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Today, the International Institute of St. Louis launched the new Afghan Community Center and Afghan Chamber of Commerce to give Afghans a safe space to connect and share ideas for financial empowerment. Housed in the same building in south St. Louis, the two organizations are integral components of the Afghan Support Program, founded last year in part by Jerry Schlichter, local attorney and executive-level investor of the Greater St. Louis, Inc. Chair’s Council.
“This is a special occasion marking two important steps in the Afghan Support Program,” Schlichter said. “The Afghan Community Center and Chamber of Commerce are just a few of the opportunities the International Institute has in place for Afghan immigrants. The Afghan newspaper, major housing fund, computer coding classes, iPads and cell phones, and $15,000 grants to entrepreneurs are helping us make St. Louis a preferred destination for Afghans looking for a new home.”
Last year, Schlichter partnered with the International Institute and interfaith leaders to introduce the Afghan Support Program, calling on the St. Louis community to support and welcome their new neighbors. The program’s success today is due in part to hundreds of volunteers and corporate and civic supporters stepping up in a big way.
“St. Louis has already welcomed over 1,000 new Afghan residents,” said Jason Hall, CEO of Greater St. Louis, Inc. “The new community center will help our new neighbors thrive and serve as a magnet for more families. Immigrants and refugees are fundamental to St. Louis population growth, entrepreneurship, and being an even more global city.”