BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — The International Center of Kentucky is a new facility in Bowling Green which will help refugees assimilate into their new lives in the United States.

What You Need To Know

  • The building is owned by the International Center of Kentucky, an immigration service that helps over hundreds of refugees every year

  • The building will serve as a teaching service to help refugees learn English, and will also use as a shelter for natural disasters

  • The building is located next to the International Center of Kentucky on 806 Kenton St

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The nonprofit hosts hundreds of refugees every year. The new center will serve as a teaching center to help refugees learn English and find employment.

Huda Melky,the center’s board chair, was a person behind the initiative. She moved to the United States from Syria in the 1970s and wanted to give opportunities she didn’t have. 

Milky said, “I remember how difficult it was to be here without having any assistance, but now this individual coming here, it’s a dream come true for them.”

Nestro Elmi moved to the United States from Somalia in 2016. She has lived in Bowling Green for seven years.

Elmi found the International Center and hit the ground running; improving her language skills and going to school.

When Elmi saw the new building ready to help people like her, she knew this was the place she wanted be.

Elmi said, “Here is the opportunity land. When I look at other countries, especially the country where I come from, here is a beast.”

More information about the International Center of Kentucky can be found on their website. 

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