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We are going to be candid because we know that many, maybe most, of you are feeling the same way we are… this month has been an exhausting one. This week alone, the threats and chaos around federal funding forced us to ask a question no community organization should ever have to: What happens if the funding we rely on immediately disappears?
Even though there have been announcements that the freeze has been lifted, it is uncertain how funds will be made available and what new barriers to access them will exist. It is a stark reminder of how much we and our community depend on support that can be taken away at any moment.
The future is still uncertain. The State Department’s decision to cut federal funding to refugee services providers across the country has left many of our peers in crisis, and we stand in solidarity with our community partners who are fighting to keep their doors open. It has become abundantly clear to us that if we want to continue serving New Mainers and the Greater Portland community, we need to be prepared for whatever comes next.
Here is how we are meeting the moment:
Above all, we remain committed to serving our clients. That is why we are here, and it will always be our highest priority.
Senior staff have been working closely with each other and a facilitator to assess how we can restructure IWC to be a stronger, more effective organization. We know that now more than ever, we need to be a lean, mean (actually super nice) Immigrant Welcoming machine.
We are investing additional time into our volunteer program to better harness the incredible energy of our community. So many of you have reached out asking how you can help. We are not only grateful but invigorated by your support and solidarity.
We have already been working hard on diversifying our funding sources, but this week made it clear that we need to move faster and put even more focus into this effort. You can be a big part of that work by making a contribution today.
We are ensuring that our staff is prepared for any scenario, including legal training on what to do if ICE targets our community.
And we are not panicking, we are being persistent. We are staying focused, making informed decisions, and working closely with our community partners. This work is not just about reacting to a crisis. It is about building support networks and systems that last.
And even in the face of uncertainty, we are taking the time to celebrate our recent successes and shared impact:
Business Hub helped New Mainers access $242,500 in capital to support their businesses in 2024.
In January alone, iEnglish welcomed over 200 adult learners to our in-person English classes at the Center, providing essential language support to help them navigate life in Maine.
Women Lead saw 100 percent of program participants with work permits secure jobs, a testament to their dedication to women in this community and to the incredible Women Lead-ers themselves.
Due to incredible demand, Community Integration expanded its workforce support efforts with the help of some talented volunteers, providing resume writing and job application assistance to New Mainers seeking employment.
We know that challenges will continue to come our way. But if this past month (and beyond) has shown us anything, it is that this engaged and committed community will carry us all forward. Our sincere thanks to you.
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