Immigrant Services

Meet Your Neighbor

The Meet your Neighbor series is an opportunity for the community and professionals to learn from leaders in the Indianapolis community about the refugees and immigrants who call Indianapolis “home” such as the Afghan, Sikh-Punjabi, and Congolese communities. Presenters are from Exodus Refugee Immigration Inc, Umeed Hope, and Patchwork Indy. Please take a look at our calendar for program dates.

Storytelling Programs: Immigrant Stories

Beyond el Barrio
Tuesday, February 10 from 6-7 p.m.
The Indiana Historical Society presents Beyond el Barrio amplifying the vibrant Mexican American community in the 1960s in Indianapolis. The community made profound cultural contributions to Indianapolis before being displaced by urban development and the construction of major highways. Beyond El Barrio unearths the stories of the people who lived there, highlighting their legacy in shaping the city’s spirit and culture. Learn more and register for Beyond el Barrio.

Ogbaniko: Stories from Home
Sunday, April 19 from 2-4 p.m.
This is a recurring storytelling series designed to bring together immigrants in Indiana. The aim is for participants to share personal stories from their home countries and explore how these experiences contribute to building their lives in Indiana. The series is inspired by "Ogbaniko" which is the Igala word for the Doodlebug, an insect that is known for walking backwards. It is a metaphor for reflecting on past experiences and using those reflections to build a better future. Learn more and register for Obaniko: Stories from Home.

Conversation Circles

Spanish Conversation Circle
Learn Spanish and meet your neighbors in a casual environment. Spanish Conversation Circles offer a place for Spanish speakers of all levels, beginner to advanced, to practice the language and discuss topics on culture, idioms, phrasal verbs, some grammar, and much much more! Learn more and register for a Spanish Conversation Circle.

Haitian Creole Conversation Circle
Beginner Haitian Creole Conversation Circle at the Lawrence Branch celebrates diversity, promotes cultural exchange, and empowers residents to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries. This program is presented in partnership with Akor Languages and More. Learn more and register for a Haitian Creole Conversation Circle.

French Conversation Circle
Beginner French Conversation Circle at the Eagle Branch celebrates diversity, promotes cultural exchange, and empowers residents to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries. This program is presented in partnership with Akor Languages and More at the Eagle Branch. Learn more a register for a French Conversation Circle.

English Conversation Circle
Join our English conversation circles to practice and improve your English skills in a comfortable and welcoming place. We discuss topics on American culture, idioms, phrasal verbs, some grammar, and much more! Facilitators are TESOL trained. This fall, English Conversation Circle will take place at Lawrence, Southport, and Franklin Road Branches. This program also has a virtual option. Learn more and register for an English Conversation Circle.

Pathway to Literacy: Literacy Level English Classes

The Pathway to Literacy program is designed for adult English language learners with interrupted formal education, some of whom are learning to read for the first time. The Immigrant Welcome Center partners with IndyPL, Indy Reads and other programs around the city to provide classes for newcomers. For more information, see the Immigrant Welcome Center website or register a learner.

Cours d’informatique de base en français / French Computer Classes

Dans ce programme, vous deviendrez confiant dans l’utilisation de votre appareil et des programmes informatiques pour vous aider à atteindre vos objectifs! Découvrez les cours d'informatique de base en français et inscrivez-vous.

- Les cours auront lieu du vendredi 3 avril au 24 avril de 10:30h à 12:00h à la succursale de Eagle.

- Les cours auront lieu du vendredi 1er mai au 22 mai, de 13h00 à 14h30, à la succursale de Michigan Road.

Programme de culture financière en français/French Financial Literacy

Ce programme vous permettra d’acquérir des compétences essentielles afin d’aborder votre avenir financier avec confiance et d’atteindre vos objectifs financiers. Avoir ces compétences peut vous aider à éviter l’endettement et à faire des économies. Apprenez-en davantage et inscrivez-vous au Programme de culture financière.

This program will provide you with essential skills to approach your financial future with confidence and achieve your financial goals. Having these skills can help you avoid debt and save money. This program will be delivered in French. Learn more and register for the French Financial Literacy class.

• Les cours auront lieu du vendredi 3 avril au 24 avril de 12:15h à 1:15h à la succursale de Eagle.
• Les cours auront lieu du vendredi 1er mai au 22 mai, de 15h00 à 16h00, à la succursale de Michigan Road.

En savoir plus sur:/Learn more about:

• L’élaboration d’un budget/Budgeting
• Les comptes bancaires/Bank Accounts
• Les cartes de crédit/Credit Cards
• L’assurance vie/Life Insurance

Celebrate Immigrant Stories

What does it mean to find a home? For many, home is the place where we feel safe, joyful, and welcomed by the people around us. We use our senses and memories to define what it means, every single day. For Indianapolis immigrants, an understanding of home emerges from dreams, sacrifices, and journeys of miles and years. Join us for a special podcast series to explore the diverse lived experiences of Indy’s immigrant community. Together, we’ll see how, rather than exchanging an old home for a new one, immigrants create a powerful idea: that home is so much more than a place. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about podcast episodes and guests.