I rise today to honor the Immigrant Welcome Center. whose tireless work over the past ten years has blessed countless Hoosiers in my hometown of Indianapolis. The Immigrant Welcome Center was founded in 2005 by Mayor Bart Peterson and First Lady Amy Minick Peterson who sought to discover ways the City of Indianapolis could be more welcoming to its newest residents. Serving as a trusted liaison between newcomers and the community at large. the Immigrant Welcome Center provides a strong and positive voice for the foreignborn newcomers who represent 120 different nationalities and speak more than 90 languages. Today the organization continues to build connections between immigrants and the citys social. cultural and business communities. making Indianapolis a more diverse and innovative place for all residents. The Immigrant Welcome Center is built on a model of empowerment that trains immigrants E1704 and refugees as Natural Helpers in understanding the resources and opportunities available in our community. These Natural Helpers then help their fellow foreignborn brothers and sisters navigate the maze of available services and connect them to people. places and resources necessary to build successful lives. The organization has also helped make Indianapolis a leader among welcoming cities across the United States as part of the national Welcoming America Initiatives programs and outreach. Today. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Immigrant Welcome Center for its efforts to strengthen and integrate our growing foreignborn community. helping make Indianapolis a more welcoming and vibrant international city.
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refugees Immigrant immigrants