Vision and Mission
"Immigrants accept jobs, generate tax revenue, and spend money. These are characteristics of productive members of society that can only add value to regions - particularly areas that continue to lose middle to middle/upper class natives who previously provided the economic and social foundations for their respective communities." -The Pennsylvania Economy League
The Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians connects newly arrived individuals from around the world with the economic opportunities that they need to succeed in our region. Since opening our doors in 2003, we have assisted more than 2000 clients from 64 countries.
We believe that a steady influx of new customers, workers, and entrepreneurs can reinvigorate Pennsylvania's aging population, renew its neighborhoods, and re-energize our economy. By making Pennsylvania a magnet for immigrants, we will become a more vibrant, more creative, and more dynamic competitor in today's global economy.
Our mission is clear - to be a centralized employment and referral center for the region's growing immigrant community by promoting immigrant participation in the area's political, social, and economic life. Towards that end, we work closely with the many regional organizations that have a stake in immigration. These include government agencies, service providers, employers, business associations, trade unions, and economic development groups.
The Welcoming Center is pleased to have the support of the City of Philadelphia, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Greater Philadelphia Global Partners, Innovation Philadelphia, and the many businesses which recognize the need of immigrants and their contributions to the economy.
The Welcoming Center was created to open the doors of economic opportunity for new arrivals and, by doing so, to enhance the economic development of our region.
Welcome!
Anne O'Callaghan
Executive Director
Did You Know...
11% of Philadelphians are first generation immigrants.
