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
Save the Date!
Join us Friday, April 7th 5-7pm at the Portland Public Library for a reception and showcase of the ongoing "Africa to Maine" photo exhibition! This exhibition was put in place through IWC in partnership with the Portland Public Library and the Portland Museum of Art.

Look for an email for us in the coming weeks for more details!
IWC Intern Iryna Knysh of Ukraine speaks about life as New Mainer
"At IWC I met friendly people ready to help. They helped define my needs and goals in this new life in the US. In particular, I study English through EnGen at IWC, and the teachers Lizette, Connie and Elizabeth are always ready to help me and answer my questions.

"One of my goals is to find a job where I can use my education and previous experience and IWC helps me with that too. At IWC, I'm studying accounting in the accounting department and Danielle helps me understand it.

"At IWC, I talk a lot and make new friends, and I'm always happy to come here!"
IWC & SMCC join forces in the celebration of diversity
SMCC President and the Director of the SMCC Intercultural Center, Joe Cassidy and Carmen Moreno-Diaz, respectively, recently visited IWC to discuss how to collaboratively encourage New Mainer’s who visit the center to enroll in SMCC's free college initiative. Ideas were also shared for ways to gather in celebrating the diversity among those who already do.
Shopping smart with Maine SNAP-Ed & Portland Food Co-op
"Cooking Matters" course students attended a Portland Food Co-op tour with their teacher, Jane Winarta, to apply budget and nutritional principles learned in class to their everyday shopping habits. Thank you to Portland Food Co-op for their generous donation that helps support Maine's immigrant community to access healthy, high-quality food.
Gather 'round, language learners!
In-house "Conversation Tables," with volunteer Paula Harrington, offer English language learners the opportunity to practice pronunciation and conversational skills. During the latest Table, participants explained their injuries and learned new vocabulary relating to body parts and hospital visits.
A new partnership in the making...
Mainebiz
IWC is expanding! Join us in welcoming our new staff members:
Whitney Salvail has joined our team as an ESOL teacher. Get to know Whitney better by reading her bio here. Welcome, Whitney!
Firdaws Hakizimana has joined the CCE team as a Community Navigator! Check out her bio to learn a bit more about her. Welcome, Firdaws!
View our current job openings and information regarding how to apply.
Thank you to all our volunteers for your support!

Interested in volunteering with IWC? We'd love to have you! Fill out the form on our website to tell us more about you. We'll be in touch as opportunities arise.
Your Contribution Matters

The Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center is a vital link connecting New Mainers with the opportunities our community offers. We help them to help themselves – to attain English fluency, prepare for a job interview, attend college, shop for nutritious food, vote, start their own business, apply for a bank loan and become a US citizen. IWC helps today’s traumatized newcomers become tomorrow’s dynamic leaders.

Your support allows our programs to continue responding to the needs of our new neighbors and expand to accommodate all the new arrivals. Your contribution makes a difference in their lives. Please consider a gift to The Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center.