International Institute Rhode Island



As IIRI begins its 90th anniversary, it is gratifying to know that the agency, perhaps now more than ever, continues to be both a relevant and essential resource within the Rhode Island non-profit landscape. With a foreign born population in Rhode Island of 15%, IIRI continues to be the leader in providing innovative and high quality programs and services that enable immigrants and refugees to become self-reliant, contributing members of our community. Today’s newcomers, like our ancestors who arrived here in generations past, are highly motivated to participate in learning opportunities, to work hard and long hours, and to become contributing and productive members of our community as quickly as possible.
		William Shuey Executive Director

This past year IIRI served over 13,000 individuals and families on their paths to the American Dream. In these tough economic times, we have had to make do with less, but I am happy to report that we have not sacrificed any essential programs or services that our clients need and want. In fact, we have continued to innovate and in some cases expand our programs to meet the ever changing needs of the community. In response to a growing demand for factual information about immigration law, IIRI hosted a conference for the community called Beyond Borders, which brought together local experts in the field to share their knowledge and promote rational dialogue around policy issues. We partnered with the U.S. Census Bureau to promote participation in the Census, encouraging all community members to be counted. As a member of the Rhode Island Citizenship Consortium, we helped to educate area residents about the citizenship process and local resources available to help them on the path to citizenship. We are also pleased that our efforts to secure funding for a new Low Literacy Initiative were successful and we are now able to provide needed classes to a previously underserved population. IIRI also made a new program commitment this year to provide holistic case management to Victims of Human Trafficking, and we have already successfully served several victims of labor trafficking. We were extremely fortunate, though the efforts of Senator Jack Reed, to secure building renovation funding from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, which has allowed us to upgrade and modernize our building, providing a safer, more inviting setting for our staff, clients and visitors.

I look forward to this year—our 90th anniversary—as a time for reflection on the contributions and successes of immigrants and refugees in our community, and as a time for celebration of our staff, Board of Directors, funders, volunteers, community partners, clients and community members who continue to be dedicated to our mission. We thank you for the part you have played in helping us continue to keep the American dream alive and well for thousands of newcomers.

Motivated clients who live the American Dream
		80% of clients served worked and paid taxes
		90% of new refugee arrivals were employed and self reliant within 12 months
		95% of clients who took the citizenship exam passed

An experienced staff of more than 60 strong, and totally committed to our mission
		59% are foreign born and multilingual
		Staff average 15 years of professional experience in their field

Outstanding Funders who value investing in our future workforce
		Grant awards from many foundations and corporations increased this fiscal year
		Strong fundraising for the Annual Campaign and Special Events
		Promoted the 1921 Society to honor planned gifts and legacies to IIRI

Dedicated Board who go the extra mile for our cause
		100% of Board members gave of their time and money to support our cause

Caring Volunteers who find that they get back more than they give
		More than 170 dedicated community members volunteered to help our clients

Partnerships in building the best Rhode Island we can
		Over 120 public and private organizations partnered with IIRI
		LEARN MORE ABOUT IIRI in our 2010 ANNUAL REPORT