BDCC Joins Network of 300+ Local Governments And Nonprofits Fostering Immigrant Inclusion
Brattleboro, VT– The Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC) has joined the Welcoming Network, a global network of local governments and nonprofits committed to making communities more welcoming. Led by the nonpartisan nonprofit organization, Welcoming America, the network provides BDCC access to research, technical assistance, webinars, and collaborative programs with other Welcoming Network organizations.
Through a multi-sector approach, Welcoming America leverages the Welcoming Standard as a comprehensive roadmap to identify areas in which members can make their community more equitable. Member organizations receive timely resources related to a variety of topics including: government leadership, language access, healthcare, economic development, and more.
“Joining Welcoming America has long been an aspiration for the BDCC. The success of our own Welcoming Communities initiative, now in its third year, encouraged us to dive headfirst into this national network of partners. We look forward to learning from other organizations and municipalities across the country who share our goals of fostering inclusivity and welcomeness and sharing the successes and challenges of doing this work in a rural community” said Alex Beck, Welcoming Communities Manager at the BDCC.
“We are thrilled to have the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation join the Welcoming Network. Their membership is a testament to their commitment to creating a more welcoming place for all people living in Windham County and we look forward to working with them,” said Rachel Perić, executive director of Welcoming America.
In addition to participating in a members-only learning lab, the Welcoming Communities team is participating in Welcoming Week by hosting a community celebration on September 16th, from 5pm-7pm, at 118 Elliot St. in Brattleboro. The event intends to build community, foster solidarity, and celebrate the start of Fall. Everyone who is a part of, or is involved in welcoming, our region’s growing immigrant community is encouraged to attend.
More information about the local initiative can be found at www.welcomingcommunitiesvt.com
Learn more about the Welcoming Network: https://welcomingamerica.org/welcoming-network/
About Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC)
The Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC) is a private, nonprofit economic development organization that serves as a catalyst for industrial and commercial growth throughout Southeastern Vermont, including Windham County and the towns of Readsboro, Searsburg, Winhall and Weston. BDCC serves as the State of Vermont’s certified Regional Development Corporation (RDC) for the greater Windham County area. BDCC is one of 12 RDCs throughout Vermont. This BDCC activity was made possible in part by a grant from the State of Vermont through the Agency of Commerce and Community Development. For more information visit: https://brattleborodevelopment.com/
About Welcoming America
Welcoming America is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that leads a movement of inclusive communities becoming more prosperous by ensuring everyone belongs. Through the Welcoming Network, we work to change systems and culture by providing communities the roadmap they need to create welcoming policies and share new approaches to inclusion to create an environment where everyone can truly thrive. Visit welcomingamerica.org to learn more.
Press contact
Lola Pak, lola@welcomingamerica.org
Alex Beck, abeck@brattleborodevelopment.com
