Displaying items by tag: International Institute

A controversial topic throughout President Trump's campaign, and especially recently, has been immigration and what to do in the near and distant future.

Immigration attorney from the International Institute, Farhad Sethna, joined the Ray Horner Morning Show to discuss the recent events. Locally, Sethna says most of the immigrants that have come to Summit County are documented and went through the International Institute, but other issues may occur down the road with undocumented individuals.

On the national side, Sethna is sympathetic toward those coming into the country, mainly due to the language barrier that affects the children across the border. He believes the policies, or lack thereof, have become "chaotic" in nature.

It's not the first time Habitat for Humanity of Summit County has handed the keys to a new home to a family, but this one offers the organization a different perspective.

"This is our first refugee settlement family that was referred to us by the International Institute [of Akron] to apply for the program," said President and CEO Rochelle Sibbio.

Staff members, volunteers and sponsors filled the Hollibaugh Avenue home Thursday morning to join the dedication ceremony where Sibbio handed out the key to the new home to C Mawia, his wife, and three children. The family came to America from Burma (also known as Myanmar) in 2009.

"I left my home, but right now God give it to me, again," said Mawia. "A new house."

More than 100 volunteers contributed over 2,000 hours to build the home for the family of five. 

"Them having a chance to bring their family members here to show them what they have done, the American Dream, they're now able to have a part of that.

Sibbio said the organization is currently working with five refugee families.

In Summit County, Habitat for Humanity has built 198 homes in its 30 year history.