International House functions as a relational bridge for those in the Christian community who want to participate in the vision of reaching out to local internationals.
1) We assist individual Christians who desire to become involved with the International community in the Fort Wayne area by matching their giftedness with International House programs where they can serve.
2) We assist and cooperate with Christian churches and Christian organizations that desire to develop or expand their outreach to the international community in the Fort Wayne area.
International House is a non-profit, non-denominational Christian organization committed to sharing the love and light of Jesus Christ with refugees and other Internationals living in the Fort Wayne area.
International House:
1) Develops and maintains services which provide regular ongoing contact with Internationals
2) Develops genuine, long-term relationships with internationals
3) Shares the light and love of Jesus Christ as the Holy Spirit leads in the context of those authentic relationships. International House respects the right of each individual to decide his own religious preference and provides services without regard to religious preference
Life Skills Programs
Life Skills Programs teach useful skills that will help refugees and immigrants assimilate into American culture and cultural norms. Our programs provide a friendly environment for hospitality and friendship. Additionally, they provide informal practice for immigrants needing to learn to speak American English and American colloquial English. As internationals gain useful knowledge such as English as a Second Language, their confidence grows. Life Skills Programs may operate within the IHouse facilities, in individual homes, in community rooms at apartment complexes or libraries, or in places of worship. Programs are offered free of charge. Contact International House for details and registration.
Citizenship Class
Qualified teachers and mentors walk internationals through the lengthy process of applying for citizenship. This class meets weekly at the IHouse facilities to review materials and prepare applications and evidence to be submitted to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Materials are provided to help the international navigate this process. Facilitators also meet one on one in homes for additional preparations.
Homework Help
One evening a week, children of internationals can drop by the IHouse facilities and get assistance with homework or core concepts. College students and adults spend time mentoring and teaching children using our computer lab and resources to promote a love of learning as well as mastering skills needed for educational success.
Women’s Club
International ladies meet weekly to learn English, participate in health instruction, or learn how to sew, knit, and crochet. Childcare is provided. Fellowship is enjoyed at tea time. Volunteers build genuine lasting relationships with women while they participate in classes. Women’s Club offers a venue for ladies to enjoy time away from their daily obligations in a safe and happy atmosphere.
Glad Nations
International House is a partner with Glad Nations LLC, a local microenterprise for international women. Glad Nations exists to equip refugee and immigrant women with an opportunity to create artistically designed, handcrafted, boutique items in a loving, multicultural atmosphere to affirm their womanhood in a welcoming, safe environment.
In-Home Tutoring
In-Home Tutors are connected with an International by our In-Home Tutor Coordinator. In-home tutors truly make a difference in the life of an international. Students have different goals for wanting to learn English. Our goal is to meet each student where they are, and advance them to the level they strive for. In-Home Tutors work one-on-one in lieu of a group setting. In addition, In-Home-Tutors have opportunities to be immersed in another culture, and are usually offered delicious ethnic food by their students!
Kids Club
While parents participate in various Life Skills Programs, International House offers childcare for their preschool children. An educational and early childhood development program is being designed and implemented to make the time spent at the IHouse facilities enjoyable and beneficial to children.
During the summer we offer a special Kids Club. A camp is offered to children of refugees and internationals. We provide snacks, crafts, sports, games, swimming, and story time. International children have the opportunity to have American experiences in a safe environment while they begin to build long lasting relationships with volunteers and mentors.
Sunday English as a Second Language Class
