International Institute of Akron

09/15/2026

Happy Day 2 of !🙌

Today’s small business supporter of IIA that we’d like to highlight is Bluebird Farms Apothecary, a local business creating sustainable, herbal skincare products!

Over the past year, founder and owner Bridget Cooper has used her small business to support the International Institute of Akron, raising and donating nearly $1,000 through sales of her beautiful products!

When we asked Bridget why she’s a welcomer, she shared:

“I am a welcomer because every human deserves the chance to be seen, supported, and loved. No matter what language you speak or what country you come from, you are welcome in our country and our community.

During the day, I teach English as a Second Language to K-6th students in our public schools. It has been the honor of my life to work with our students and families, teach their children, and learn about their cultures. After school, I make small-batch, natural skincare for our small business- Bluebird Farms Apothecary. It has been such a privilege to use some of the income from our business to support the refugees and immigrants in our community. I truly believe in using our business as a way to give back and support others. All are welcome here!”

Bluebird Farms Apothecary is certainly an IIA certified welcomer, and we couldn’t be more grateful for Bridget’s support of our mission and our community.

If you haven't yet, we highly recommend giving Bluebird Farms Apothecary a follow and checking out some of their amazing products!💙

09/14/2026

It’s officially ! 🎉

Welcoming Week is an annual celebration that brings communities together to promote welcoming, build connections between immigrants and non-immigrants, and create a deeper sense of belonging for everyone.

This year, we wanted to uplift the small businesses that uplift IIA and our mission, and we couldn’t think of a better way to kick off Welcoming Week than with a local café and bakery staple: Kabylia Baguette!

Since opening last year, Kabylia has been a steadfast supporter of IIA, our clients, and our work in the community. They’re always cheering on our work, and thanks to their proximity to IIA’s office, they also make sure our staff stay caffeinated and well fed!

As an immigrant-owned business, Kabylia understands the importance of creating a space where people feel welcomed, connected, and like they truly belong.

If you haven’t had a chance to check out Kabylia Baguette, located inside Bounce Innovation Hub, now is the perfect time! Stop by, show them some love, and you might just find your new favorite sweet treat right here in downtown Akron. 💙

09/04/2026

IIA’s office will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. We will resume regular hours on Tuesday, September 8.

This Labor Day, we want to highlight the deep connection of Immigration and the history of American labor. For generations, immigrants have helped build the industries and communities that make up our country today. They worked in factories, mines, construction, agriculture, railroads, and countless other industries, often under difficult and unsafe conditions.

Immigrant workers also played an important role in the fight for better working conditions. Through organizing, strikes, and collective action, workers pushed for fair wages, safer workplaces, reasonable hours, and greater dignity on the job. Many of the workplace protections we recognize today grew from those efforts.

This Labor Day, we are grateful for the generations of workers who fought for a better future and for the immigrants who continue to contribute their skills and determination to our communities every day.

We wish everyone a safe and meaningful Labor Day!

08/28/2026

If you would like to support recovery and relief efforts, please consider sharing or donating through the GoFundMe fundraiser organized by the Bhutanese Community of Central Ohio - https://www.gofundme.com/f/bhutanese-americans-united-for-nepal-flood-relief-4arer

08/22/2026

IIA has 💙🏳️‍🌈✨PRIDE✨🏳️‍🌈💙

Another great Akron Pride March in the books! Thanks to everyone who joined in and cheered us on!

08/07/2026

Be sure to check out the Our Lady of the Cedars Lebanese Festival today and tomorrow at 507 S. Cleveland-Massillon Road!

Take it from us, the authentic Lebanese food is absolutely delicious, and there's something for everyone to enjoy. It's a great opportunity to experience Lebanese culture, connect with the community, and have a gorgeous time.

Have you been in past years? Tell us in the comments what your favorite dish was or what you're most excited to try this year!

08/03/2026

Thank you to the Akron Beacon Journal for highlighting our story and the work we continue to do in our community.

If you missed the article about our decision to decline funding that no longer aligned with our mission to serve refugees and immigrants, you can read it here: https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/local/2026/07/24/international-institute-rejects-funds-trump-administration-refugee-policy-changes/91020543007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=false&gca-epti=z117841p118650l118650c118650e008400v117841&gca-ft=48&gca-ds=sophi

Thank you to everyone who has stood with us and supported our mission. Your encouragement means the world to us!

The International Institute of Akron explains why the 110-year-old resettlement agency rejected potentially millions in federal funds. See link below ⬇️

📸 Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal

07/31/2026

Yesterday may have been , but we're always celebrating our amazing interns at IIA!

A huge thank you to our incredible summer interns for their dedication and hard work over the past several months. Their work hasn't always been easy, but they showed up each day ready to learn and embrace both the challenges and rewards of serving our community.

We are so grateful for everything they've contributed to the International Institute of Akron, and we can't wait to see what all they accomplish in the future. Thank you for being part of the IIA family! 💙🥹

07/30/2026

We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible support from our community and local organizations like The Nightlight, who continue to uplift our work and mission in Akron and beyond.

Thank you to everyone who has stood with the International Institute of Akron this past week and for your commitment to welcoming, supporting, and advocating for refugees and immigrants in our community. Your encouragement, generosity, and solidarity mean more than words, and it has not gone unnoticed💙

07/27/2026

Thank you to Faith Lutheran Church-Fairlawn for putting together and donating 96 toiletry bags for IIA clients! We are so grateful for your generosity. These bags will make a meaningful difference for individuals and families who walk through our doors needing a little extra support.💙