Introduction

The International Institute, a 501 c (3) agency and member of the United Way, helps refugees and immigrants to independence by teaching English, finding jobs, and providing adjustment services to overcome language and cultural barriers. We build a healthier community by helping newcomers become productive citizens and by promoting public awareness of the important contribution ethnic diversity makes to the St. Louis region’s economy and quality of life.

Since 1919, the Institute has been providing a broad array of social services for new Americans. Annually, more than 8,000 new Americans receive services at the Institute, and nearly 60,000 area residents benefit from the agency's outreach efforts, including its highly-touted annual Festival of Nations . The agency is nationally recognized for its programs designed to move refugees and immigrants quickly from overwhelming dependence to productivity and self-sufficiency.

The Institute provides comprehensive adjustment services, moving New Americans quickly from overwhelming dependence to productivity and self-sufficiency. In so doing, newcomers become productive, contributing participants in their neighborhoods, schools, churches - indeed in the entire community. In fulfilling its mission, the Institute has thus become a tremendous cultural and economic asset to the entire metropolitan region, especially the City.