INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEW JERSEY

1 JOURNAL SQUARE PLAZA, JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY 07306

201/653-3888      FAX 201/963-0252

BRINGING THE WORLD OF NEW JERSEY TOGETHER

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NEWS

International Institute of New Jersey to Host 87^th Annual Meeting

Kasser Theater, Montclair State University

    Jersey City, NJ – The International Institute of New Jersey (IINJ) will host its 87^th Annual Meeting at the Kasser Theatre at Montclair State University on October 27^th from 6:30-9:00 pm.

Since 1918, IINJ  has been the gateway of resettlement for, and provides support services to, hundreds of thousands of immigrants who have since arrived in New Jersey.

The meeting will honor retired IINJ Board Member Margaret M. Carne with IINJ’s Extraordinary Service Award.  Ms. Carne will be recognized for her invaluable contribution in the creation of the International Institute’s Counseling Program.  Carne has devoted her career to advancing the cause of immigrants and refugees.

The program will also feature Haven: A New Play with Music About Refugees and America, written and Performed by Sara Kahn.  A success at last summer’s New York International Fringe Festival, Kahn goes through a remarkable journey from musical comedy performer to human rights social worker transporting the audience from the war zones of Bosnia, Sierra Leona, and Afghanistan to the back alleys of Newark, NJ to meet four extraordinary refugees.

IINJ’s Annual Meeting will also celebrate the appointment of William Y. Fellenberg as its new Executive Director.  Mr. Fellenberg will illuminate recent developments at IINJ and discuss the emerging agenda for the coming year.

More than 200 proponents of services for immigrants and refugees will attend, including immigration counselors and attorneys, policy makers, academicians, social workers, mental health clinicians, and the staff and board of IINJ.   Suggested admission for the Annual Meeting is $15.  The program begins at 6:30 pm and will be followed by a reception.  To register for event, visit www.IINJ.org or call 201-653-3888, ext. 402.

About the International Institute of New Jersey.  As it has for 87 years, the Institute opens a new world of possibilities for immigrants by providing legal assistance on immigration and citizenship matters, English instruction, interpreting and translation, employment training, and individual and family counseling. The Institute also provides an array of services to refugees and other groups of immigrants through its Anti-Trafficking Program, Refugee School-Based Services, and Survivors of Torture Program.   In addition to helping immigrants navigate the conventions of American life, the Institute conducts conferences and trainings that bring new information about immigrants to leaders in the corporate, health care, government, law enforcement, education, and social service sectors.  The Institute advocates for public policies that ensure the fair and equitable treatment of immigrants and refugees. The Institute’s staff, board, and constituents believe that immigration is a key engine of the American economy and an inspiration for the American way of life.