By Okon Ekpenyong

The Liberian In Columbus Incorporated, LICI understands the importance of its stakeholders in ensuring the success of its programs and initiatives. Therefore, during the annual Leadership Retreat held on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at the LICI Community Resources Center, the board of directors and staff leadership members took the opportunity to reflect on the successful implementation of the programs and initiatives of 2023 while also looking ahead to the future.

In today’s globalized world, it is more important than ever to preserve and celebrate one’s cultural identity. And it is precisely what the Liberians Living in Columbus, Inc. (LICI) aims to do.

Through promoting and empowering Liberian cultural pride, LICI works towards advancing social and economic development and creating a safer, thriving community. However, to continue its essential work, LICI relies on the support and understanding of its public funders, corporate and community partners, and members.

The retreat was a celebration of the community’s achievements and a recognition of its leaders’ hard work and dedication. The occasion was marked by a professional and respectful tone, befitting the importance of the occasion.

The leadership team reviewed last year’s highs and lows, excited about the future, and discussed steps to improve this year’s initiatives. Leaders also recognized the individuals, organizations, sponsors, volunteers, and funders who contributed to last year’s success and shared data on its positive impact on families across 12 zip codes. The Liberians living in Columbus have significantly impacted the community and beyond, from community outreach programs to educational initiatives.

The retreat, led by Executive Director Alphy Tongor, Administrator Dedeh Cooper, Program Coordinator Grace Kolliesuah, and other members of the leadership team and board of directors, was a huge success and marked the beginning of an exciting year for the community.

Guest speaker Wendy Kay, a high-performance purpose coach, shared her valuable insights and inspiration with the attendees, which was one of the key highlights of the retreat. Kay’s words of wisdom and encouragement left a lasting impression on everyone present and set the tone for a successful year ahead.

“Thanks to everyone involved, 2023 was a huge success! We’re grateful for the hard work and dedication of all the speakers, volunteers, and organizers who made the retreat a memorable experience,” said the leadership team.

In just one year, starting in November 2022, over 40 community-based events were held, serving over 12 zip codes in central Ohio and welcoming people from 25 countries of origin, with 3200 members and stakeholders participating.

Here is the 2023 program and initiatives breakdown, which focuses on three main pillars: youth services, cultural experiences, and family services. The youth services pillar generally Includes various activities such as a summer camp, kids’ night out, children’s party and toy giveaway, and back-to-school giveaway. The cultural experiences pillar contains events such as the annual cultural fusion festival, the Statehouse Independence Day program, and the Independence Day gala.

The family services pillar is crucial to LICI’s mission and vision. It aims to support Liberians living in Columbus and other ethnic groups in preserving their cultural pride while promoting social and economic development for a safer and more prosperous community. These initiatives strive to create a sense of unity and connection among families from different backgrounds, creating a thriving and inclusive community.

The family services pillar encompasses a wide range of programs and initiatives to support and improve the well-being of individuals and families within the community. These services include breaking barriers and promoting inclusivity by collaborating with local and state agencies, providing a navigator program to assist individuals in accessing necessary resources, and building capacity to meet the community’s diverse needs.

Additionally, the pillar hosts events such as power-up financial freedom workshops for small business owners and offers fresh produce giveaways to residents in over seven zip codes. During the colder months, the pillar also runs the Warm the Block coat drive to ensure that children and families in need stay warm. Lastly, the pillar provides older adults with a sense of belonging and support through events like Senior Fun Day, ensuring they feel valued and included in the community.

The outstanding board of directors and staff leadership team (volunteers) at the table are paving the way for a bright future in the community. Also, their exceptional skills and unwavering commitment to progress guarantee that the community can look forward to a prosperous and thriving future.

Family Services

The Zeta Phi Beta Sorority partnered with LICI to organize a Community Baby Shower for around 75 mothers, who had an average of 1-2 newborns per mother. The event had a majority of expectant mothers, accounting for about 60% of the attendees. In this community baby shower, around 500 baby essentials, including diapers, wipes, and bags, were distributed to the mothers.

Fresh produce Giveaway: 536 households served, 6370 pounds of food distributed, and seven zip codes served.

The community wellness navigator program enrolled 265 participants from New America and low-income families. It had 13 hub referrals and connected them to 11 different service categories, ranging from foot care to language services. The program had a total outreach of 2500.

Around twenty participants registered for the financial freedom workshop, which was well-received with a 98% approval rating.

Over 20 seniors participated in the Senior Fun Day, and we distributed 50 items, including goods, blankets, and gloves.

As part of the Warm the Block Coat Drive giveaways, more than 350 members of the Haitian community and others walked away with free coats for the winter. This initiative was in collaboration with Ohio State Representative Latyna Humphrey from Ohio’s House District #2 and the Haitian Community Network.

Youth Initiatives

Thirty-five kids between 5 and 16 enrolled at the Youth Summer Camp, which was a success. LICI organized a Kids Night Out for students in grades K 12, and 62 youths participated last year. The back-to-school giveaway initiative was also a success, with 120 participants and 2500 school supplies given away, including book bags, notebooks, pencils, folders, and markers.

LICI’s 15th annual Christmas Party & Toy Giveaway was a huge success, serving over ten zip codes, giving away 5600+ Christmas items, and putting smiles on the faces of 345 families with children aged 0-18.

Culture Experience

LICI’s annual culture fusion festival in Central Ohio is a big event celebrating Liberian Independence Day. Last year’s festival had 6743 attendees, 250 health screenings, 15 COVID-19 vaccine boosters, and 25 varieties of cultural food.

Mental health resources and free giveaways resulted from the Breaking Barriers program at a culture fusion festival. Around 800 people visited their booth, over 20 community members contacted for support, and over 10 churches organized community awareness.

Support the New Americans magazine to continue to serve our community with precise news that affect the new American, immigrant and refugee community. https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=8LHFS78NRNJJY&source=url