Family Resource Group

Earlier this year a small number of G.L.I.P.’s met  to discuss the possibility of establishing a group whose task would be to focus upon making life easier for the families of new-to Louisville G.L.I.P. members. Often these families relocate to support the person who has a job here and can feel quite isolated.

The idea to establish such a group was welcomed and the G.L.I.P. Family Resource Group now intends to become a resource center for International Families, starting life in Louisville and to provide them with the tools and resources they need to succeed.

The main focus for our first piece of work was to provide a Directory which is an addition to Possibility City: The Guide to Greater Louisville, and will assist with home life. For example, inclusions such as where to buy fresh meat other than the supermarket, how exactly does the American healthcare and legal system work, what is ninth grade at school and why can’t I pay all my utility bills by direct debit from my bank account automatically? In other cases, it can be as simple as finding a store. There are things which established USA citizens take for granted and although these issues may appear quite trivial can be very frustrating for the person trying to manage a home and family under a system often quite alien to them.  This process will be available to everyone relocating to Louisville and will also serve as a resource to recruiters who bring new talent from around the world. 

Vision:

To become a resource center for International Families starting life in Louisville and to provide them with the tools and resources that they need to succeed.

Mission:

• To empower International Families in becoming informed, successful and engaged community members in Louisville
• To engage in community outreach and provide assistance with integration
• To connect similar talents and foster mentorship
• To provide socialization experiences

Initiatives:

• Relocation piece: provide a Directory which will be additional to Possibility City: The Guide to Greater Louisville and will assist with home life from an international's perspective. To view the Relocation Guide to Welcome International Families, click here.
• Create a one pager of Louisville's international volunteering opportunities which will be an insert to the Relocation Guide to Welcome International Families.

2012 Programming:

February 2012: Family Brunch- Welcome new families and integrate with existing G.L.I.P. families

March 2012: International Women's Day Event-Socialization of G.L.I.P. women members.

April 22, 2012: Kids Earth Day Event -Ghyslain-Socialization of G.L.I.P. families and children.

February-April 2012: Produce one pager of International Volunteering opportunities and update G.L.I.P. relocation guide-provide opportunities for International families to engage with community.

June 2012: International Potluck Picnic-Welcome new families and integrate with existing G.L.I.P.families.

September 2012: Shopping trip-networking opportunity.

December 2012: Group volunteering activity-Team building, group profile-raising.

The next G.L.I.P. Family Resource Group meeting will be April 24, 2012 at 6:00pm at Home Instead Senior Care- 4610 Taylorsville Rd.  If you would like to attend please R.S.V.P. to Nicole Eovino.

G.L.I.P. Family Resource Group Celebrates International Women's Day:
On March 3, 2011 members from the Family Resource Group and friends joined together at China Buffet Restaurant to celebrate International Women's Day. Hundreds of events occur throughout March every year around the world to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women. The Family Resource Group celebrated this day by meeting one another, welcoming new international families to Louisville and sharing experiences.
 

 

 G.L.I.P. Family Resource Group Trip to IKEA and Jungle Jim's: September 17, 2011

Silvia Sulfridge, Austria, writes of her experience with the G.L.I.P. Family Resource Group:

"Thank you for incorporating me in your group. I think what you're doing is really helpful for international people, especially for women! I felt kind of lost here, when I came to Louisville, but joining the group gave me more confidence and I see how great the other women are doing and how they support each other. Keep up the great work!"

If you are interested in joining G.L.I.P. Family Resource Group and contributing to the initiatives, please contact Jacki Westwell.

2012 Committee Members: