WIFA Extends Condolences to Turkish Partners and Families impacted by February 2023 Earthquake

On February 3, 2023, WIFA members and friends celebrated Turkish culture thanks to a partnership with the  Turkish American Society of Ohio – Columbus, which provided an informative program, delicious food and entertainment. It was a wonderful evening full of celebration and cultural experiences.

Tragically, just hours later, a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit southern Turkey and nearby Syria, causing buildings to collapse, unimaginable destruction, and thousands of deaths in the region.

WIFA is deeply saddened by the overwhelming loss of life and destruction. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all the people affected, including our partners with TASO, their families, and everyone who lost loved ones and is impacted by the devastation.

TASO is making a number of resources available to help provide for the relief effort. Learn more on the TASO website.

Join WIFA in 2023!

After nearly three years of only virtual events during the COVID pandemic, WIFA is bringing back in-person events in 2023. We invite you to join WIFA and participate in our many upcoming international programs and events. 

The dues for 2023 are as follows:

• $10 seniors/students
• $15 Individuals
• $20 senior couple
• $25 family

Complete this form to join WIFA

To complete your registration, submit the form and mail a check made out to WIFA to:

Attention: Anne Brown
City of Worthington
6550 N. High Street
Worthington, OH 43085

WIFA Extends Support to Cincinnati's Sister City - Kharkiv, Ukraine

The Worthington community knows the value of the friendships and cultural understanding we’ve been privileged to experience through our sister city relationship with the people of Sayama, Japan. The citizens of Cincinnati, Ohio have that same bond with the people of their sister city of over 30 years, Kharkiv, Ukraine.  Located just 25 miles from the Russian border, Kharkiv has been on the front lines. Russian forces have shelled Kharkiv every day. The Cincinnati-Kharkiv Sister City Partnership organization has been in regular contact with their friends in Kharkiv, who have been providing personal firsthand updates from their community. Read some of their stories and more find information on the invasion and Kharkiv's defense by visiting the Cincinnati-Kharkiv Sister City Partnership website:  www.cincy-kharkiv.org

WIFA reached out to Cincinnati recently to ask how we can support their efforts to most effectively provide relief to Ukraine. They recently launched a fundraising campaign, with 100% of donations raised going directly to the Red Cross in Kharkiv. All online credit card and processing fees are being covered by a donor, so every penny donated will reach the people who need it.

Learn more and link to the donation site

Joint Statement of Support for Asian American and Pacific Islander Citizens

Worthington City Council, Community Relations Commission, Worthington International Friendship Association and City Administration join together in support of our Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) neighbors. As community leaders, we are speaking out with one voice to strongly condemn acts and expressions of hate and discrimination toward AAPI citizens. Read the statement here

WIFA Board Meetings

• 5:30 pm
• Fourth Tuesday of each month
• Worthington Municipal Building
  6550 N. High St.
  Worthington, OH 43085

Board Members

• Wade Duym, President
• Nicky Robie, Vice President
• Joan Bird
• Anne Brown
• Christina Clark
• Rachael Dorothy
• Virginia Duym
• Jeff Fickell
• Joe Kohler
• Beth Kowalczyk
• Bill McDonald
• Lora Mitchell
• Jonathan Mooers
• Marsha Mueller
• Kathryn Paugh
• Akiko Pullen
• Yani Sheng
• Meredith Southard
• Linda Teufel
• Gretchen Turner