Council Wins Welcoming America Grant to Provide Resources to New Americans
Matched $10,000 grant to provide communications programming aimed at educating New Americans in Columbus
Columbus, OH] On Monday, June 29, 2020, Council accepted a $10,000 grant from the Welcoming America Resilient Rapid Response Fund to help create a new communications effort for New Americans, immigrants and refugees in our community. Columbus is one of ten communities awarded this funding. The purpose of the funding is to support inclusive emergency management practices and to model trustworthy and effective communication to reach diverse audiences.
In addition to the Welcoming America grant, Columbus City Councilmember Emmanuel V. Remy matched the $10,000 to fully fund the $20,000 communications effort being led by Mr. Tariq Tarey, of Visual Communications.
"Columbus is a proud member of Welcoming America and I am thankful to work together to help get critical public information to every resident, including those with Limited English Proficiency." said Councilmember Remy. "In order to be an inclusive community, we must take every opportunity to make information, including timely COVID-19 alerts, housing news and small business fund opportunities accessible to all corners of our city."
With this funding, Mr. Tarey will help the City of Columbus develop and produce a series of culturally-specific Public Service Announcement (PSA) videos targeting New Americans, immigrants, and refugees in Central Ohio. The videos will balance timely COVID-19 related content with general information regarding access to essential services and resources.
“I am grateful to Welcoming America and City Councilmember Remy for answering the call of Central Ohio immigrants and refugees for better communication strategies in times of need,” said Tariq Tarey. “Creating videos in native languages that consider each community’s culture will be an important tool on how to access the resources the City of Columbus provides.”
"Welcoming America is pleased to support the City of Columbus, a trusted partner and Welcoming Network member, through the Resilient Rapid Response Fund," said Rachel Peric, Executive Director of Welcoming America. "By engaging Columbus residents who represent immigrant, refugee, and other at-risk populations in public health and emergency response, the city will be a healthier, safer and more vital place for all who live there."
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