Worcester has earned national recognition for its efforts to welcome and support immigrants and refugees, becoming the 50th community in the country to receive a Certified Welcoming designation.
Welcoming America, a nonprofit organization that evaluates local governments on immigrant inclusion, awarded Worcester a 3-star designation following a review of city policies, programs and partnerships in areas ranging from education and economic development to language access and civic participation.
The city received its highest marks for economic development, earning a 5-star rating for efforts to help immigrants access jobs, training and opportunities to start businesses. Worcester also received 4-star ratings in education and equitable access, according to the city’s announcement Thursday.
“Refugees and immigrants have always been part of Worcester’s story,” City Manager Eric Batista said in the announcement. “They are part of the fabric that makes our city strong, vibrant, and diverse.”
Batista credited community organizations with helping identify needs and sustain programs despite changing levels of funding and other resources.
Certified Welcoming was established in 2017 and evaluates local governments using standards intended to measure how communities incorporate immigrants into civic, social and economic life. A star-rating system was introduced in 2023.
The review examines seven areas: government and community leadership, civic engagement, equitable access, connected communities, education, economic development and safe communities.
Welcoming America Executive Director Rachel Perić said in the announcement that Worcester’s certification represents a broader commitment involving residents and public and private institutions.
“We’re proud to recognize Worcester as the nation’s 50th Certified Welcoming community,” Perić said. “Today, 25 million Americans benefit from the values and promise that Worcester embodies in this milestone — a sustained commitment from residents, public and private institutions to work together toward a community where everyone belongs.”
Among the Worcester programs highlighted during the review was Worcester RISE’s Community Doulas Program, which connects pregnant residents with non-medical support from doulas who share their language and cultural background.
The review also cited the Worcester Public Library’s free immigration legal help clinic and the city’s recently launched Immigrant Belonging Program, which offers monthly workshops connecting immigrants with municipal departments and community resources.
Worcester Public Schools’ Family Institute for Student Success was also recognized. The six-week program is intended to give families tools to participate more actively in their children’s education and strengthen connections between families and schools.
Mayor Joseph Petty said the designation reflects work extending well beyond City Hall.
“This success doesn’t happen in a vacuum,” Petty said in the announcement. “I want to share this achievement with the essential partners doing the heavy lifting on the ground, including the Worcester Public Library, the Worcester Public Schools, and the countless neighborhood centers, grassroots organizations, and advocacy networks that support our residents every day.”
The recognition comes as immigration policy and resources for newly arrived residents remain the subject of intense national debate and uncertainty.
Kevin Lovaincy, Worcester’s chief equity officer and the son of Haitian immigrants, said in the announcement that his own childhood included helping his parents navigate documents, job applications, taxes, medical appointments and other institutions.
“At a time when refugees and immigrants are facing so much uncertainty, Worcester is showing that we stand with them and are committed to providing the resources and opportunities they need to feel welcomed, participate fully in our community, and help shape the future of our city,” Lovaincy said.
Tuyet Tran, CEO of the Southeast Asian Coalition, also brought a personal perspective to the designation. Tran came to the United States as a young refugee from Vietnam.
“To me, being welcoming is not just about saying everyone is welcome,” Tran said in the announcement. “It is about making sure people have the support and opportunities they need to become part of the community.”
Tran said immigrants and refugees in Worcester have moved beyond simply receiving services to becoming business owners, community leaders and families helping shape the city’s future.
The certification also highlighted the role of community organizations and institutions including the Worcester Public Library, Greater Worcester Community Foundation, Friendly House and African Community Education.
Worcester Public Library Executive Director Jason Homer said belonging has become central to the library’s mission.
“It is our duty to ensure that everyone who walks through our doors feels welcome, supported and valued,” Homer said in the announcement.
The 3-star designation is not intended to mark the end of that work. Welcoming America’s framework is also designed to identify areas where communities can continue improving their policies and programs.
Friendly House Executive Director Trish Appert described the framework in the announcement as a roadmap for improving systems and equitable access.
Petty similarly said the city intends to build on its certification.
“We will build on this strong foundation to ensure Worcester remains an inclusive community where everyone has equitable access to opportunity and a chance to thrive,” he said.
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