Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians
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About WCNP

Our Services

The Welcoming Center is a centralized resource center for immigrants. However, we do more than just connect immigrants to services. A large part of what we do is employment -- the staff of the Welcoming Center believes that empowering immigrants economically with jobs will lead to their becoming intergrated into the communities sooner, thus becoming more civically engaged in the long run.

Employment

Our experienced staff helps work-authorized immigrants find employment in fields for which they are best suited. We have placed immigrants with post-graduate degrees as well as many who have little or no education and work experience. We strive to find jobs that pay above minimum wage and offer benefits. If you are work-authorized and are looking for a job, call Yana at 215 557 2864, Rosara at 215-557-2847, Michelle at 215-557-2841 or, Rocky at 215-557-2870 (Center City). We also have an office in Delaware County; appointments can be scheduled by talking to Welcoming Center staff listed above.

Employer Programs

Part of our mission is to help employers find, hire, and retain qualified immigrants. We have helped Philadelphia-area employers place hundreds of immigrants in jobs from housekeeping to accounting. Our services also include providing information to employers on identifying work authorization and understanding the legal requirements. To find out more about how we can help you, please call Yana at 215-557-2864.

Resource Referrals

"Where can I find an English as a Second Language class?"
"How do I enroll my child in school?" 

"Is there a way to lower my utilities bills?" 

These are questions the Welcoming Center answers every day.  We have connected with service providers throughout the city to find the answers. Visit our new, searchable list of ESL classes. You can search by zip code to find a class near you. Find a day or evening class that fits your schedule, or search specifically for weekend classes. You can even look for beginner, intermediate, or advanced classes.

Also, see our guide (English (pdf) and Spanish (pdf)) to enrolling your child in school.  Call the Welcoming Center's main line at 215-557-2626 or email info@welcomingcenter.org for questions on resources.


Legal Clinics

The Welcoming Center offers free monthly legal clinics where immigrants may meet, one-to-one, with volunteer attorneys to discuss issues that may range from immigration to landlord-tenant conflicts to discrimination issues. Clinics are held on the second Tuesday of each month, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Welcoming Center, at 1617 John F. Kennedy Blvd., 13th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103. We do request that you make a reservation. For more information, or to set up an appointment, please email Desiree or call her at 215-557-2550.

Vocational Literacy Program

The Welcoming Center now offers a vocational literacy program for eligible clients who are looking to learn industry-specific English language skills. This project aims to increase employability by equipping clients with relevant workplace English and matching them with job opportunities best suited to their skills and experience. The industries we focus on include hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing, food service and retail. Our program includes assistance in finding, applying for, and getting jobs within these sectors.

To learn more about our vocational literacy program, call Amy at 215-557-2558.

Public Policy

We strive to help people understand the complexities of immigration law, and educate the general population and policy makers on the importance of immigrants in our economy. With the support of the William Penn Foundation, we have organized public policy seminars on immigration reform, Immigrants in the Workforce, and others. These seminars, which are free, are attended by immigrants, the general public, stakeholders and policymakers.  Check our calendar to view an updated schedule.

Project Bridging Cultures Program

At Project Bridging Cultures, we connect immigrant and native-born youth at South Philadelphia High School to resources that help them succeed in high school and beyond. We understand that teenagers who have recently arrived in the United States have unique needs, and we recognize that youth of all backgrounds benefit from receiving academic and social support from trusted adults. Project Bridging Cultures mentors provide services such as homework help, English practice, college advising, information about jobs and careers, clubs, field trips, and volunteer opportunities. Students and their families can also access other Welcoming Center services. For more information, please email Jennifer or call her at 215-557-2589.

Welcoming Center West

Our newest initiative, Welcoming Center West, promotes community advancement through inter-ethnic collaboration.We provide residents and business owners in West Philadelphia -- both immigrants and native-born Americans -- access to opportunities for economic development and civic participation.

We are working with the 52nd Street Business Association and a host of other community partners to provide business development seminars, a cross-cultural youth entrepreneurship program, and information and resources to the immigrant and native-born community members. By facilitating cooperative efforts and understanding among these groups, Welcoming Center West promotes a stronger, safer, and more economically dynamic community.

For more information, please email Bahiya or call her at 215-557-2868.