About the Program
The Natural Helpers Program provides person-to-person support for immigrant newcomers to Indianapolis.
As the name implies, Natural Helpers are caring people who community members naturally turn to for help. Because they live and work in the communities they serve, Natural Helpers are culturally sensitive and more likely to reach isolated families who may be facing challenges in meeting their basic needs.
What makes the Immigrant Welcome Center's program unique is the Natural Helpers typically have first-hand experience about integrating into a new community. They also have a strong desire to listen, to assist and to connect others to the basic services they need, such as:
- Health care
- Legal services
- Social services
- Government agencies
- Public transportation
- Public education
- Public safety resources
- Housing resources
- Domestic violence advocates
- Financial aid
- Employment and training services
- And more
Whenever possible, a Natural Helper is matched with newcomers from his or her country of origin. For example, a Natural Helper from, say, Ethiopia will be matched with newly arrived Ethiopians. However, all Natural Helpers willingly work with people from all countries in order to help them transition into life in Greater Indianapolis.
As the program grows, Natural Helpers will act as trainers themselves for new classes of Natural Helpers. In this way, the program will diversify to serve even more newcomers to Indianapolis.