From the Desk of KIAC’s Executive Director

Dear Friends,

What a month January 2022 has been! I started in my new role as Interim ED at KIAC, and we added 3 more staff members while keeping our offices closed for 2 weeks due to Covid. It really speaks to the extraordinary team here at KIAC, that in spite of all the challenges and new faces, we were able to accomplish so much. Here are a few of the highlights. 

• KIAC assisted our partner Peninsula Community Health Services in the vaccination of 134 community members.
• KIAC conducted our regular health and dental clinics during the month – helping dozens of immigrants access care.
• One of our legal volunteers became an Accredited Representative (AR) after going through a rigorous process of study and working with our certified ARs on multiple cases.
• From an operational perspective January included
  • Consolidating our payroll and accounting services with one provider, resulting in paychecks twice a month.
  • Working toward migrating to a new donor database system (Bloomerang).

In the current month we are looking forward to

• Piloting a Saturday health clinic on a test basis to accommodate those who are unable to come to clinics on a weekday. This will be in addition to our regular health clinics.
• A second Covid vaccine clinic in late February at the Gateway Center in Bremerton for anyone over age 5.
• Sending out a call inviting volunteers to assist KIAC clients in tax preparation service.
• Going live with our new donor database system (Bloomerang).

Although I am not new to KIAC or the work we do for immigrants in our community, completing my first month as Executive Director has solidified my understanding of the ever-growing need for KIAC within our community and the importance of KIAC’s partnerships – with our volunteers, partner organizations, clients and all of you. Thank you for your support of the work KIAC does for our immigrant neighbors. 

In Partnership,

Thangam Chandrasekaran, Executive Director