Unlocking Workforce Potential: Hiring New Americans in a Shifting Economy

The economic and political landscape of 2025 is changing fast. With evolving executive orders and immigration policies, many industries across the Dayton region—like healthcare, logistics, hospitality, and manufacturing—are facing urgent workforce shortages.

The solution? It might already be here.

The New American workforce—made up of immigrants and refugees who are legally authorized to work—is a critical yet often overlooked talent pool. However, confusion around visa restrictions, work authorization, and compliance keeps many employers from tapping into this opportunity.

While jobs go unfilled, thousands of skilled, ready-to-work individuals are waiting on the sidelines.

Join us for an important session that explores:

• Who Dayton’s immigrant workforce really is – and how they can help fill your talent gaps.

• The state of Hispanic entrepreneurship and workforce development in our region, presented by the Dayton Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

• Legal updates on immigration and employment policy changes that impact hiring decisions.

• Real-world employer insights on successfully hiring and retaining immigrant and refugee workers.

This event is designed for employers, hiring managers, HR professionals, and workforce development leaders who are ready to take action and explore untapped solutions to the labor shortage crisis.

Let’s connect, learn, and build a stronger Dayton workforce—together.

Presented in partnership with:
Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce • Welcome Dayton • Catholic Social Services of Miami Valley • MVCTC Aspire • Brunner Literacy Center

The Miami Valley Community ID Program started in 2019 as an initiative to serve hundreds of Miami Valley residents each year, laying a pathway to strengthen trust in the community by providing an alternative form of identification. In 2021, the Hall Hunger Initiative took the lead by providing financial support with Welcome Dayton and Westminster Presbyterian Church hosting and running the program. The first MVCID Drive was held in October 2021 and to date (as of July 2023), 993 ID cards have been issued. 

The MVCID is for any Miami Valley resident, including those returning from jail, those who may be homeless, elderly residents, immigrants and refugees. The ID provides reliable identification for those who may not have access to or have difficult accessing government-issued forms of ID and anyone in the community who wants to be part of the MVCID Program. The ID is a bridge to services that provide basic needs and increase the quality of life; it builds greater understanding, trust, and cooperation between ID participants and community partners; and it creates a safer and healthier community. 

The MVCID is not a driver's license or a state government-issued ID. It cannot be used to vote. It will not stop prosecution if engaged in illegal activity. It does not have an impact on present or future immigration status. It can only be used with providers who have agreed to partner with the program. 

Current MVCID Partners

Bach Society of Dayton 
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
Dayton Art Institute
Dayton Children's Hospital 
Dayton Food Bank
Dayton Metro Library 
Dayton Police Department
Dayton Public Schools 
Ebenezer Healthcare Access
Five Rivers Health Centers 
Homefull
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office 
Premier Health (includes Premier Health hospitals, Premier Physician Network, Fidelity Health Care, Samaritan Behavioral Health, CompuNet Clinical Laboratories)
Sinclair College Police Department 
Vandalia Police Department 
West Carrolton Police Department 

To receive an MVCID card, bring the following items to the drive:

1. Photo ID (expired driver's license, national ID card, Matricula Consular or other embassy ID, passport) 

2. Proof of residence (utility bill, rent agreement, medical record, bank statement)

3. $5.00 cash

You must be 16 years and older to receive an ID. 

Registration for the January 11, 2025, MVCID Drive opens Friday, December 13, at 7:00 AM. Click here for flyer in English and registration information. 

La inscripción para MVCID Drive del 11 de enero de 2025 abre el viernes 13 de diciembre a las 7:00 a.m. Haga clic aquí para obtener el folleto en español y la información de registro.

ID Renewals: If you need to renew your MVCID, please register for the January 11, 2025, ID Drive. If you have a new address, you must bring proof of address to renew your ID. 

Renovaciones de identificación: Oi necesita renovar su MVCID, regístrese para la colecta de identificación del 11 de enero, 2025. Si tiene una nueva dirección, deberá traer comprobante de domicilio para renovar su identificación.

Join us for the Amigos Latinos Career and Internship Fair on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM at Wright State University!

This is your chance to connect with diverse, bilingual talent and support workforce development for Wright State students and their families.

Employer Tables:

$50 for Dayton Hispanic Chamber Members (use code: DHCC and Wright State Latino Center)

$75 for Non-Members

Tables are limited and going fast, so don’t wait! Secure your spot today at https://www.wright.edu/.../amigos-latinos-career-and...

Let’s build connections, create opportunities, and celebrate diversity together!

