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Happy Friday and Juma Mubarak!
I hope everyone had an excellent May and is just as excited as we are at IWC for the warm weather (finally!). As the Relations Specialist, nothing makes my job more enjoyable than hosting events. They provide us with the opportunity to gather as a community, reconnect with familiar faces, and meet new ones.
We have two events listed below, and we would love to see you there. Keep an eye on our socials for event and other updates. Please consider volunteering at one if you have time, and don't forget to pack your favorite bug spray for outdoor events – it's that time of year!
-Firdaws Hakizimana, Relations Specialist
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New Mainers on Stage Presents:
Rwandan Superstar, Clarisse Karasira
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We hope you're ready for an unforgettable evening! Our first African Summer series concert, featuring Rwandan superstar Clarisse Karasira, is coming up on Friday, June 7th. Don't miss out on this vibrant celebration of Rwandan music right here in Maine.
Join us for this free concert starting at 6:00 pm at Congress Square Park in downtown Portland. In case of rain, don’t worry – we've got you covered. The concert will be rescheduled for the following Saturday, June 8th.
There are more incredible African Summer concerts to come in July and August!
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Join us tomorrow, Saturday, June 1st at 12pm for the first Soccer Saturday of 2024.
Every season, we host a soccer community event in Portland’s Kennedy Park, providing free cleats for children, soccer balls, and healthy snacks for everyone. Our mission is to bring people together and strengthen our community through the love of soccer.
IWC team member Santiago Tijerina, expressed his enthusiasm for Soccer Saturday, highlighting its role in uniting Portland’s diverse communities. He explained: "The significance of soccer in our New Mainer communities, especially among the younger generation, is beyond words. You truly have to witness it to understand its impact. By partnering with Portland Hearts of Pine (formerly known as USL to Portland), IWC aims to unite Portland’s diverse and growing communities through the beloved sport of soccer. The universal nature of soccer's rules allows individuals from various backgrounds, who may not share a common language, to come together, enjoy the game, and create lasting bonds."
This summer, Soccer Saturday will take place on the first Saturday of each month (weather permitting).
We are pleased to bring this program to you in partnership with the Portland Hearts of Pine, the Locker Project, Portland Area Youth Soccer Association, Food For All Services, and Portland Food Co-Op.
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Here's a closer look at what our programs are achieving, empowering our community through essential services—from language and career training to business support and leadership development. Our core initiatives, Business Hub, Women Lead, iEnglish, and Community Integration, are crafting pathways to success and integration for New Mainers. Dive into the latest news from our dedicated teams: | |
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It is hard to believe that the second cohort of Women Lead: Job Readiness is already halfway through!
Our current group of Women Lead-ers (12 in total) has been actively developing a diverse range of job readiness skills throughout their program. Course curriculum has focused on building practical skills like digital and financial literacy, as well as personal skills such as emotional intelligence and setting workplace boundaries.
This well-rounded approach highlights the essence of Women Lead: Job Readiness – helping immigrant women prepare for the American workplace and overcome any obstacles to achieving their goals.
Women Lead has welcomed inspiring educators from Cport, Prevention.Action.Change, and a panel of three local immigrant women to delve into the disparities between American culture and those represented by the speakers and cohort.
Curious to learn more about the current Women Lead: Job Readiness cohort?
Be sure to check us out on social media for the latest cohort updates!
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Are you a New Mainer in need of help with a business plan? The Business Hub has got you covered!
A well-crafted business plan is essential for keeping your business on track, securing funding, and achieving your goals. While it might seem daunting at first, it's an invaluable tool for your future success.
Unsure where to begin? Schedule a one-on-one session with our Business Hub Director, Stella at stella@welcomeimmigrant.org, and get started on the right path!
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Pictured in this photo is also our volunteer of the month, Ann Smith third from the right. | |
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On May 9th, the Portland Chapter of Altrusa International presented our iEnglish team with a donation of $950 to support educational programming. The generous support was given in honor of the Portland Chapter’s 95th anniversary.
We're grateful for their thoughtful donation, which will directly support our iEnglish conversation and digital literacy classes.
Thank you, Altrusa Portland!
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We are thrilled to announce the return of Sarah Cartmell to the Community Integration (CI) and IWC team! Formerly one of our digital literacy navigators, Sarah has now taken on the role of Citizenship Educator. Stay tuned for more details about our upcoming citizenship classes.
You might catch our CI team out in the community as they canvass to engage voters for the upcoming elections. Partnering with Avesta and the League of Women Voters of Maine, they've already registered several eligible and enthusiastic immigrant voters. CI's efforts will help ensure that everyone's voice is heard during the State primary on June 11th and the general election in November.
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We’re very fortunate to have a team of dedicated volunteers who go above and beyond to support our community!
This month, we’re spotlighting Ann Smith, our wonderful volunteer iEnglish teacher. Ann has been with us for over a year, during which time she has demonstrated unwavering commitment and passion for helping New Mainers master the English language. Her classes are more than just lessons; they are a welcoming space where learners feel supported, encouraged, and valued. Ann's innovative teaching methods, combined with her patience and empathy, have transformed the English language learning experience for many in our community.
Thank you, Ann, for your extraordinary service and for being a beacon of hope and support for so many!
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Could you be our next Women Lead Director or Deputy Director of Finance and Administration? Learn more about these roles below! | |
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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.
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Find us on social media or visit our website: | | | | |
