On November 1, 2018, the World Affairs Council of St. Louis and the St. Louis Regional International Partnership inaugural Gateway Globe Awards honored Bilingual International Assistant Services as an agency that “inspire[s] us through their efforts to promote global networks, embrace cultural differences, create welcoming policies and foster global business opportunities within the St. Louis region. “
Carnival Cruise sponsored the Carnival Gateway Globe Award for Culture. The award honors an individual or organization whose efforts are building alliances and bridges to connect St. Louis to the world. On hand to accept the award were team members of the St. Louis Partnership for Survivors of Torture including Refugee Services Team Lead Ron Klutho, Case Manager Samira Mujdzic, partnering St. Louis University Psychiatrist Dr. Mirela Marcu, and Executive Director Jason Baker. The award by the World Affairs Council was significant in that it constituted a recognition that we do better as a region when everyone has equitable access to the services they need to lift themselves and their families up. Bilingual International was recognized for working with a broad array of clients across the clinical service spectrum, but specifically for being a major provider of mental health services for survivors of torture and war trauma in the St. Louis region.
It is extremely taxing but rewarding work, and much of it happens beneath the radar of the broader nonprofit and business community. We were incredibly surprised, honored, and humbled by the recognition.