Lancaster City has been officially certified as a Welcoming City for immigrants and refugees. Announced today–Tuesday, September 10– this certification is a celebration of the intentional inclusivity Lancaster City has created for immigrant populations (check out more information from the City of Lancaster along with all the great impactful organizations and businesses collaborating to make this happen!).
Certified Welcoming is a project of Welcoming America, a non-profit, non-partisan organization, that supports “the many diverse communities and partners who are leading efforts to make their communities more vibrant places for all”.
The Welcoming Standard requires essential policies and programs across Government Leadership, Civic Engagement, Equitable Access, Education, Connected Communities, Economic Development, and Safe Communities. The process requires an on-site audit where they visit and talk with those engaged in this work for three days. It is a 12-18 month process from beginning to end.
“We are excited to have Lancaster City be honored with this Certified Welcoming designation,” says Heather Valudes, Community Impact Director at the Lancaster Chamber. “At the Lancaster Chamber, one of our strategic goals is to help connect immigrants to workforce opportunities and knowing there is overall support for inclusion makes this objective more effective and successful for all involved.”
Other certified Welcoming Cities to date are:
- Boise, Idaho
- Dayton, Ohio
- Louisville, Kentucky
- Lucas County, Ohio
- Salt Lake County, Utah
We are strong supporters in showcasing the strength of a diverse community. For over 250 years, Lancaster County has been a haven for new Americans who bring their unique talents and skills to our workforce.
Learn more about Welcoming America and what a Welcoming City means on this website.
The Lancaster Chamber has also partnered with New American Economy, Welcoming America, the Lancaster County Refugee & Immigrant Coalition and other local organizations to release strategic plan for immigrant integration in our community entitled, “Strengthening the Workforce by Welcoming Immigrant Contributions: Facts and Strategies”. The plan outlines the significant contributions of our foreign-born neighbors on the Lancaster County economy and the community. Find out more here.