LICI Press Release
Addressing COVID-19
2020 has been an adventurous year as communities across the globe are doing their best to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the overwhelming support from our volunteers and community partners, LICI (Liberians In Columbus, Inc.) has implemented multiple initiatives to address some of our community’s needs.
Before Governor Dewine’s lockdown order, we secured and distributed over 5000 pounds of fresh produce, rice, vegetable oil, and water, to 150+ families, seniors, and the sick. Our second initiative was a COVID-19 Awareness during the annual Independence Day Celebration. We again secured and distributed over 10,000lbs of food items, hand sanitizers, face masks, tissues, paper towels, and educational materials. This campaign served 175 families. During thanksgiving we donated over 125 turkeys and 100 boxes of produce to families in need.
We appreciate the assistance of our Ways & Means and LICI COVID-19 Taskforce led by Mr. James McCabe & Ms. Lindora Howard Diawara, respectively. We also extend heartfelt gratitude to all our hard-working volunteers who are always willing to assist. Finally, thanks to our community partners (Imprem Holistic Resource Center, Mid-Oho Food Bank, City of Columbus, Ultimate Healthcare, JPS Print, Savor Restaurant, Alliance Healthcare) for provided the resources needed to give.
LICI 2020 YTD Grant Announcements
The Liberian in Columbus, Inc (LICI) is proud to announce that our community has been awarded the following Impact Grants for program initiatives. The Board of Directors and Executives will immediately establish a team of community members to facilitate the programs with complete oversight and transparency.
United Way of Central Ohio
Funding in the amount of $3,148
Proposed Program: In 2017, the organizers made a conscious decision to introduce our fantastic heritage with this great city of Columbus and our neighbors in an effort to be inclusive and bridge the gap between New American immigrants and the city at large. The Culture Fusion Festival started in 2018 and works with community groups, neighborhood residents, the city, and private vendors to create a safe and peaceful event for our entire community. Our goals are to bridge community gaps, nurture collaboration through safe, peaceful, sustainable practices, initiate opportunities for community involvement and engagement, and promote a more unified, tolerant, and equitable community. Liberians in Columbus, Inc (LICI) is the leading planning and governing body of the Culture Fusion Festival; however, it is open to anyone.
The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio
Funding Amount: $1,500
Proposed Program: Liberians in Columbus, through LICI Phenomenal Women, provides care packages for Liberian women on in the community who are frontline workers. Sixty percent of Liberian women in the community are healthcare or other essential workers. Packages include masks, hand sanitizer, food baskets, and materials about COVID-19 and how to remain safe.
Ohio Department of Mental Health
Funding Amount: $21,000
Proposed Program: Community and Faith-based Culturally Competent Stigma Reduction
City of Columbus Department of Neighborhood
Special Event Support Program (SESP)
Funding Amount: $1,000
Proposed Program: Our goals are to bridge community gaps, nurture collaboration through safe, peaceful, sustainable practices, initiate opportunities for community involvement and engagement, and promote a more unified, tolerant, and equitable community. However, due to the COVID-19 global pandemic affecting our communities, the organizers are proposing a more creative way of engaging the community through virtual platforms. Our organization currently has 5000 plus followers on social media which comprise of all community members. We will be hosting a Virtual Community Engage Event.