International Welcome Center

The International Welcome Center exists to empower the foreign-born in the greater Akron area in their pursuit of happiness.  As representatives of Christ, we partner with them to legally navigate the immigration system and integrate into the community through the power of love, service and friendship.  

The IWC serves individuals/families from Day 91 forward, after they have received their 90 days of federal funded resettlement assistance from The International Institute of Akron. The IWC provides support by offering legal assistance, making home visits, befriending and maintaining relationships, teaching English, driving lessons, car maintenance, cooking lessons, shopping help, minor home repairs, and providing answers in simple terms. IWC trained volunteers empower clients to make decisions for themselves. One of the key ways the IWC supports refugees/immigrants is by providing legal services. The IWC is the only DOJ Accredited, faith-based organization in Summit County. Our accreditation requires that we provide legal immigration services for all low-income individuals regardless of ethnicity or religious affiliation. Our fees are approved by the DOJ and must remain considerably less than an immigration lawyer. If the IWC ceased to exist, there would be no other organization in Summit County providing this type of service. Through networking with organizations, employers, landlords, legal referrals, and leaders within the refugee/immigrant communities, the IWC has created a network of trusted community stakeholders who refer clients to us from their respective circles of influence. Hundreds of foreign-born individuals/families, caregivers of children and aging parents, widows/widowers, those with physical/psychological disabilities, have all resettled in the Greater Akron/Canton community. They live among the economically disadvantaged, especially those with little English or education. They are of African, Asian, Latino, European and Middle Eastern descent.