The Philadelphia Welcoming Network:
Alain Joinville, Director of Strategic Communications and Programs, remembers the moment clearly. He was sitting with community leaders, listening—not just to their ideas, but to their lived experiences. “We move at the speed of trust,” he said. “And trust takes time, conversation, and commitment.”
That’s the heartbeat of the Philadelphia Welcoming Network: a citywide effort to ensure immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers don’t just arrive—they thrive.
A city that welcomes
Philadelphia is home to thousands of newcomers each year. They bring languages, traditions, and stories that enrich our neighborhoods all across Philadelphia. But too often, they face barriers: fragmented services, unclear pathways to support, and a lack of connection.
The Welcoming Network, supported by the City’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (OIA), is changing that. It’s a collaborative space where public and private partners come together to build a stronger, more inclusive infrastructure for immigrant communities.
“We’re not just coordinating services. We’re building relationships.”
Zuhail Corro-Vazquez, Program Manager for the Welcoming Network, spends her days connecting with organizations across the city. “I get to learn from people who are deeply rooted in their communities,” she said. “They know what’s needed and they know how to make it happen.”
The Network is made up of three key parts:
- A Steering Committee of community leaders and lived experience experts
- Action Teams that design and implement real-world solutions
- A Backbone Team that supports coordination and communication
Together, they’re creating a system that doesn’t just respond to needs—it anticipates them.
“I like making connections that matter.”
Haby Sow, a First Year VISTA with the Welcoming Network, sees her role as a bridge. “I help turn ideas into action,” she said. “Planning, supporting, and making sure the work gets done.”
She’s part of the Backbone Team, which ensures that the Network’s vision becomes reality. Whether it’s organizing meetings, supporting outreach, or helping launch new programs, Haby’s work is essential to the Network’s success.
Why it matters
When service providers work in isolation, newcomers can fall through the cracks. They may struggle to find housing, healthcare, or legal support. They may feel unwelcome in a city that prides itself on welcoming cultures and communities no matter the origin.
The Welcoming Network is changing that narrative. It’s not just about services, it’s about belonging. Together, we’re building a Philadelphia where everyone—no matter where they come from—has the opportunity to feel at home.
Join us
The Welcoming Network is more than a program. It’s a movement. And you can be part of it.
Sign up for our monthly info sessions and explore how you can join an Action Team:
