Programs / Welcome Michiana
Everyone belongs here.
Welcoming Michiana helps immigrants build lives of purpose and dignity in St. Joseph County, and helps long-time residents see the value newcomers bring.
Helping newcomers put their skills to work
Welcoming Michiana is URC's immigrant inclusion program and part of Welcoming America, a network of more than 300 communities and nonprofits. Many immigrants arrive with training and experience that go unused because their credentials are not recognized locally.
Working with World Education Services (WES), we help internationally trained residents find careers with room to grow, and help congregations and employers understand the strengths newcomers bring.
Questions? Contact Lisa Stockberger, Welcoming Michiana Lead, lstockberger@urcsjc.org
What we provide
✔ Career coaching for internationally trained professionals
✔ Career pathway guides for in-demand local fields
✔ Connections to schools, training programs and employers
✔ International professional exchanges with local hosts
✔ Support for congregations welcoming new neighbors
✔ Grant writing and research on immigrant inclusion
300+
Communities in the Welcoming America network
6+
International delegations hosted since 2018
12+
Young entrepreneurs from 9 countries placed with Midwest businesses (2021)
Ways to help
Become a career coach
Share your professional experience with an immigrant building a career
Hire global talent
Employers can connect with skilled, internationally trained candidates.
Host a delegation
Welcome international visitors and exchange ideas with them.