On the weekend of April 22, Seton High School senior, Nina Wurzelbacher, organized a charity art fair at Eden Park titled “Arts ’N Smarts: Multicultural Art Fair” to raise funds for Santa Maria’s International Welcome Center. The event was held on the lawn near Mirror Lake and featured 14 booths of professional and amateur local artists. The fair raised over $400 to help educate immigrants who receive services through the Center. The International Welcome Center exists to give Cincinnati’s immigrants a unique, effective and open community education and welcoming support. The Center offers English and Spanish literacy classes, support groups, and more to provide immigrants with a safe space to access valuable resources and connect with one another.
The IWC provides participants with English as a Second Language classes or English Language Learners, Spanish literacy classes, child-enrichment groups, Ohio Public Benefits and other community resources, financial education, educational assistance, employment assistance and family support. the IWC provides enrichment activities for children during the adult classes and works with clients who need transportation. The IWC staff understands how a transition into a new culture and language can increase the need for support.
