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As we welcome the fall season with its vibrant colors and cooler temperatures, the Immigrant Welcome Center continues to foster growth, connection, and empowerment across all of our programs.
Whether it’s through supporting entrepreneurs in the Business Hub, uplifting women leaders in Women Lead, advancing language skills in iEnglish, or creating opportunities for community engagement through Community Integration, we’re excited to embark on this season of change and progress.
Stay tuned for more updates and events as we work together to strengthen and support our immigrant community this fall!
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We’re excited to share some big news from our Business Hub! Thanks to the support of the City of Portland’s Community Development Block Grant program, the Business Hub is now accepting applications for their 2024 Immigrant Entrepreneur Microgrants. These $4,000 grants are available to eligible immigrant-owned businesses within the City of Portland. Applications are open through November 8th.
If you are interested in applying or have general questions, please contact Business Hub director, Stella at bizhub@welcomeimmigrant.org.
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The Women Lead team is proud to share that they received over 40 applications for their first Starting a Small Business program! Participants will engage in six classes on business planning, delivered by New Ventures Maine.
The team is excited by the diversity of applicants, ranging in age from 20 to 73, and with business ideas spanning childcare, tech support, local grocery stores, interpreting services, landscaping, mental health residences, and engineering.
The first Starting a Small Business class is set to begin on October 2nd. Stay tuned for updates from the next incredible group of Women Lead-ers!
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The iEnglish team is thrilled to launch its partner English language classes with Hannaford Supermarket this month!
Beyond their in-house offerings, iEnglish brings language classes directly to the community, partnering with local employers to teach classes on-site. By holding classes at workplaces twice a week, iEnglish makes it easier for students to attend, eliminating common barriers like transportation, cost, or the need for child care often required for evening or off-site classes.
These partnerships not only enhance English language skills but also foster stronger workplace relationships, improve employee retention, and create opportunities for career advancement.
iEnglish currently partners with area hospitals, local nonprofits, and now Hannaford. If you're interested in partnering with our iEnglish team, please contact Director, Meghan, at meghan@welcomeimmigrant.org.
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Our Community Integration team has been hard at work this month, registering eligible voters and collaborating with two of our partners, Community Organizing Alliance and Gateway Community Services, on a three-part civics series. They’re about to host the final session of this community series, coming up on October 10th — more details can be found later in the newsletter.
With less than 40 days left before the election, we are calling on equally passionate civic educators and volunteers to assist the Community Integration team in tabling at Monument Square in Portland every Friday from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM to help register eligible voters.
Please reach out to either Community Integration Director, Belinda, or our Volunteer and Intern Manager, Shukria, at belinda@welcomeimmigrant.org and shukria@welcomeimmigrant.org if you're interested in volunteering!
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Thank You, Book Fairy and Donors!
We’re thrilled to share that, thanks to the generosity of the Book Fairy Pantry Project and several incredible anonymous donors, we’ve received a wonderful supply of children’s books! These donations will help us bring the joy of reading to young learners in our community.
A big thank you to everyone who made this possible! This collection of books will be featured during our new Children's Storytime, launching October 2nd and taking place every Wednesday from 2:30 to 3:30 PM. We can’t wait to welcome our little readers for stories, learning, and snacks.
We hope you join us for a wonderful afternoon of stories, learning, and fun.
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Join Us for “What's Your Vote Plan?”
Our Community Integration team is co-hosting the final event in a series of interactive discussions on community issues, voter turnout, and election and foreign policy. The event will take place on October 10th from 3 PM to 5 PM at 155 Lisbon Street, Lewiston.
Maine's Secretary of State, Shenna Bellows, will be a special guest speaker, and our Executive Director, Faisal Khan, will discuss the history of voting and gerrymandering.
Join us for important conversations addressing current issues facing our communities, alongside other expert speakers. Food will be provided!
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Could you be our next Deputy Director of Finance & Administration or Grants & Development Manager?
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 New Mainers 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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