A Place for Immigrants
Built on Collaboration
A collaborative effort between local organizations and individuals, the Immigrant Welcome and Resource Center empowers New Americans and helps them integrate into our community by providing services that help meet their needs, connecting them to people, places and resources they need to thrive, and developing programs that leverage the education, skills and experience they bring to help our community grow and prosper. We offer case management support for navigating and integrating to the larger community, and work alongside community partners to remove barriers, improve policies and practices, and build capacity to better serve immigrants in our region. Learn more about us and our mission here.
Impact
The IWRC served as a 100% volunteer led-organization from May 2024 until hiring it's first full-time staff member and opening its physical offices in February 2025. Between June of 2024 and September of 2025, we have served over 1,000 New Americans from 21 countries and helped engage more than 900 community members in advocacy and cultural competency conversations - raising awareness about our richly diverse region.
Beyond numbers, each metric highlights specific moments when we have served as hope in motion for our neighbors, despite increasingly challenging times for New Americans. From case management consultations at the IWRC and support outside in the community, to laughter and learning in our summer camps, and elevating immigrant voices through data gathering, we carry out our mission in the small moments, conversation by conversation.
What we have accomplished so far on behalf of our neighbors is only possible thanks to the support of our Board of Directors, Advisory Board members, volunteers and community partners. Thank you for your continued support! To celebrate this triumph of community collaboration catalyzed by the work of the IWRC, we highlighted a few snapshots of how our work is making a difference for New Americans at our 2nd Annual Passport to an International Soirée fundraiser on September 20.
Immigrant Rights Webinar & Resources
This informative webinar by experienced attorneys helps viewers understand essential rights and protections under U.S. immigration law, potential upcoming changes, and what you can do to prepare. Designed for immigrants, advocates, and allies, this session discusses:
-
Immigrants' rights and actions they can take to stay safe
-
Ideas for advocating for New Americans
-
Relevant legal and other resources
The webinar also provides tips to navigate potentially challenging situations and stay informed about legal options. Click here to access webinar video, slides with resource links, and other useful resources.
Below are few other resources helpful for what to do in case of detention or deportation:
.png)
Programs and Services
English Language Development
Opportunities to practice and develop English language proficiency, and collaboration with local partners to provide English as a Second Language (ESL) classes.
New Americans Academy
Group trainings and workshops for immigrants focused on high-leverage topics, how things work in the U.S., and connections to relevant services, programs, and organizations.
Case Management
Personalized, facilitated connections to programs, services, resources and
employment opportunities in the community.
Cultural Competency Training
Tailored workshops and consultation for businesses and organizations interested in
improving their capacity for serving immigrants, retaining immigrant talent, and leveraging the benefits of multiculturalism.
Legal Consultation & Referrals
Support understanding key immigration legal processes, free legal clinics, and referrals to general legal services.
Youth Programs
Support with homework and enrichment opportunities, including activities to build career-development skills, in after school program. Language and culture summer camps.
Natural Helpers
A network of established immigrants and trained volunteers who can help newcomer immigrant families transition and integrate to life in our region.
IWRC Advisory Board
A network of advocates for immigrant and refugee needs, working together to improve local practices, remove barriers, and address persisting inequities that interfere with immigrants' success.
Why do we need a Welcome Center?
Immigration is vital to the long-term prosperity of our tri-state region and the nation’s economy. Immigrants account for 9% of Indiana’s labor force and 3% of the Vanderburgh County population. They contribute more than $45.3 million in taxes and leverage more than $118.4 million of spending power in our state.
Despite bringing talent, education, and a desire to work hard, many immigrants face barriers to successful integration and acclimation to a new environment. Language barriers, cultural differences, complex and complicated immigration processes, lack of affordable housing and transportation are a few challenges immigrants face when they move to our region. On the other hand, service providers and employers interested in connecting with immigrants often lack the language and cultural background knowledge to do so successfully.
We provide services, connect immigrants to available resources, community partners, employers, and other opportunities to help them succeed. We also serve as a partner to existing organizations and businesses so they can leverage the education, experience, and talent immigrants bring to benefit our community’s prosperity.