The Welcome Center serves the city of Austin as the community's multicultural center, building community by welcoming newcomers, supporting residents in transition and creating access and opportunity.
The Welcome Center is a non-profit organization based in Austin, Minnesota. Our agency works with all members of the community to promote the successful integration of newcomers. Community education projects serve to familiarize current residents with the characteristics of the newcomer populations and to promote acceptance. Other programs promote self-sufficiency and help newcomers make a successful transition to their new environment. We have a Board of Directors who jointly oversee the activities of the organization and professional staff members who facilitate the work of the organization.
| Director | Title | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| Nel Zellar | Board Chair | Riverland Community College |
| Lori Henry | Vice Chair | Austin Public Schools |
| Glenn Monson | Treasurer | Our Saviors Lutheran Church |
| Sue Maus | Secretary | Community Activist |
| Carolina Salazar | Community Learning Center | |
| Nancy Clark | Adult Basic Education | |
| Nyankeer "Afaf" Anyel | Mayo Health Systems - Austin | |
| Clara Sifuentes | Workforce Development Center |
| Staff | Title | |
|---|---|---|
| Jake Vela | Executive Director | wcjake@gmail.com |
| Dora Martinez | Advocacy & Client Services | welcome.center.dora@gmail.com |
| Soe M. Myat | Asian Family Advocacy | soe@austinwelcomecenter.org |
