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International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit
The International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit (IIMD) is the longest standing immigrant service provider in the State of Michigan. IIMD was founded in 1919 by a group of Young Women's Christian Association volunteers who sought to help legal immigrants learn English, assimilate into their communities, become U.S. citizens, and learn about each other's cultures. It was one of 55 similar institutes founded in cities all over the U.S. during a time of peak immigration into the U.S. In 1944, IIMD officially became a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and has enjoyed accreditation by the U.S. Department of Justice Board of Immigration Appeals since 1958. The mission of the International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit is to transform the lives of low-income immigrants, refugees, and U.S. born residents through innovative solutions that lead to economic mobility.
IIMD is located in Detroit's vibrant University-Cultural Center/Midtown District and is surrounded by The College for Creative Studies, Detroit Institute of Arts, Children’s Science Museum, and Wayne State University. With the majority of the staff having personal experience of either immigrating to the United States or growing up/living/working in the city of Detroit, IIMD is uniquely positioned to provide a welcoming environment for the immigrants and people of various cultures that utilize their services.
The physical space of the International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit creates an inviting environment for the different cultures of the community the IIMD serves. The building is filled with numerous display cases with artwork and other cultural artifacts from different countries. Hallways are painted with colorful, multicultural murals. There is a community-made quilt hanging in the stairwell that represents multiple countries. The Hall of Nations, a community gathering place, has national flags hanging around the perimeter of the space and the walls are lined with bookcases with dolls from around the world. Not only are the instructional and office spaces welcoming, but the lower level of the building is home to the Small World Cafe, an immigrant family-owned restaurant that serves food from a variety of cultures. When community members enter the building, they know that they are seen, welcome, and valued. IIMD's core programs have existed since its creation and over time, services have expanded to best meet the population's needs and to adapt to economic trends. IIMD currently offers the following programs:
IIMD runs these programs through the successful acquisition and management of grants and an effective financial sustainability plan. With these core programs/services, IIMD assists over 1,500 individuals annually in attaining the goal of self-sufficiency in the form of employment/career and financial independence.