CIANA was founded in 2006 by Emira Habiby Browne as a model of immigrant integration that begins immediately upon entry into the country. In its first years, CIANA formed strong public and private sector partnerships, and grew its holistic family services to meet the growing needs of an increasingly marginalized Arab and South Asian families and youth faced with a post 9/11 anti-immigrant environment. CIANA is intended to act as an agent of social change, and has been recognized locally and internationally for its reach into marginalized immigrant communities. It aspires to become a model of immigrant integration services that can be replicated nationally and globally. Our Mission: To prevent the growing marginalization of new immigrants and refugees from highly traditional societies through special transitional services, leading to their successful integration into the socio-economic and civic life of America while continuing to maintain pride in their cultural heritage. Our Vision: We have designed an integration model that is holistic and aims to guide new immigrants towards social and economic self-sufficiency. It seeks to identify newcomers soon after they arrive in the country, introduce them to American systems and laws, and offer them a path towards citizenship and advancement. Our Approach: CIANA helps families and youth incorporate the best of both worlds while still maintaining cultural ties and pride in their heritage. Through extensive community outreach and education, we address the culture and language barriers that keep them from successfully integrating into American society and participating in the civic life of their communities. Our approach encourages immigrants to adopt essential cultural aspects of American society, and for the host community to accept and value the newcomers and their cultural heritage.
