About The International Family Center of Union County

Kim Kinsey

A True Fairy Tale

Once upon a time (1977) where was a young woman (Kim Kinsey) from a place far, far away (Northeast Ohio) hoping to make a difference (she was a teacher). She came to a very magical place (Union County). Just like Goldilocks she searched for just the right things. On her third try, she found the school that was just right (Marysville High School). She discovered prince charming (Bruce Kinsey) on a shiny white fire truck. They married, had a wonderful son (Rob) and are living happily ever after in Milford Ave.

The young woman learned of the International Family Center early in her fairy tale when friends came from far away kingdom (France) and the IFC invited them all to a fancy ball ( the annual dinner). Line dancing made the night magical for the friends from that far away kingdom and some must have been magically transformed by fairy godmothers as they were seen leaving in Cowboy hats that they then carried back to their kingdom.

When she turned older and grayer, the woman hoped to help othes from kingdom far, far away as they came to this magical place. She remembered the International Family Center and joined as a board member. Now, like an aging Cinderella, she does many jobs: sometimes cooking, sometimes cleaning up, always planning and preparing. Like Cinderella, she attends the balls (the International Festival, the annual dinner, Winterfest) and enjoys the events.

Helping the Center help others from other kingdoms makes everyone's ever after happier!

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About The International Family Center of Union County

The Purpose

As the number and nature of the international families has grown, so has the range of individual needs. Many of the new families are moving into Union County from a prior location in the U. S. These new internationals are still in need of orientation and many may still need assistance with basic survival skills. Longer term internationals need on-going support in the area of socialization and continuing English instruction. Educational and cultural programs continue to be another focus of the Center in order to promote an increased understanding of the ethnic uniqueness of our community.

There are no other existing services within the community to meet the needs of the International families. Many do not meet the financial requirements for the programs provided by the social service agencies. The Marysville Schools do not have English as a Second Language program for adults. In the first year, the IFC served 34 international families. In 2007 that number had grown to 115. In 2005, there were 28 international individuals taking the ESL Classes. In 2006 to mid 2007, there were 56 students enrolled.

Our Start

In late November 1986, two women, a teacher and a businesswoman, traveled to Japan as part of an educational exchange program. During that visit, they began to discuss the problems that the Japanese families were having in adjusting to American culture and language. The adjustment seemed to be most difficult for the wives. They met with one or two Honda executives who confirmed their thoughts and it was decided to set up some typed of center to accommodate these people. Further investigation showed that Marysville/Union County is the residence to numerous international families, not only from Japan, but from as many as 20 different countries.

Our History

January 1987 - An eight member Board of Directors was established
Febuary 8, 1987 - Orientation meeting with over 30 people in attendance
Feburary 13, 1987 - Brunch held for the International and American Wives
March 1, 1987 - First Membership meeting was held at Scott Hall in Marysville

Today

We are building an international communtiy right here in Union County. You can help by becoming a memember, donating to the center, and getting involved in our programs.

Board of Directors