Very sad news from our friends at the IWC. More than ever our community needs to come together and help each other. The BNA is committed to helping bridge the gap left by these circumstances. Please reach out as we navigate the uncertain time ahead. We can make a difference together.
| Thursday, May 22, 2025 |
| The Board of Directors of the Immigrant Welcome Center (IWC) has made the difficult decision to close our physical location at 24 Preble Street in Portland, ME due to a sustained funding shortfall, heavily impacted by the loss of federal funding for our programs. Walk-in services at our Center will end Monday, June 30th, 2025. Our offsite English Language Education (formerly iEnglish) partner classes will continue through July to allow current students to complete their courses. We are exploring all options to support clients and continue projects of the IWC that can happen off-site through the calendar year. Soccer Saturday will expand this summer, offering ten consecutive weeks of free soccer for local youth and families. For more than seven years, the Immigrant Welcome Center has lived up to its name, providing a place where New Mainers could find not only essential services but also a sense of belonging and welcome. Its closure marks a significant loss for the many individuals and families who have relied on its programs and open doors. While the physical space is closing, the need for this work remains urgent. We promise to continue to coordinate with community partners to explore new homes for key programs in the months ahead. We extend our deepest gratitude to the staff of IWC, whose commitment, skill and compassion have shaped every aspect of our work, and to our funders, partners and the thousands of immigrants who have placed their trust in us. Your support has made everything we have accomplished possible. Although this chapter is ending, our mission remains: to help New Mainers navigate life in Maine and strengthen the fabric of our shared community. For questions or suggestions, please contact the Board at board@welcomeimmigrant.org. You can still reach staff directly at their individual email accounts, or reach out to info@welcomeimmigrant.org for your email to be forwarded to the correct program. We look forward to finding new ways to serve this community together. Sincerely,The Board of DirectorsGreater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center |
