What We Do

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.

The Medical and Social Services Liaison program addresses the need for modeling, advocacy, education, and empowerment as refugees and immigrants seek healthcare and social service benefits. This program supports immigrants and refugees by ensuring they are welcomed with dignity and assisted in accessing healthcare and other critical resources.

International ladies meet weekly to learn English, participate in health instruction, or learn how to sew, knit, and crochet. Transportation and childcare are provided. Fellowship is enjoyed at teatime. 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.

Learning to read, write, speak, and understand English, their local language, empowers our refugee and immigrant friends to make decisions and gives them agency to thrive in their community.

Volunteers teach English in the home, in a classroom setting, and in satellite locations in Fort Wayne using a variety of curriculums. One of the methods we use, the Growing Participator Approach, is unique in language learning, as it focuses mainly on listening, relationship building, and breaking through the wall of noise. Real-world objects are used to build vocabulary on themselves until the language learner moves from play-like learning to more serious relational interactions.

Some of the biggest barriers in our city to learning English include a lack of transportation, time constraints, and not having someone to watch small children while learning. In-home tutors genuinely make a difference in the life of a refugee or immigrant by coming to the student.

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 as well as share their own culture.

While parents participate in various programs, International House offers childcare for their preschool children. An educational and early childhood development program makes the time spent at the iHouse facilities enjoyable and impactful for the children.

During the summer, a free 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.

SHINE Girls Club is dedicated to creating a safe space for Zo Burmese young women. Shine Girls is a space where faith blossoms, joy radiates, and each young woman is empowered to shine with the light of Christ.

The iHouse Man Cave is all about building. It is a place where men and women can build friendships while making wood crafts and learning how to navigate small household repairs. Exploring English language learning is a crucial part of the Man Cave ministry.

Trauma is a wound of the heart and mind that causes deep suffering. It is the effect of feeling alone during a painful situation. Healing Hearts is a relational model to understanding trauma healing which includes building gratitude, joy, and resilience, understanding quieting, rest and recovery, and forming a strong identity. iHouse staff is certified in Classical Trauma Healing from the Trauma Healing Institute.