A word from our Executive Director:

Friends of KIAC,

Greetings and happy New Year! We have just ended a strong year for KIAC, in which we achieved several momentous goals. Behind this effort, there are numerous people who make this work possible. I appreciate the skill, dedication, and commitment that everyone invests in KIAC. Without our team of volunteers, staff members and supporters, we couldn’t do what we do for our immigrant neighbors.

As I reflect upon the accomplishments of the KIAC team in 2022, I am excited to share a few achievements:

KIAC’s Immigration Legal Services team processed 242 new legal matters and fielded over 500 requests from immigrants seeking services. These included:

– 8 Adjustment of Status
– 8 Asylum
– 15 DACA Renewals
– 11 Green Card Renewals
– 30 Naturalization Applications
– And more.

KIAC’s Family Services team hosted 30 medical clinics in partnership with West Sound Free Clinic, with nearly 200 patient visits. We hosted over 20 dental clinics, in partnership with Peninsula Community Health Services, providing dozens of immigrants with accessible dental care. Along with these clinics, our Family Services team:

– Hosted 33 clothing closet days reaching over 700 families
– Delivered over 700 orders of child supplies from KidVantage to roughly 600 individual participants
– Facilitated 1,093 applications for the Washington Immigrant Relief Fund (WIRF)
– Completed over 2,000 calls or meetings (not related to WIRF)
– And more.

KIAC’s Tax & Business Team facilitated 55 business licenses and assisted with 130 state and federal tax filings.

KIAC’s Board of Directors and Leadership Team completed an Executive Director search resulting in securing and hiring a full-time Executive Director in September. They also voted to provide health insurance benefits to KIAC staff beginning this month, January 2023!

Anti-immigrant sentiment continues to be prevalent in this country, dictating the ever-changing immigration laws and policies. In the face of this, KIAC will stay strong – providing direct services, advocating for accessibility within our partner organizations and working with others to push for change.

We couldn’t get where we are today without you, our partners. I invite you to deepen your relationship with KIAC and your immigrant neighbors in 2023. Come into our office for a tour and to learn more about our work. Become a consistent, monthly donor. Volunteer your time. Tell others about KIAC and invite them to be involved. As Kathy Calvin once said, “Giving is not just about donating. It’s about making a difference.”

Let’s all make a difference and do our part to make our world, our country and our community a better place to live.

Jayson Vega
Executive Director