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
Save the Date!
Soccer Saturday is June Third!
Join us for our Spring edition of Soccer Saturday!

Where: Kennedy Park, Fox Street, Portland (across the street from Rising Tide Brewing)
When: June 3rd, 9AM-12PM (weather permitting)

Soccer fans of all ages are invited to join us on June 3rd for fun, casual games. We will be distributing free soccer balls, healthy snacks, and drinks with the support of our generous community partners, USL to Portland, Portland Parks and Recreation, the Locker Project, the Portland Food Co-Op, Wayside Food Programs, and Good Shepard Food Bank.

We'd also like to thank Charlie and Coach PJ from Maine Lightning for donating over fifty pairs of new and used soccer cleats. Thank you!

All are welcome. See you on the field!
New English Learning Opportunities
We're growing our English program with new classes across Portland. We'll be hosting a series of conversation classes both in our office and at partner locations. These classes are a great opportunity for language learners to practice speaking English in a casual setting. At each class, our instructor will select a theme and provide relevant vocab, inviting participants to practice speaking about the topic. The classes are a lot of fun! Here's our current schedule:

In-House Conversation Tables (24 Preble St., Portland, 4th Floor):
  • Tuesday, 1PM-2PM
  • Wednesday, 11:30AM-12:30PM
  • Wednesday, 1PM-2PM
  • Thursday, 1:30PM-2:30PM (after our Cooking Matters class!)

Starbucks Conversation Table and Class (91 Auburn St., Portland):
  • Monday, 5:30-7:00 PM

Avesta Housing Conversation Table (184 Pearl St., Portland)
  • Thursday, 10AM-11PM
Connect with our New Business Hub Coordinator
Anna Child, IWC's recently hired Business Hub Coordinator, has been spending time reaching out to a wide-range of immigrant organizations, service providers, community partners, fiscal agencies, immigrant-owned businesses and immigrants themselves to learn about how to best position the Business Hub to meet the needs of the immigrant community. If you fall into one of the above categories, she would love to hear from you with any inputs you may have. Say hello and drop her a line at [email protected].
Join us in welcoming our new staff members!
Alesis Thomas


Alesis has joined IWC as the director of the Citizenship and Civic Engagement program! Check out her bio to learn a bit more about her. Welcome, Alesis!
Hodan Ali


Hodan has joined the CCE team as a Community Navigator! Check out her bio to learn a bit more about her. Welcome, Hodan!


Bright Chilwa

Bright Chilwa has joined IWC as an iEnglish lab assistant! Check out his bio to learn a bit more about him. Welcome, Bright!
Santiago Tijerina
Santiago has joined the CCE team as a Community Navigator! Check out his bio to learn a bit more about him. Welcome, Santiago!
Introducing...The Humans of IWC project
IWC is starting a new project inspired by the popular "Humans of New York." This interview series will allow you to get to know some of the people that make up the IWC community. Interviewees range from language learners to staff to volunteers to co-working hub members. You can follow along on Instagram or on our website. New interviews are posted every Friday!
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.

Currently, we are looking for ESOL volunteers who would be willing to help out either in our iEnglish lab or during one of our community classes. If you are interested in volunteering with our iEnglish program, please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator, [email protected].
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.