Global Oasis: A Haven for Learning, Relaxation, and Community at the International Center of Kentucky

After the 2021 tornadoes devastated western Kentucky, our Red Cross Community Adaptation Program (CAP) was initiated. Focused on Warren County, CAP provides enhanced support in select communities that are at high risk for extreme weather and face socioeconomic challenges. CAP enhances local nonprofits specializing in health, hunger and housing to strengthen their programs before a disaster and to serve families hit hard by this new increasing state of climate disasters.

One of our proud partnerships is with the International Center of Kentucky (ICoKY). We caught up with Albert Mbanfu, CEO of ICoKY. “What we do is resettle refugees and victims of human trafficking and other immigrants. We help them integrate into the community and start their lives over again after disruption from their parent home countries,” said Albert. He’s been the CEO for 11 years. Albert says the partnership with us has been vital. The ICoKY has helped resettle over 10,000 refugees from over 30 different countries. There are over 85 languages spoken in Warren County.

Executive Director, Albert Mbanfu, speaks at the ribbon cutting.

Photo Credit: (Grace Ramey / grace.ramey@bgdailynews.com)

“Immigrants have access to transportation because of the partnership with Red Cross. We can take them to places like the health department, the grocery, and the social security office where they can have their documents established.” Albert says the support has led to ICoKY having a facility where refugees can congregate and access electricity and internet. “We can successfully continue with our programs and classes even if the power goes out. We have back up power with generators.”

The office in Bowling Green has close to 40 staff. The staff come from 15 different countries around the world. “We pick [the refugees] up at the airport and show them hospitality. We make sure there is someone there to talk to them in their language,” said Albert. The center has become a place of safety and fellowship, where refugees can share experiences and learn. ICoKY has a full kitchen, portable showers, a 15-passenger van, and an outdoor charging station for phones and tablets. The staff teaches English speaking classes.

Albert with ICoKY staff

Albert is a refugee from Cameroon, Africa, who came to the US seeking asylum as part of the Refugee Act. The first thing he wants everyone to understand is refugees are coming from a place of trauma. “Just understanding how to use the appliances in their apartment. To start, many of them have never flushed a toilet or used a stove. They don’t know how to condition the thermostat to make it warm or cold. It’s so traumatizing to them when they arrive,” he said. The center shows them how to operate and go about basic life tasks in America.

ICoKY has agreed to become a resilience hub during times of disruption and disaster. This means refugees will have a safe place to gather and discuss what’s happening and gather resources about how to move forward. “Right now, I’m not super worried about the aftermath of a disaster in this community because of CAP. We know the Red Cross will be there for us. We know Red Cross will be ready to support us and provide us the necessary resources to support the refugees. The presence and partnership are invaluable. I have a piece of mind because of this partnership,” said Albert.

Sitting outside in peace may be something Americans take for granted, but Albert says it’s the greatest thing refugees can enjoy. “Just having the comfortability of sitting and charging their phone while they enjoy nature. That’s the American dream for them. They never thought that would happen.” Albert shared with us he escaped poverty and misery; and that’s what many of the refugees have faced.

Albert with family

Coming to America was a way to start over for Albert. He came here in 2005 and got a new job and went to school. He got married to his wife in 2007. They have 3 sons, and he proudly watches them have access to opportunities he never dreamed of. One of Albert’s sons just got accepted to the esteemed Emory University for college. “Knowing my kids have a brighter future just from being in the United States, it’s something you can’t buy with money. I’m just happy God willing, my kids will have a life that is better than mine was… I know I’ve birthed a generation that will not experience poverty, torture, and war.”

We are grateful for Albert’s leadership, wisdom, and kindness. We know this partnership will continue to grow and provide sustainable resources for refugees.