Services
Empowering our foreign-born friends with comprehensive services, the International Welcome Center ensures a smoother, more inclusive transition into Akron. From legal assistance to English lessons and driving guidance, we stand beside them every step of the way.
Empowering Pathways: Our Support Services
Explore the comprehensive services we provide to help refugees and immigrants navigate their journey and thrive in their new community.
Legal Services
Empowering Every Journey: Comprehensive Legal Assistance for Our Immigrant Community
At the International Welcome Center, we’re dedicated to guiding refugees and immigrants on their journey toward citizenship. Recognizing the challenges the foreign-born in Akron face without affordable legal support, we’ve tailored our services to ensure no one’s left behind:
- Immigration Legal Services: Focused on serving low to moderate-income members of our community, our offerings include assistance with:
- N-400 Naturalization Application
- I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card
- I-130, I-485, and I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival.
- Comprehensive Screenings: Beyond basic applications, we proactively screen clients for additional immigration benefit eligibility, such as asylum, VAWA, cancellation of removal, and more.
If a case falls beyond our capabilities, we make sure to refer our clients to qualified service providers.
Everyone deserves a fair chance, and we’re here to make that a reality.
Welcome Home Stories: Finding Citizenship
“I’m so glad and blessed to be in this family which is the International Welcome Center. They gave me a wonderful welcome. They helped me navigate the legal process to get my green card, obtain travel documents, apply for citizenship, and now I am a United States Citizen! Currently we are working on the process to bring my family to the United States and so much more. THANK YOU SO MUCH IWC”
~ Rushoboza
Resettlement Services
Finding Home in Akron: Guiding Every Step of Your New Chapter
Navigating life in Akron, OH can seem daunting, but you’re not alone. The International Welcome Center champions your resettlement journey through genuine friendship and hands-on assistance. We recognize that every individual has unique needs, and our Resettlement Services are tailored to address those challenges head-on. Connect with us and unlock a range of support, including:
- Driving License Training & Acquisition
- Household Goods Provision
- Acquiring Clothing for Ohio Weather
- English Classes
- Life Skills Guidance
- Obtaining Bicycles & Learn Bicycle Maintenance
- Legal Aid and Citizenship Assistance
- Referrals to Other Resources
- Your transition to Akron becomes smoother with IWC by your side.
Welcome Home Stories: Crafting a New Life
“I have been living in Ohio for 3 months and I am really thankful for the IWC. They have helped us a lot. They have especially helped our refugee people, my family, kids, my wife, and my house too. So whatever I say is not enough. They have helped us so much. They brought my family couches, pens, pencils, food, and much more. I am thankful for everyone at the IWC.
The United States of America brought us here due to the Afghanistan withdrawal. The IWC has helped us a lot even though we miss people back home. We feel that our family is here with us because the IWC gives us that feeling. Thank you so much.”
~ H. Emakhan
Drivers License Services
Steering Towards Empowerment
At the International Welcome Center, we believe that the freedom to drive opens doors to opportunities and self-reliance. Our dedicated volunteers walk with refugees and immigrants every step of the way, from the initial driving lessons to navigating the intricacies of the license bureau. Acquiring a driver’s license not only facilitates work and community exploration but also instills a profound sense of empowerment and independence. Join us in giving our community members the keys to a brighter, more connected future.
English Language Services
Bridging Conversations, Building Community
Navigating a new homeland without its language can create barriers and feelings of isolation. At the International Welcome Center, we recognize this challenge and are committed to breaking down these walls. Our compassionate volunteers integrate English lessons into every interaction, ensuring refugees and immigrants not only learn the language but also feel deeply connected to their community. Through these shared experiences and lessons, we’re helping newcomers find their voice and place in Akron.
Get Involved
Step into a transformative role by volunteering with the International Welcome Center. Your generous giving of time and expertise builds bridges for our refugee and immigrant families in Akron, ensuring they find a place they can truly call home. Let’s collaborate and create moments of connection, empowerment, and belonging, ensuring every individual feels truly at home.
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