The Northern Nevada International Center (NNIC) recently turned a corner after contending with substantial funding delays and regulatory changes in refugee resettlement. These challenges previously compelled the center to implement significant cutbacks.
Carina Black, the executive director, shared insights into the situation, stating, “This really has been a huge realization for us that being 90% federally funded is not a great idea.”
With the federal funding now secured through September 2026, NNIC is poised to reinstate its workforce after reducing its staff from 62 to around 25 earlier this year. This financial certainty enables the organization to reinvigorate its operations.
However, adjustments were necessary, leading to the discontinuation of several cultural exchange initiatives, such as the Mandela Washington Fellowship and the Young Southeast Asian Leadership Initiative, which no longer aligned with federal priorities.
Preparations are underway to accommodate new refugees as part of a national strategy to relocate 7,500 white South Africans, with the first arrivals anticipated in Northern Nevada by December.
Despite the hurdles, Black emphasized a sense of renewal within the center’s mission. She remarked, “This has really been re-energizing us in terms of thinking about what creative ways we can use our expertise and our international connections to continue the work we have done well over a couple of decades.”
Looking ahead, NNIC aims to establish an immigration clinic, broaden its English language programs, and diversify its funding sources by seeking private and international support. Moreover, the center aspires to initiate leadership programs abroad and set up a Washington, D.C., office to enhance global collaboration.
