After such a long wait, spring has finally sprung! The magnolias across Portland are in full bloom, the sidewalks feel warmer underfoot, and (at last) the sun is still shining when we step out of the office. As we tuck our winter coats and boots away, we want to thank everyone who donated cold-weather gear for our clients. Your generosity turned frigid mornings and snow-shoveled evenings into something a little brighter, a little easier, and a lot warmer. And we hope everyone is remembering to take their allergy pills!

Now, with longer days and lighter jackets, let’s dive into this month’s news.

Updates from Our Teams

Business Hub

The Business Hub has been busy this month! Director Stella Hernandez recently participated in a BIPOC business needs assessment hosted by USM's Maine Center for Business & Economic Research and supported by the Maine Department of Economic & Community Development. The goal was to identify barriers to BIPOC entrepreneurial success and map services and resources in the community. 

The Hub hosted a business finance workshop on April 8th, taught by Whit Ford, a longtime SCORE mentor. Participants learned about how to create realistic revenue, expense, and cash flow projections to guide thier business decisions and secure funding. This workshop is part of the Business Basics series, which was made possible by a sponsorship from the Maine Technology Institute. Upcoming spring workshops will focus on some technical skills like websites (happening tomorrow!) and social media. Want to stay up to date on what's next? Sign up for the Business Hub email list.

The hub is also excited to have two volunteer business mentors now working with clients. They are both experienced entrepreneurs who give generously of their time to help Business Hub clients work on business plans, financial projections, and tackle all kinds of business topics. As the Business Hub expands its programs, these volunteers are key to their ability to service more clients without reducing the quality of support.

English Language Education

What was previously known as iEnglish is now English Language Education. This name change better reflects the scope of the program and the wide range of learners it supports. The work continues as always, with a renewed focus on creating more opportunities for students to build confidence through conversation and connection.

Beginning Monday, May 5, the team will offer volunteer-led speaking practice sessions from 2:30 to 3:30 PM, Monday through Thursday. These sessions were developed in response to student feedback requesting more chances to use English outside of class. Each session will include one-on-one or small-group conversation, help from volunteers, and an IWC teacher available for support.

No sign-up is required. Students can drop in whenever they are able!

Community Integration

This spring, the Community Integration team continued to offer core services that remain in high demand. The latest round of cooking classes launched in March and will continue through May, and workforce support sessions remain a steady source of one-on-one guidance for clients navigating job applications, resumes, and interviews.

From January through April, the team also facilitated virtual immigration (Webex) hearings for 76 individuals and families. This included providing a stable internet connection, a quiet space, and tech support so clients could attend their hearings without added barriers. The team does not assist with legal proceedings but helps make sure clients can show up and be heard.

Women Lead

The Women Lead team continues to support immigrant women as they build financial knowledge and long-term stability. On April 17, the program launched the first session in a three-part Personal Finance Series in partnership with KeyBank. The opening workshop, Banking Basics in the U.S., covered the fundamentals of checking and savings accounts, how to evaluate credit cards and loans, and how to keep money and personal information secure.

Participants shared their own experiences, asked thoughtful questions, and learned from KeyBank personal banker Nelly Anderson, who is also an immigrant. Her story offered a relatable and encouraging perspective, and the session emphasized that financial literacy is a skill that can be built with the right tools and support.

The next session will focus on budgeting and credit. Seats are limited, and registration is encouraged.



Contribute to IWC

New Mainers arrive every day looking for stability and community. At the Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center, they find language classes, job training, and support systems that help them build there lives here.

Your donation ensures that when someone walks through our doors, they are met with help, not a waiting list. If you believe in a more welcoming Maine, please give today.

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