Dear Community,
In a world where division and polarization is a threat, the power of coming together as a community cannot be overstated. When we embrace our differences and work towards a shared vision of a better future, we can overcome even the most significant challenges and build a more just and equitable world for all. Please join us in celebrating our latest endeavors in bringing the community together, which without your support would not be possible.
Be well,
Alesis Thomas
Citizenship & Civic Engagement Director
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Dear Community,
We are excited to hint at some new developments at the Immigrant Welcome Center that will make a significant, positive impact in the lives of those we serve. As we continue to grow and evolve, we are always looking for new ways to advance our mission. Reza and the team have been working closely to ensure these projects are beneficial to the community. We are grateful for your continued support and look forward to sharing more updates with you in the coming weeks and months!
Be well,
Alesis Thomas
Citizenship & Civic Engagement Director
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Greetings!
These days, we continue to see many new faces, in addition to those we have known for a while, at the Center. Some come to learn English, ask for help with their resumes, get referrals, with others seeking assistance with housing, food, and answers to their immigration questions. Immigrant entrepreneurs show up to seek funding, and mentorship, as they plan to start a new business or expand their existing ones. Their success is Maine’s gain. We take pride in serving most and connecting others with the existing resources in the community. Our name says it: Welcome Center! Whether we welcome those coming through the door, new to Maine or not-so-new, with a warm cup of tea or coffee, a bag of fresh produce and fruits, or funding, or a smile and a handshake, we know we are in the business of developing tomorrow’s workforce and economic growth of a state we call home and love so much.
~ Reza Jalali, Executive Director
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Greetings!
As you are likely aware, we are seeing a large number of asylum seekers arriving in Portland in search of safety–about 80 individuals a week. Although we can’t tend to all the needs of these New Mainers, we here at IWC remain committed to helping this community feel welcomed to our state.
This past month, a historic gathering of Jewish and Muslim community members took place. This extraordinary occasion highlighted how, in the face of division, we can choose to build bridges of friendship and understanding.
Similarly, Freeport residents opened their hearts and doors to the world's displaced peoples: IWC was invited by Freeport Speech to facilitate a community conversation with asylum seekers from our community. The goal of this discussion was to educate ourselves and others about our new neighbors’ stories: why they left their homes, their journeys to Maine, how their new lives in Maine are playing out. The large attendance to this panel discussion highlights the eagerness community members hold to welcome these newcomers to our state and close-knit communities.
~ Reza Jalali, Executive Director
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Greetings!
The month of March being recognized as the Women History Month challenges us to take an intentional feminist approach in serving women refugees, asylees and immigrants calling Maine home. Feminism acknowledges the unequal status and treatment of women and girls and it address the momentous gender inequality that exists in the U.S. and across the world. Feminist approach includes, among other things, advocacy for women’s rights, promotion of opportunities and access to resources with the goal of reaching gender equality. Building women’s leadership and promoting economic independence for women of color and women immigrants who face invisibility and exclusion is the basis for IWC’s new initiative, Women Lead, which is to be launched in a few months.
This March, we invite you to join us as we start the journey to lower and remove
barriers that immigrant women face as they attempt to build new lives in Maine.
~ Reza Jalali, Executive Director
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