Questions? Contact Catherine Hernandez Hogan, M.Ed. at catherine.hernandez@wright.edu or call 937-775-2105.

The Miami Valley Community ID Program started in 2019 as an initiative to serve hundreds of Miami Valley residents each year, laying a pathway to strengthen trust in the community by providing an alternative form of identification. In 2021, the Hall Hunger Initiative took the lead by providing financial support with Welcome Dayton and Westminster Presbyterian Church hosting and running the program. The first MVCID Drive was held in October 2021 and to date (as of July 2023), 993 ID cards have been issued. 

The MVCID is for any Miami Valley resident, including those returning from jail, those who may be homeless, elderly residents, immigrants and refugees. The ID provides reliable identification for those who may not have access to or have difficult accessing government-issued forms of ID and anyone in the community who wants to be part of the MVCID Program. The ID is a bridge to services that provide basic needs and increase the quality of life; it builds greater understanding, trust, and cooperation between ID participants and community partners; and it creates a safer and healthier community. 

The MVCID is not a driver's license or a state government-issued ID. It cannot be used to vote. It will not stop prosecution if engaged in illegal activity. It does not have an impact on present or future immigration status. It can only be used with providers who have agreed to partner with the program. 

Current MVCID Partners

Bach Society of Dayton 
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
Dayton Art Institute
Dayton Children's Hospital 
Dayton Food Bank
Dayton Metro Library 
Dayton Police Department
Dayton Public Schools 
Ebenezer Healthcare Access
Five Rivers Health Centers 
Homefull
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office 
Premier Health (includes Premier Health hospitals, Premier Physician Network, Fidelity Health Care, Samaritan Behavioral Health, CompuNet Clinical Laboratories)
Sinclair College Police Department 
Vandalia Police Department 
West Carrolton Police Department 

To receive an MVCID card, bring the following items to the drive:

1. Photo ID (expired driver's license, national ID card, Matricula Consular or other embassy ID, passport) 

2. Proof of residence (utility bill, rent agreement, medical record, bank statement)

3. $5.00 cash

You must be 16 years and older to receive an ID. 

Registration for the January 11, 2025, MVCID Drive opens Friday, December 13, at 7:00 AM. Click here for flyer in English and registration information. 

La inscripción para MVCID Drive del 11 de enero de 2025 abre el viernes 13 de diciembre a las 7:00 a.m. Haga clic aquí para obtener el folleto en español y la información de registro.

ID Renewals: If you need to renew your MVCID, please register for the January 11, 2025, ID Drive. If you have a new address, you must bring proof of address to renew your ID. 

Renovaciones de identificación: Oi necesita renovar su MVCID, regístrese para la colecta de identificación del 11 de enero, 2025. Si tiene una nueva dirección, deberá traer comprobante de domicilio para renovar su identificación.

The Miami Valley Immigration Coalition Leadership Team, working with the UD Human Rights Center and Welcome Dayton along with other partners is planning an Immigration Justice Community Summit to be held January 24-25 at the University of Dayton. There will be a film showing of BORDERLAND | The Line Within and a discussion with the filmmakers on Friday from 5:30-8 pm Saturday will be full of learning and action, we will have food, fellowship, cultural performances, and time to network and connect with neighbors who care about the rights and wellbeing of immigrant communities in Dayton, Springfield, and the Miami Valley region.

We invite YOU to be there! Will you join us at this event?

Here is more information and a shareable flyer on the Immigration Justice Community Summit, and you can register here-- please RSVP by January 16 to ensure we have enough food for all attendees. 

You may also contact Jan Futrell at peacepathsteps@gmail.com or Miranda at mhallett1@udayton.edu with any questions.

The Miami Valley Immigration Coalition Leadership Team, working with the UD Human Rights Center and Welcome Dayton along with other partners is planning an Immigration Justice Community Summit to be held January 24-25 at the University of Dayton. There will be a film showing of BORDERLAND | The Line Within and a discussion with the filmmakers on Friday from 5:30-8 pm Saturday will be full of learning and action, we will have food, fellowship, cultural performances, and time to network and connect with neighbors who care about the rights and wellbeing of immigrant communities in Dayton, Springfield, and the Miami Valley region.

We invite YOU to be there! Will you join us at this event?

Here is more information and a shareable flyer on the Immigration Justice Community Summit, and you can register here-- please RSVP by January 16 to ensure we have enough food for all attendees. 

You may also contact Jan Futrell at peacepathsteps@gmail.com or Miranda at mhallett1@udayton.edu with any questions.