Executive Directors Message

At the Welland Heritage Council and Multicultural Centre we are celebrating 32 years of service to newcomers who have chosen to live in the City of Welland and surrounding area. Our organization has played a vital role in building this community.

The staff are highly-skilled professionals that are dedicated to the work that they do and the people they assist. As a team we all strive for excellence in providing services to the people who are here in Welland from many parts of the world. The staff actively attend professional development to maintain standards of service to program participants. It is my pleasure to work with them and I value their input at all times.

Immigrants enhance the fabric of our community with their language, customs, education, history, skills, foods and knowledge of their home country. The needs of newcomers to our communities are as unique as the diversity of the people.

Our cultural groups are the strength of the organization and continue to participate in community awareness programs such as the International Luncheons and Folklore Festival annually. The programs create an atmosphere of inclusiveness by introducing the newest groups as well as sharing with those who have been in Welland for many years. All cultural groups contribute greatly to the community by donating many hours and resources to organizations for health and youth in Welland.

Our sincere gratitude to all the partnering organizations we work with for the excellent work and assistance they provide for our staff and clients. All organizations we work with are highly-valued as each fills a gap. Collectively we improve the services for the newest citizens in our communities. Each piece of information and every helping hand is another brick to build a new foundation for people who are learning the Canadian systems. We look forward to continuing our partnerships.

We are very grateful to all of our funders for their help and support and are pleased that we were able to meet or surpass their expectations.

Most importantly, people from around the world now living in the City of Welland have received help they needed to assist in a faster, more meaningful transition to self fulfillment in their new country, Canada. In years to come they and their children will build a stronger Niagara for everyone. It is our pleasure to help them along the way.

Sincerely,

Claire Masswohl
Executive Director