Let us grow from strength to strength in the New Year
Miriam, a refugee from Belarus came to America 8 years ago with her husband and 2 small children with little more than a few possessions. What guided her were her hopes and dreams for a different life filled with possibilities versus the persecution and roadblocks that impeded her daily life. Today, Miriam & her family are proud American citizens working hard to build those dreams. Miriam is like so many immigrants who have made our community home. They come with little, but bring so many positive values and contributions that have made us more resilient and vibrant as a nation.
As 2012 begins, HIAS Chicago gives thanks to families like Miriam's. We also extend our best wishes to you and your family for a very happy and healthy New Year. For over a century the agency has stood strong for those who sought refuge here, helping thousands of families and their descendant's plant roots in a new land.
To symbolize these important values and services, HIAS Chicago has launched its 100th Anniversary Endowment Campaign and chosen the planting of 100 trees and the creation of a HIAS Chicago Freedom Grove at Channel Runne Park in Lincolnwood in celebration of this historic milestone.
We are the stories we tell. Help make your story a chapter in HIAS Chicago's history as we celebrate our 100th Anniversary. For more information about how you can share your story and/or participate in our centennial celebration, click here or contact Suzanne Franklin, Director of HIAS Chicago at 312.357.4666.
With warmest wishes,
The Board of Directors and Staff at HIAS Chicago
Welcome to our new HIAS Chicago website!
We are very excited to share with you our user friendly and interactive site which we hope will allow you to access the broad range of vital immigration services we provide to the community, useful information about the immigration process, and the many ways you can get involved with HIAS Chicago by being a community volunteer or by investing your resources to help others in need.
This year is a special one for HIAS Chicago! We will be celebrating our 100th Anniversary. For over a century the agency has stood strong for those who sought refuge here, helping thousands of families and their descendants to plant roots in a new land. To symbolize these important values and services, HIAS Chicago will be planting a Freedom Grove. The HIAS Chicago Freedom Grove will allow donors to honor, remember and celebrate family members, friends and loved ones who have been touched by HIAS Chicago’s services. For more information on this event and how you may participate, please click on HIAS Chicago’s 100th Anniversary.
Help us collect the many stories of individuals and families that HIAS Chicago has helped in their journey to freedom. Click here to Share Your Family’s Story.
For assistance in meeting your immigration related needs, please contact us by email at hiaschicago@jcfs.org or by phone at 312-357-4666.
We hope you will visit our website often for up-to-date information about agency services and our 100th anniversary celebration.
Thank you for supporting HIAS Chicago.
Suzanne Franklin
Director
Susan Wexler
Assistant Director
and the Staff and Board of Directors at HIAS Chicago
News and Announcements
HIAS Chicago 2012 Scholarships Announcement
The Board of Directors of HIAS Chicago proudly announces the opening for 2012 HIAS Chicago scholarship applications. The application period is taking place from November 14, 2011 through February 17, 2012. Visit the HIAS Chicago Scholarship Page for more information.
Scholarships will be awarded to the following categories of students:
HIAS Chicago Undergraduate Scholarships - $4,000 each: High school seniors about to begin post-secondary education on a full time basis or college students continuing in undergraduate or technical study.
HIAS Chicago Graduate Scholarships - $4,000 each
- HIAS Chicago Benton Bernstein Scholarships - Students enrolling in or continuing in a course of professional study in one of the helping professions such as, but not limited to, medicine, social work or psychology, and
- HIAS Chicago Career Enhancement Scholarships - Students enrolling in or continuing enrollment in a graduate level educational program.
Visit the HIAS Chicago Scholarship Page to apply.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, we invite you to apply. The closing deadline for receipt of applications will be February 17, 2012. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.