Moving can be an exciting time. A new home. A new school. New neighbors to meet. New streets to explore.
Now imagine if you were moving to a new country where you do not speak the language, everything feels strange and different, and you are carrying all your belongings. The uncertainty of where to go to take care of your most basic needs -- food, shelter, employment -- would be overwhelming.
The Immigrant Welcome Center was created to calm those fears and ease the transition for immigrant newcomers to Indianapolis. Through a dedicated group of volunteers -- our Natural Helpers -- we help people connect to the supports they need to get their new lives off to a good start, setting them on the path to being self-sufficient in their new country.
The reward for the Natural Helper is making a difference in someone's life, but there also is a reward for our community. Offering vulnerable immigrants and refugees a helping hand leads to an improved quality of life and successful acculturation within our community, thereby building the self-esteem and self-sufficiency of immigrants and refugees. With this self-sufficiency comes a rise in the economic, cultural, civic and social vitality of Indianapolis that all residents and visitors enjoy. A truly multi-cultural city is attractive to corporations that lure talented professionals from all over the world and enhances our city's status as an international destination.
I hope you will join all of us at the Immigrant Welcome Center -- either as a Natural Helper, a volunteer or a sponsor -- and join us in saying, "Welcome Home" to our newest residents.
Angela D. Adams, President
