Serving Somerville and Beyond Since 1987

Somerville's leading immigrant organization, The Welcome Project builds collective power amongst immigrants to participate in and shape their community through programming that strengthens the capacity of immigrant youth, adults and families to advocate for themselves and influence schools, government, and other institutions.​

The Welcome Project builds immigrants' power in Somerville through programming that strengthens their economic and educational capacity to participate in and shape their community for a better future.

Our Mission

The Welcome Project builds the collective power of immigrants to participate in and shape community decisions through programming that strengthens the capacity of immigrant youth, adults, and families to advocate for themselves and influence schools, government, and other institutions that shape our lives. TWP’s culturally responsive approach builds on immigrants’ existing strengths to forge connections across language and culture, helping immigrants find success and community in their new city.
 
Our community-based organization began in the Mystic Public Housing Development in Somerville, Massachusetts, in 1987, following state-mandated racial integration of the development. Our organization continues to provide essential services to our vast and increasingly diverse immigrant community, including Brazilians, Haitians, individuals from the Northern Triangle of Central America, and so many others worldwide who make greater Boston their home.

To this end, we aim to provide quality English language instruction, live interpretation and translation training, and help our constituents learn to use their voices to advocate for themselves and their community. In this time of racial injustice and rising hostility to immigration, The Welcome Project will continue to be a stalwart supporter of our community and stand ready to provide whatever resources our members need.

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Our Programs

Our programming is designed to build the strength and resiliency of our students by increasing an individuals confidence in speaking the English Language, engaging in community activism, and breaking down the barriers that have long plagued the immigrant community. 

Adult Programs

EFP: English For Parents

Our unique ESOL program for parents of Somerville and Medford Public School students. We work with our students to take an active role in their child's education and to use their new language skills to participate in school activities.

ESOL: English for Speakers of Other Languages

 We offer comprehensive instruction in English for immigrant of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced students.

For more information regarding EFP, please email
Sara Lodgen, [email protected]
For more information regarding ESOL, please email
​​Eliza Jones, [email protected]

Youth Programs

LIPS: Liaison Interpreters Program of Somerville

Our premier youth program, we offer paid interpreter training for high school students and provide them with opportunities to use their translator skills in the community.

Exploring Culture and Identity Summer Program

Kids ages 9-13 from the surrounding community can participate in a free, two-week experience where they will have art programs, fun outdoor activities, and visit some of our area's fun museums.

For more information regarding LIPS, please email [email protected]
For more information regarding the Summer Program, please email
Sara Lodgen, [email protected]

Somerville Workers Center

The core of The Welcome Project's community organizing and advocacy, The Somerville Workers Center consults with local immigrant-owned businesses, hosts workers' rights seminars and workplace health and safety trainings, and leads the fight against wage theft and workplace harassment

For more information regarding the Somerville Workers Center please email
Walter Mena, [email protected]

The Welcome Project is a proud recipient of a 3-Year Cummings Foundation Grant

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Please consider supporting The Welcome Project and our mission to increase the collective power of the immigrant community.

Read our donor privacy policy here.

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Location & Hours

Our Offices are located within the Mystic Activity Center of the
​Mystic Public Housing Development:
530 Mystic Ave. Suite 111
​Somerville, MA 02145

​MONDAY - FRIDAY
9am - 5pm
​SATURDAY & SUNDAY
Closed
[email protected]
​Phone: 617-623-6633