International Institute of Minnesota

The International Institute of Minnesota is a social service agency affiliated with United Way Worldwide and the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants.


International Institute of Minnesota
Formation1919
HeadquartersSt. Paul, Minnesota
Executive Director
Jane Graupman [1]
Websitehttps://iimn.org/

The institute was founded on December 12, 1919 as a branch of the YWCA (Young Women's Christian Association) of Saint Paul, Minnesota to help immigrants arriving after World War I.[2][3] The institute supports immigrants and their families through job placement, citizenship classes, English language classes and refugee resettlement.[4][5] The institute also offers legal and humanitarian services.[4][6] In 1931, Alice Sickels became the institute's first executive director and a year later the IIMN hosted its first Festival of Nations. In 1938, the institute became an independent agency.[3] Between that year and 1979, it resettled more than 24,000 refugees from around the world.[7] From 1974 to 2020, the IIMN resettled more than 25,000 refugees.[5][8]

During the 2019 Festival of Nations the IIMN had presented a demonstration stage, a showcase of dance and music from around the world.[9] Nearly 100 different ethnic groups participate in the annual event.[10][11]

References
  1. "International Institute of Minnesota celebrates 100th birthday".
  2. Tribune, Maya Rao Star. "Minnesota refugee aid center's future in flux at 100". Star Tribune. Retrieved 2021-09-29.
  3. Sampsell-Jones, Evie. "International Institute of Minnesota provides hope for immigrants and refugees". The Rubicon. Retrieved 2021-09-29.
  4. Tribune, Dee DePass Star. "International Institute of Minnesota's $12.5M expansion will extend services to 500 more refugees". Star Tribune. Retrieved 2021-09-27.
  5. "International Institute of Minnesota expands Como Ave. headquarters". Midway Como Frogtown Monitor. Retrieved 2021-09-27.
  6. To Volunteer, Contact: Corleen Smith 651-647-0191 x 307 csmith@iimn org; Location: 1694 Como Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55104; maps.google.com, Map; x 307, Phone: 651-647-0191; Fax: 651-647-9268; http://www.iimn.org, Website; csmith@iimn.org, Email; Ramsey, County(s) of Volunteer Opportunity; Naturalization, Area of law: Immigration &. "Volunteer Guide - Pro Bono Net". www.probono.net. Retrieved 2023-03-18. {{cite web}}: |last3= has generic name (help); External link in |last6= (help)
  7. "History of the International Institute of Minnesota". End Slavery Now. Retrieved June 2, 2019.
  8. "International Institute of Minnesota Careers and Employment | Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Career Center". jobs.minnesotanonprofits.org. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  9. Dana Thiede (May 15, 2019). "2019 MN State Fair free entertainment lineup unveiled". Kare11. Retrieved June 2, 2019.
  10. "Festival of Nations returns to St. Paul on Thursday". kare11.com. May 2, 2019. Retrieved 2021-09-27.
  11. "St. Paul's Festival of Nations kicks off with cultural offerings from nearly 100 ethnic groups". Twin Cities. 2018-05-04. Retrieved 2021-09-27.


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