IWC Launches Podcast

“Many stories matter,” says author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. “Stories have been used to dispossess and to malign. But stories can also be used to empower, and to humanize. Stories can break the dignity of a people. But stories can also repair that broken dignity.” 

This week Portland’s Immigrant Welcome Center launched a podcast to tell the stories of Maine’s new refugees and asylum seekers. Anyone who has ever engaged a new immigrant in conversation knows that the ocean of stories is unlimited. Podcast host Santiago Tijerina, IWC’s Narrative Content Coordinator, plans to plumb the depths. He will post a new edition every month. Podcast number one – available now– explores the mechanics of IWC’s iEnglish Project, which serves hundreds of immigrants every week. It is a unique program, offered FREE on a daily basis. Hear all about it right here.

Community Health Day

This Saturday, March 30, IWC hosts a Community Health Day event, offering FREE dental screenings, health assessments and referrals to health professionals. From 9AM to noon, any IWC clients can meet with representatives from Greater Portland Health, the American Association of Public Health and the University of New England College of Dental Medicine to get their health-related questions answered. No appointment is necessary, just come to IWC’s 3rd floor at 24 Preble Street. Thanks to our community partners for facilitating this event.



We also have the flyer above translated in French and Portuguese.

Intro to Financial Wellness Part 2

Save the date! The Immigrant Welcome Center is excited to announce our second "Introduction to Financial Wellness" workshop in April. Facilitated by our partners at Bangor Savings Bank, this workshop will delve into the intricacies of family budgeting. The workshop is FREE, and takes place at 24 Preble Street, 3rd Floor at 3:30 PM.

The flier has been translated to Portuguese as well and can be found here. 

Upcoming Concert featuring the OUD

The oud is the most popular musical instrument across 5000 miles of North Africa and the Middle East from Morocco to Pakistan. On May 1 at One Longfellow Square, IWC presents Maine musicians representing three of the many diverse musical traditions that share this cultural terrain: Iraq, Somalia, and Armenia/Turkey.

The 7:00PM FREE concert will feature performances of Iraqi heritage by JAWAD AL FATLAWI, Somali songs by HADITH BANI ADAM, and Armenian/Anatolian traditions by AMOS LIBBY. To reserve your seat, click here.

This concert is a production of IWC’s New Mainers On Stage concert series, in partnership with One Longfellow Square, and is supported, in part, by grants from the Morton Kelly Charitable Trust, the Onion Foundation and the United States Office of Refugee Resettlement.

iEnglish Lab

You can view the entire schedule of April iEnglish classes right here:

Women Lead & Women Around the World

While we are gearing up for our own upcoming Women Lead cohort, Women Lead and the CI department participated in “Women United Around the World,” a fundraising event on March 22nd in Portland. The event was a delightful blend of cultural richness, featuring delectable food, captivating music, and breathtaking dance choreography. The highlight of the evening was the dazzling clothing collections unveiled by talented designers from multiple countries. Participants proudly showcased their outfits, each representing the vibrant essence of their home countries.

If you are interested in applying for the Job Readiness cohort, click here. 

If none of these time work for you, don't hesitate to reach out to the Women Lead team at womenlead@welcomeimmigrant.org or 207-870-7673 to book an in-person or virtual appointment that works for you.

New Staff Member Spotlight

Crystal Yi has joined IWC as an office manger! Check out her bio to learn a bit more about her. Welcome, Crystal!

Civic Engagement for Youth

IWC’s Community Integration team hosted its second Civic Engagement event on March 21st in collaboration with the Community Organizing Alliance, League of Women Voters, and Maine Votes/Maine Voices Network. A panel discussion focused on youth involvement in the community and voting rights.

 Panelists included Amran Osman, founder of Generational Noor; City Councilors Pious Ali and Victoria Pelletier; and Umaru Blade, Portland’s JDEI Director. They answered questions and shared valuable insights into the realms of civics and politics with our participants. In addition to the engaging discussions, attendees were treated to a delightful spread of snacks, including falafel, hummus, and pita bread from Falafel Time and desserts generously donated by Food For All Services!

Contribute to IWC Today!

Your support transforms lives at the Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center! Your donation empowers us to provide essential resources like English language classes, job training, and civic initiatives, enabling immigrants to thrive and contribute meaningfully to our community. Join us in building a more inclusive and vibrant city by donating today. Thank you for being a part of our mission.