteers and experts was in place to provide a comprehensive range of essential services. Among the 150 participants, many received personalized legal consultations, expert advice on TPS status, and assistance with work permit applications. Initially, 114 participants were registered, but thanks to the efficiency and flexibility of the teams on-site, several others were able to receive medical and legal assistance even without prior registration.
The specialists present, including Ms. Barbara Antoine, Operations Manager of the Immigration Department at IFSI, Attorney Nunotte Zama, Immigration Attorney, Gardi Previllon, Immigration Specialist, and the IFSI-USA media team consisting of Teddy Keyser Mombrun, Pierre Plaisir, Jerry Domigenson, and Jean Ronald Legoute, all contributed to making this day a resounding success. Their expertise and commitment provided practical advice and essential support to the participants, furthering IFSI-USA's mission to support the Haitian community in their integration and regularization efforts.
The success of this event is measured not only by the number of participants but also by the quality of the services provided and the remarkable spirit of solidarity that prevailed throughout the day. This gathering marks a significant step towards the creation of the IFSI Georgia Coalition, an ambitious initiative aimed at providing ongoing resources to facilitate the integration of Haitian immigrants into American society.
Encouraged by this success, IFSI-USA plans to expand its efforts by establishing new coalitions and organizing similar clinics in North Carolina, Indiana, and Ohio. The goal is to replicate this successful model so that every Haitian immigrant can find their place and fully integrate into American society.
IFSI-USA extends its heartfelt congratulations to the community leaders and, in particular, the partner organizations for their vision and commitment to immigrants. IFSI-USA reaffirms its determination to support such initiatives aimed at facilitating immigrant integration, while continuing to strengthen Haitian communities both in Georgia and beyond.
Closing of the IFSI-USA Summer Program 2024
Unprecedented Success Crowned by the Support of the City of Boston
While the IFSI-USA Summer Program has always been synonymous with success over the years, the 2024 edition exceeded all expectations, both in terms of the scale of participation and the wealth of activities offered to children and young people. This triumph, the result of the combined efforts of dedicated leaders such as Jennifer Pamphile, Sylviane Louis-Jeune, Monica Benoit, Ethan Michell, Maestro Marc Palmers Mercier, as well as the unwavering support of music and creative arts teachers and Youth Leaders, found its full expression during the closing ceremony this Sunday, August 11, 2024, at the Tech Boston Academy
More than ever, the enthusiasm of children and young people for this program testified to its growing impact in the community. Their performances in music and dance reached new heights, drawing admiration from parents, teachers, spectators and even representatives of the City of Boston. Dr. Geralde V. Gabeau, Executive Director of IFSI-USA, praised the team for their outstanding work, giving them well-deserved compliments, while parents and guests in attendance gave them a standing ovation.
This success was all the more remarkable because it was enhanced by the presence of Ruthzee Louijeune, City Councilor at Large and President of the Boston City Council, as well as a special recognition from the Boston Vulcans, the city's firefighters, who presented a check to IFSI-USA to show their support and solidarity for this community program dedicated to the integration and development of children and youth. This recognition, as well as the positive feedback from participants and their families, confirms the profound impact this program has on youth and the community.
This is how this summer adventure, full of discoveries and unforgettable moments, came to an end for more than 250 immigrant children enrolled in the 2024 summer program. This program offered the young people an experience that was both educational and recreational, with varied activities such as nature hikes, outdoor games, musical explorations and sports. These activities not only stimulated their creativity and strengthened their self-confidence, but also encouraged sharing and the creation of friendships. In short, the program was a real success, transforming each day into a new joyful and enriching adventure.
Until next summer, IFSI-USA remains committed to continuing its mission, by creating spaces where each child can flourish, develop their talents, discover new passions, build lasting relationships, and prepare for success in their future.
IFSI’s office after Cap on Emergency Family Housing Reached. Recent Immigrants Desperate for Housing.
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Navigator Stories
Navigator Stories are the experiences immigrants share with IFSI staff through interviews and from which other immigrants gain inspiration, lessons and tips about how to navigate the perilous journey and US integration process. These stories also educate a broader US public including educators, students, policy makers and service providers. Every few weeks a new story is published on the IFSI Blog. Thank you for reading — and for welcoming newcomers to our communities!”
- Dr. Geralde Gabeau, Founder & Executive Director.
