During a recent government meeting, Akoya Forku Sektre, director of the New American Welcome Center, presented an overview of the Immigrant Cooperative's initiatives funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The cooperative, which includes several immigrant service agencies in Champaign County, has focused on enhancing mental health and language access for the local immigrant population, which comprises over 25,000 individuals, or approximately 12.3% of the county's total population.

The presentation highlighted the significant barriers faced by low-income immigrants, particularly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Sektre emphasized the urgent need for culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health services, noting that many immigrants experience trauma during their transition to a new community. The cooperative has tailored therapeutic approaches to meet these specific needs, resulting in positive outcomes for individuals facing challenges such as anxiety and domestic violence.

In addition to mental health services, the cooperative has addressed language access by developing a training program for interpreters fluent in indigenous languages, particularly Mayan Conhobah. This initiative aims to improve communication for families who may not speak Spanish, thereby enhancing their access to essential services. The cooperative has successfully trained five interpreters through rigorous programs, creating new employment opportunities within the community.

Despite these advancements, Sektre pointed out ongoing challenges, including a shortage of bilingual mental health providers and the need for more structured interpretation services. The cooperative continues to seek solutions to these issues, especially as new immigration patterns emerge and the local population grows.

The presentation concluded with a call for continued support from the Champaign County Board and a recognition of the complex needs that remain within the immigrant community, particularly in light of potential policy changes with the upcoming presidential administration. The cooperative remains committed to addressing these challenges and fostering equity for all immigrants in the region.