International Welcome Center to launch refugee resettlement program in Barberton
DGKN staff report
BARBERTON The International Welcome Center in partnership with World Relief, is launching a refugee resettlement program aimed at offering a new home and hope to individuals and families in need. This initiative, in partnership with the City of Barberton, Barberton City Schools, ASIA, Inc, County of Summit Executive Ilene Shapiro’s Department of Job and Family Services and many others, underscores Barberton’s commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and helping those in need, according to a news release from the International Welcome Center.
The refugee resettlement program in Barberton is designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for those fleeing conflict, persecution, and hardship in their home countries, the news release states. The program provides essential services, housing assistance, employment opportunities, and educational support to help refugees rebuild their lives.
Through collaboration with various community organizations, local businesses, and volunteers, the program aims to facilitate the successful integration of refugees into the fabric of the Magic City.
Mayor William Judge expressed his enthusiasm for the refugee resettlement initiative, stating in the release, “Barberton has a long history of welcoming new residents with open arms. We are thrilled to extend our hospitality to refugees seeking a better life and opportunities for a brighter future. By embracing diversity and promoting cultural exchange, we enrich the long history of strong ethnic neighborhoods in Barberton.”
The International Welcome Center’s Executive Director, Christina Hodgkinson, expressed her excitement for the City of Barberton and points to its long history of welcoming immigrants.
“The Magic City is called the ‘Magic City’ for a reason. It is because of the residents, businesses, and a great sense of community. Refugees need help and Barberton was selected because of its deep tradition of embracing people from all different backgrounds — who better than Barberton to help.”
“In my more than 30 years in education I have worked with many refugees and have always been impressed by how hard they work to learn our language and customs and excel in our schools and communities,” Jeff Ramnytz, Superintendent of Barberton City School District, said in the release.
“We’re excited to welcome and support more refugees as we open in new communities,” World Relief Senior Vice President of US Programs Aerlande Wontamo stated in the release. “In the midst of an unprecedented global displacement crisis, we’re eager to do more — in more places — to help refugees to rebuild their lives in the United States.”
Residents of Barberton are encouraged to extend a warm welcome to the newcomers, fostering a spirit of unity and solidarity within the community.
For more information on how to support the refugee resettlement program in Barberton or to get involved as a volunteer or sponsor, please contact the International Welcome Center at [email protected].
Yes, Barberton and America have a rich history of welcoming “legal” migrants. They desired to become contributing citizens not coming here for free stuff. Yet, today with the “border crisis” flooding millions of illegal, unvetted migrants into our country, cities and communities services are over-welmed. Is my town Barberton next? They are not saying but expect school or other levies to finance. As a lifelong resident and recent Barberton school employee, I will reject such levies. “MAGIC City” has never meant “Money City.” This border invasion is unsustainable. Every state is a border state. Lawful immigrants yes. Illegal madness must stop.
Are these legal immigrants and have they been throughly vetted? Why aren’t the citizens allowed to vote on this?
You are using our tax dollars when we have many, many here in our city who desperately need help but are not able to get it.
I can not wait to vote in 2024! Democrats keep destroying all we have spent life times building.
Yes, Barberton and America have a rich history of welcoming “legal” migrants. They desired to become contributing citizens.
i left barberton in 2018 the drug problem was too much maybe the city can take the 5 dollar storm water run off fee out on the water baill and use it for the flood of illegal migrants.when you vote democrat you get democtat policies.good job barberton you got rid of the job over tax the people and put more on their backs…….all i can say is TRUMP 2024!!!!!!!!!! IT IS SAD WHAT HAS BECOME OF BARBERTON THE ROADS ARE A JOKE THE PEOPLE HAVE GOT TO STOP THE GOVERNMENT SEEMS TO ME IT IS GOVERNMENT FOR THE PEOPLE END FOR THE PEOPLE NOT GOVERNMENT FOR THE GOVERNMENT!!!!NEW YORK IS SCREAMING FOR MONEY DUE TO ALL THE ILLEGAL MIGRANTS.I RECOMEND TO ANY BODY IN BARBERTON SELL YOUR HOUSE NOW AND GET OUT BEFORE IT’S TO LATE
Barberton is a financially poor city. Our roads are poorly maintained. The storm drains do not work properly and basements and roads are flooded regularly. There are many homeless on our streets and living in tent cities. The city isn’t taking care of our own at this point.
Property taxes in Barberton were just raised again this last year. The democrat leadership constantly wants more money, wants more levies, and we’re getting less in return. The roads are the worst in Summit county. The schools are falling apart. Inviting unvetted illegals here is another mistake from these democrats. Look for more Section 8 housing to go in where the old PPG was. Why were citizens not consulted on this for a vote? This will not be accepted without a fight. Barberton is circling the drain and all these democrats want to do is steal your money. Is the mayor going to take a pay cut? Will the rest of the administration take a pay cut? Will they personally be housing these invaders in their homes? Good luck on the crime going up, too. It’s as predictable as every other city that has gone down this route. Lives are at stake. America first. 🇺🇸
1st off “World Relief” only drops people in the United States. 2nd “Magic City” comes from O.C.Barber(Republican) building a city with more JOBS than PEOPLE(hence we needed anybody who would work), we don’t have that now with all the jobs leaving Barberton(Democrats have turned it into “Tragic City”). 3rd these refugees will be a drain on Barbertons Services at the expense of property owners. Only the slum lords will like Govt funded renters. Barberton voted overwhelmingly for TRUMP in both elections. Its time to boot this mayor to the curb.
Funny, Billy didn’t announce this program during his bid for reelection last fall.
If he places a fair amount of these hard working culturally diverse folks in his neighborhood, I say let’ go for it.
Can say what you want but me and my wife have started looking at house in other areas. With this happening in Barberton. The only thing that will happen is crime and taxes. Already pay enough taxes and now they want us to pay more to support scum and criminals. Nothing good happens when you bring in illegal criminals. Crime goes up, property values drop and legal citizens are the ones who pay the price. Before we pay the price. We will be moving out of the shit hole that now will be Barberton. Once they open the criminal center.
Mayor,
You are doing your citizens wrong by bringing unvetted Illegals into neighborhoods. Calling them refugees is trying to sugar coat and cover up who they really are. With 3 1/2 years of the Border Crisis thanks to the Dems in Washington, everyone knows who these people are. Cities have suffered the financial burden and high crimes all over the Country because of the crisis, now you want your citizens to suffer the crisis too !! Shame on you, you are a traitor to your Citizens.
Our politicians hate us and want us dead. Filthy paid off AIPAC shills.
We don’t have time, room or the resources to carry a bunch of people who are not US citizens. Close the border and put Trump back in for 4 more and it’ll be all straight again.
Agree with Connie Bilinovich
Where are these people being housed and employed?
Are there Americans who need housing, medical, cash, food and a job?
I suggest we file against the Mayors surety bond and bar complaints.
This entire town is corrupt.
Yet another example of local democrats looking to pocket more federal money through NGOs to corrupt officials on the backs of tax payers hope everyone is ready for springfield 2.0. The great replacement is here not even small towns are safe these people despise their constituents. Get your children out of this school system file exempt on city taxes then hide your cats and dogs, aint nobody safe out here. Trump 2024 or we are all screwed.
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL
let us know how that works out for you guys
Harris/Biden is dumping unvetted migrants across the country in small towns that typically vote red to alter elections in this country for years to come in their favor, they are also working with greedy companies that refuse to pay a living wage and that refuse to hire Americans so pay minimum and let tax payers cover the housing/phone internet and food of the migrants, its and evil plan