Refugee and immigrant programs receive boost

These immigrant women are being taught skills and how to start a business using those skills. They are also getting help learning how to function in this country. - - Donna Poisl

Community » Welcome centers will help integrate newcomers into community.

By Julia Lyon, The Salt Lake Tribune

Midvale » The women drawing their needles back and forth Saturday morning were practicing a sewing stitch that could one day change their lives. As members of the new "Mothers Club," they are gaining skills and learning how to start a business -- just the kind of initiative one philanthropic group hopes to see spread across the state.

A $1 million, 2½ year effort to integrate immigrants and refugees will support the launch of four "welcome centers" across the Salt Lake Valley this spring.

The centers will consist of programs provided by existing educational and community groups, which will use the substantial infusion of cash to expand and strengthen their offerings.

The money comes from the Women's Philanthropic Network, a group affiliated with United Way of Salt Lake, that set out a few years ago to harness the power of women's donations to make lasting change.
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