ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — Immigrants and refugees in the Quad Cities who need support during the winter months can find it at SAL Community Services' Welcoming Center at 1609 4th St., Building 2, in Rock Island.
The organization's Welcoming Center uses cultural sensitivity and multilingual staff members to provide food, clothing, household goods, paperwork help and paperwork assistance during times of need. The center connects more than 500 individuals and families with the services they need every year, according to a press release.
Loredia Nunn-Dixon, director of the Welcoming Center, said in a press release the center's clients speak a wide variety of languages, including Spanish, Swahili and French.
“When a new client comes in, they’re paired with a case manager, someone they’re able to communicate openly with,” Nunn-Dixon said. “That manager is an advocate for the individual or family and connects them with the resources they need.”
Staff members work with local churches, nonprofits and government-funded programs to get each family what it needs. The center also makes an effort to find culturally appropriate food for its clients.
The Welcoming Center is open to walk-ins from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can also call (309) 793-8201 to make an appointment. For assistance outside business hours, call the center's hotline at (712) 722-7609.
Nunn-Dixon joined The Current on News 8 on January 3 to discuss the Welcoming Center. You can watch her full interview in the above video.
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