IowaWINs hosts annual meeting Oct. 29

MT. PLEASANT — The public is welcome to attend the IowaWINs (Iowa Welcomes Immigrant Neighbors) annual meeting Saturday, Oct. 29 at 11 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall of First Presbyterian Church.

“The meeting provides a comprehensive overview of what Iowa WINS is, what it has been doing for the last year, and a quick look at upcoming events,” IowaWINs President Jeff Fager said. “In addition, this year, our new youth wing, UNIFY, will present itself as well.”

UNIFY formed earlier in 2022 and have already hosted two community events in Mt. Pleasant’s Central Park Square.

The group, ran by high school students, originally began under the umbrella of IowaWINS, but are now their own 4-H group under the leadership of Henry County’s Iowa State Extension Office.

The following officers will be installed at the annual meeting:

President—Jeff Fager

Vice President—Sam Riepe

Secretary—Bob Mueller

IowaWINS Treasurer — Nancy Tometich

Nutrimos Treasurer — Tammy Shull

IowaWINs is a commission of First Presbyterian Church for the service and well-being of the entire community, however, church membership or affiliation is not required or expected for leaders, volunteers or assistance.

The vision of IowaWINs is to help create communities which are inclusive and hospitable.

According to the organization, their goal is that people who chose to live work, study, and seek happiness in this community are welcomed.

They work with the purpose of establishing a connection between immigrant families and other Mt. Pleasant and Southeast Iowa neighbors.

Additionally, the organization executes their purpose and vision in the following ways:

Developing relationships within the community and beyond to develop and implement solutions to common problems faced by immigrant residents.

Supporting the individual self-development in the immigrant community by connecting groups with resources.

Building inclusive and hospitable relationships, providing educational, cultural, and service opportunities for all members of the community.

Supporting children and people who came to the United States as children seeking to establish legal status through assistance with application and legal fees.

Advocating on behalf of immigrant rights to Iowa residents, government officials, office seekers and those developing public policy.

At the annual meeting, attendees will better understand how the vision, purpose, and mission of IowaWINs will be executed in the community.

Anyone interested in joining the IowaWINs can contact Tammy Shull at tammyshull@windstreamt.net or by calling 319 986-5173.

Following the meeting, attendees are invited to a potluck luncheon and then a bilingual listening session.

Erica Johnson and Alejandro Murgia-Ortex of Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice (IMMJ) will facilitate hearing from immigrant families about their hopes and dreams for the future.

The families also will express their opinions on what types of programs would best support them.

According to IowaWINs, IMMJ is a statewide membership-based legal service and advocacy organization driven and led by immigrant and refugee voices and united with allies.

The IMMJ mission is to build a movement for justice led by immigrants and refugees in Iowa by providing high-quality legal services and community empowerment through organizing.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com