adminFor over 20 years Open Arms has been accompanying and partnering with the Latino community in Wayne and surrounding counties. We are excited to announce a brand new pilot program known as “Open Arms Akron”, that will serve new immigrant groups in Akron, Ohio, with a specific focus on the Congolese immigrant community there.
The expansion will be led by Rollin Mukanza, Community Development Worker of Open Arms Akron. Rollin is originally from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo and has lived in Akron since 1996. He has a psychology degree from Congo (Universite Pedagogique National) and a Business Administration degree from Bluffton University and has spent many years serving the immigrant community in Akron. He spent 9 years working with the International Institute of Akron in the field of refugee resettlement. During his tenure with the International institute he always went above and beyond the scope of the federal resettlement policy and assisted the newcomers in numerous ways to help them get settled and adapt to life in North America. With Open Arms, Rollin will be able more fully embrace his calling and passion to serve the immigrant community of Akron in a faith based perspective.
Rollin has been hired to work full time for Open Arms on a 12 month contract. Open Arm’s hope is that the Open Arms Akron initiative will develop into a long term ministry. In order for this to be possible we will need additional funding. There has already been a matching grant pledged to Open Arms Akron so every dollar given towards Open Arms Akron will be matched dollar for dollar! Please consider donating towards Open Arms Akron to make this ministry to the immigrant community there a long term ministry!
