CLEVELAND — On Wednesday morning, an event was held at the Ohio City Farm to recognize all that immigrants, refugees and those coming from other countries to Northeast Ohio bring to the community.
“We’re here today to celebrate the invaluable contributions of immigrants and refugees to our vibrant community here in Cuyahoga County,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne.
This event coincides with a nationwide effort called “Welcoming Week.” According to Joe Cimperman, President and CEO of Global Cleveland, this week is a time for “cities acknowledge the immigrant, refugee, international newcomer, secondary migrant, international student, person born outside the U.S. living inside their city borders.”
Ronayne, Cimperman and Patrick Kearns, Executive Director of Refugee Response, spoke about the resources and work being done in Cuyahoga County and Northeast Ohio to welcome and support refugees and immigrants. Refugees from Burma, Uganda and Ukraine also shared their experiences coming to live in Cuyahoga County.
Ronayne announced that plans are in the works to create a multi-service center for refugees, immigrants, and those with limited English, with the goal of connecting them to services and resources.
“At this center, folks can be connected to resources like workforce training, educational services, healthcare and legal support services, housing, public benefits access, language services, and economic development,” Ronayne said.
3News has learned that while there is no timeline in place as to when this center will open, plans are progressing.
Ronayne also said that Cuyahoga County is on its way to becoming “certified welcoming” by the organization Welcoming America. He said if the county earns this designation, it will become one of fewer than 20 cities and counties nationwide with the title, which goes to communities that exhibit intentional and inclusive policies to help people thrive.
“One of the most beautiful aspects of welcoming immigrants and refugees is the way they breathe life into our communities. They open restaurants that introduce to us new flavors and cuisines. They create businesses that drive economic growth,” Ronayne said. “And they bring their cultural traditions, festivals, and celebrations to our neighborhoods, enhancing the tapestry of our local culture.”
Ronayne also said immigrants and refugees play an important role in the workforce, “contributing their skills and expertise to various industries,” and contributing to the local economy.
Liliia Mamrokha came to Northeast Ohio last year, after Russia’s war on her home of Ukraine began. She came to Northeast Ohio with her husband and child to be with family who already lived here, and now teaches English to Ukrainian students in a school in Parma. She said Refugee Response helped connect her with her job.
“People need to feel that they are supported by these organizations, because usually when they come here, when they land here, they [are] referred to different such organizations, that’s why they need their help,” she said.
Mamrokha said her neighbors have been kind and welcoming, and she asks the community to be just as warm to fellow refugees and immigrants.
“I would ask and I would beg that people should be friendly and welcoming, and we will try to do our best to support and to help the Cuyahoga community,” she said.
