Summit 2.0 ~ Oct. 31st, 2024

We are excited to continue bringing together the corporations, employers, school districts and nonprofits of the Fox Valley who are committed to supporting our areas Newcomers. We are reconvening to act on our learning from Summit 1.0.

We look forward to enhancing staff training and cultural competency, to growing our Newcomer education programs, and strengthening our community’s navigational case management services together

  • Education

    Newcomer Perspective of the Education Sector: “We need more interpreters. We need more English classes. We need more business classe”

    Education Sector Analysis

    6 education organizations responded.
    19 other organizations also provide some education services.

    "Driver's Education" (both driving practice and knowledge) shows a high newcomer interest (around 70%) compared to the current and planned offerings by organizations.

    "Civic Engagement" and "Technology Training" are underrepresented, with newcomer interest far exceeding the services provided.

    "Weather Education" shows a notable gap between newcomer interest and service offerings, suggesting areas for potential service expansion.

    "Food and Nutrition Education" is another service where interest exceeds the current and planned offerings.


  • Employment

    Newcomer Perspective of the Employment Sector: “Language barriers make finding a job very difficult. We need more job opportunities. We need help knowing about opportunities/job search. Our options for jobs are different depending on legal status, adding an extra layer of complexity.”

    Employment Sector Analysis

    7 employment organizations responded.
    20 other organizations also provide some employment services.

    "Opportunities to take classes at work" are not currently reported as a service offered by the employers who participated. This suggests a potential area for service expansion within the employment sector.

    Employer groups who responded to the survey offer three other services in the employment sector
    1. Job Skills Training
    2. Employment Placement
    3. Career-Related Education and Training

    Very few external organizations reported offering employment-related services.


  • Basic Needs

    Newcomer Perspective of Basic Needs: “We need help with basic needs”

    Basic Needs Analysis

    10 basic needs organizations responded.
    33 other organizations also provide some of the basic needs services listed.

    "Basic Needs Supplies" (furniture, clothing, cleaning supplies, food, etc.) are being offered by organizations across all sectors. Almost 50% of external organizations offer these services.

    Services like “Childcare and Laundry Support” are notably absent.

    “Emergency Response and Case Management” services are provided now and will be expanded in the future by both in-sector and out-of-sector organizations. Newcomer needs for this service are beyond the current and planned service offering.


  • Legal

    This is the most important thing that we Newcomers need support with. We need clear information about the implications of different visas and application types. The process is slow. Employment status and making money is dependent on one's status.

    Legal Sector Analysis

    2 legal organizations responded.

    Both responding legal organizations offer Immigration/Green Card Navigation services.
    Citizenship Classes are projected to be offered by both organizations in the future.

    55% of Newcomer respondents indicated a strong need for these services to be expanded.


  • Acculturation

    Acculturation: a process of social, psychological, and cultural change that stems from the balancing of two cultures while adapting to the prevailing culture of the society.

    Newcomers are at all stages of the timeline above depending on when they arrived in the US and when they moved to the Fox Valley.

    The Acculturation Curve: Adjusting to a New Life

    Euphoria: First couple weeks or months after resettlement

    Culture Shock: Begins about six weeks after resettlement

    Acculturation: Usually takes 2-10 years depending on age and life events

    Integration: Development and maintenance of one’s own cultural identity and personal characteristics while also creating and maintaining a relationship with our schools and community


  • Which Organizations Support Newcomers?

    Appleton & Oshkosh

    Casa Hispana

    Fox Valley Literacy

    World Relief - WI

    Hope & Help Together

    Multicultural Coalition, Inc

    Pointters Community Initiatives

    Oshkosh

    SEPO Zambia

    Green Bay

    COMSA

    Casa ALBA Melanie


The First Newcomer Summit

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Newcomer Community Summit on August 7th, 2023.

115 community members came together across all sectors in our community for a Leadership Summit to understand the experiences of Newcomers in our community. We engaged in a variety of activities, including learning from a panel of 5 speakers, all sharing their own experiences as Newcomers from a wide range of ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic, and linguistic backgrounds. We all left feeling more connection, responsibility, and gratitude for the ways in which we are all working to build networks of care and support.

Thank you to the planning and facilitation committee for this event: Brian Bankert (Trinity Lutheran Church), Rayon Brown (FVTC), Jim Case (Common Ground), Greg Hartjes (AASD), Amy Swick (AASD), Jason Schulist (GLCI), Timber Smith (City of Appleton), Oliver Zornow (Building for Kids).