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A Place for Immigrants
Built on Collaboration

A collaborative effort between local organizations and individuals, the Immigrant Welcome and Resource Center will empower immigrants and help them integrate into our community by:

• Providing services that help meet their needs.

• Connecting them to the people, places, and resources they need to thrive, and

• Developing programs that highlight and leverage the education, skills, and experience they bring to help our community grow and prosper.

 

The Center will serve as a hub for services focused on priority needs for immigrants, offer case management support for navigating and integrating to the larger community, and partner with community partners to remove barriers, improve policies and practices, and build capacity to better serve immigrants in our region. ​Rather than absorb or merge existing immigrant-serving groups, the goal of the Center is to collaborate with groups who share in its mission to support the immigrant community in the tri-state area to ensure all residents, regardless of background, have what they need to succeed. Learn more about what we envision for the Center and why believe our region needs here.

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

Presented by experienced attorneys and advocates, this webinar 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.

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Proposed Programs and Services

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Teaching English

ESL Classes

English as a Second Language (ESL) and cultural awareness classes, offered in collaboration with community partners.

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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.

Meeting

Case Management 

Personalized, facilitated connections to programs, services, resources and

employment opportunities in the community.

Smiling Teacher

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.

Reviewing Legal Agreement

Legal Consultation & Assistance

Support with key immigration legal processes and referrals to general legal services.

High School Student

Student Mentorship

Student mentoring and support to improve access to role models, internships, and job-shadowing opportunities.

Community

Natural Helpers

A network of established immigrants and trained volunteers who can help newcomer immigrant families transition and integrate to life in our region.

Similing Team

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.

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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.

 

The Center will provide services, connect immigrants to available resources, community partners, employers, and other opportunities to help them succeed. It will 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 growth and prosperity.

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