In recent years, diverse internal and external factors led to another transition for the International Center of the Capital Region. Shifts in national priorities, international demographics, and federal refugee and immigration policies following the events of September 11, 2001, sharply reduced the number of refugees in the United States. This, in turn, dramatically reduced the Center’s primary federal funding – cutting operational resources by about 90%. The Center also was set back by the loss of its much-admired director, Helene Smith, who passed away in 2003 after a long illness.

To avoid suspending services, the International Center’s board and staff explored numerous options to ensure future viability; with the assistance of the Council of Community Services, they engaged in extensive discussions with other community service providers to develop strategic alliances.

The International Center’s board reluctantly took action at the end of April 2005 to end the provision of direct program services to international newcomers. Fortunately, the Board successfully arranged for the continuous provision of services to refugees and immigrants by transitioning direct services to the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, which operates out of the Center’s former offices.

Since June 2005, the International Center’s programs have shifted focus to outreach, educational, and advocacy activities. The Center serves its local and global communities by hosting international visitors to the region (as the region’s officially designated member of the National Council for International Visitors – NCIV), convening educational exchanges and symposia, fostering dialogue on the contributions, opportunities, and challenges presented by the global economy, and advocating for greater appreciation and understanding of the international community in the greater Capital Region.