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, Michelle at 215-557-2841, or Ginny at 215-557-2853 (Center City) or 610-734-7715 (Delaware County).
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 Anne at 215-557-2626.
ESL Class List
"Where can I find an English as a Second Language class?"
That's a question the Welcoming Center answers every day. Now you can answer it for yourself. 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.
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 Margaret or call her at 215-557-2859.
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 Patience at 215-557-2831.
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
The Welcoming Center offers a program for immigrant youth at South Philadelphia High School.
NEW! Read the stories from Lost No More: Immigrant Teenagers Tell Their Stories. Read the Bridging Cultures blog and Youth On the Move student essays. |
We understand that teenagers who have recently arrived in the United States have unique needs, so we connect them to resources that help them succeed in school and thrive in their new country. Bridging Cultures mentors provide services such as tutoring, English conversation practice, workshops, field trips, and college and job advising. 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 Fatimah or call her at 215-557-2858
Did You Know...
The Social Security Administration estimates that undocumented immigrants contribute between $6 and $7 Billion in Social Security taxes that they will never be able to claim.
