Welcoming Communities Winter Celebration

On December 10th, the Southern Vermont Working Communities team hosted a “Welcoming Community Winter Celebration”. The event sought to gather immigrants, and those who identify as having an immigrant background, to build solidarity, camaraderie, and provide engagement opportunities with civic leaders.

Nearly 100 people attended, representing half a dozen different nationalities and countries of origin. Food was prepared by newly arrived community members and immigrant business leaders alike; Dosa Kitchen, Watan Home, and volunteers from the asylum-seeker community brought culturally relevant dishes to share with attendees.

Community leaders from the Windham County delegation, Vermont Department of Labor, Windham-Windsor Housing Trust, Vermont Folklife Center, and Windham Regional Planning Commission also attended, seeking to make themselves and their programs and services more accessible and inclusive to the immigrant and New Vermonter community.

Similar events will be held quarterly, and more information can be found at www.workingcommunitiesvt.com.