301 S Vine St, Ste 102, Urbana, IL 61801 |  welcome@universityymca.org  |  (217) 417-5897

Welcoming Immigrants. Thriving Together.

New American Welcome Center

The New American Welcome Center works to co-create a community where all immigrants can thrive and flourish. We do this by engaging local institutions and mobilizing community resources to ensure equitable access to services, economic opportunity, and meaningful belonging.

Our community-responsive programs include: Immigrant Family Services, Immigration Legal Services, and Community Bridge-Building.

Immigrants in Champaign County

Champaign County is becoming a more diverse and international community with each passing year. Currently home to 25,552 immigrants, over 1 in 8 residents (12.2%) are foreign-born.

Our community has experienced a lot of dynamic change over the past decade—53.4% of immigrants in Champaign County entered the U.S. in 2010 or later in pursuit of better living conditions, jobs, education; to escape persecution, violence, or war; or to unite with or create families.

The changing demographics of our community create new challenges along with tremendous opportunities to make our community stronger and more resilient.

Upcoming Events

Welcome Week Kick-Off Breakfast

Enterprise Works @ Research Park; 60 Hazelwood Dr, Champaign, IL 61820
September 13, 2024
8:30 am
Register Now

We're All In Kickoff Event

Lincoln Square Mall
September 13, 2024
6:00 pm
Register Now

Prairie Stories

Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve; 109 S Lake of the Woods Rd
September 14, 2024
12:00 pm
Register Now

Harmony Through Beads: A Vibrant Tapestry of Global Diversity

Independent Media Company; 202 S Broadway Ave, Urbana, IL 61801
September 14, 2024
2:00 pm
Register Now
Welcoming Week tabling photo

Support Us

With your gift, you are helping Champaign County fully embrace our immigrant neighbors and their contributions to the social fabric of our community. Any amount is welcome.

Recent News

Event Spotlight: We're All In Kickoff Party

August 13, 2024

Get ready to ignite Welcoming Week with us! This year’s theme, "We’re All In," invites us to unite as a vibrant community, celebrating our unique strengths and diverse stories. Kick off the festivities with resource tables, dynamic performances, and delicious food (while supplies last). Don’t miss this chance to connect, celebrate, and kick off a fantastic week of togetherness!

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Event Spotlight: Long Distance Love Virtual Museum Tours

August 13, 2024

Krannert Art Museum invites you to explore themes pertaining to love, belonging, loneliness, and migration through in a virtual museum tour.

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