Iowa Newcomer Integration Community & Exchange (IA NICE)
The mission of IA NICE is to assist Ukrainians seeking humanitarian parole with obtaining sponsorship to enter the US and integration in our local community. Direct beneficiaries of IA NICE include Ukrainians:
-currently in active war zones within Ukraine
-temporarily in refugee status in other countries
Indirect beneficiaries include:
-Th
e community – By welcoming Ukrainians, we add to our workforce and bring diversity to our community.
-Our citizens – By organizing and funding IA NICE, we give members of our community the guidance and necessary resources to sponsor families desperately needing assistance. Program Elements
Provide information about the opportunity to sponsor Ukrainians and how IA NICE makes sponsorship possible for people that want to help, but that lack the necessary knowledge about how to connect with families, how to get approval to serve as a sponsor, and how to assist Ukrainians with integration activities once they arrive. Serve the community as a point of entry for the process of Sponsoring Ukrainians and serve as an expert coordinating entity for the delivery of services and activities needed for successful sponsorship and the integration of newcomers. Provide financial support, primarily in the areas of temporary housing and living expenses, during the first few weeks to months while newcomers obtain work authorizations, employment, public benefits, and permanent housing. Collaborate with local individuals and organizations to create a welcoming, warm and supportive community where Ukrainians feel safe, appreciated and celebrated for their courage and independence as they strive to make Iowa their new home. Network and collaborate with local businesses to identify employment matches with newcomers and assist local businesses with required HR filings necessary to hire legal immigrants. Work closely with local schools to plan for the arrival and education of new school-aged children arriving from Ukraine with the goal of providing high quality educational opportunities for new students without overwhelming existing resources.
