The Irish Immigration Center was founded in 1998 to meet the needs of the Irish immigrant population in Philadelphia. Today, the center continues to serve the Irish community and other immigrants, providing confidential advice, information and support on issues relating to immigration, employment, citizenship, housing and social services.
The Irish Immigration Center offers a broad range of services, including advice and information on:
It’s November – my favourite month!
And what a weekend we have before us.
I always know in my head that November is the crazy ball month of the Irish calendar, but yet, each year I am caught by surprise at just how many great events the Irish community can manage to fit into just a few weeks.
And it’s my birthday month too – awesome!
Winter Benefit – Sunday at 3 PM
I’m going to list a few of my favourite events in a minute, but first, I hope you have dusted off your dancing shoes and are ready for the Irish Immigration Center’s Winter fundraiser this Sunday.
We will be at Finnigan’s Wake on Third and Spring Garden from 3 o’clock on Sunday. The Bogside Rogues will be playing; there will be dancing; there will be singing; there will be tasty food.
And most importantly, all proceeds will go to fund the work of the Irish Immigration Center. So please, please come out to support us.
The Immigration Center helps over 3,000 people a year with a huge range of issues – from applying for U.S. and Irish citizenship to helping stranded Irish visitors get back home. And it is your support that makes our work possible.
So please take a moment to buy your tickets online or make a donation directly to the Center.
And see you on Sunday!
A few more great events I hope you will attend!
Friday, November 4 – Irish Network-Philadelphia is hosting a lecture on the future of Ireland given the current global crisis. It’s going to be a great event and I hope I’ll see you there.
While you’re at it, you should really become a member too!
Saturday, November 5 – the Mayo Association is hosting its 106th Mayo Ball. If you can only attend one ball this season, it has to be Mayo!
Sunday, November 6 - St. Malachy Parish will hold its annual Irish concert with Mick Moloney and friends. Proceeds support St. Malachy School, which has long been funded by the Irish community. Let’s keep that tradition alive.
And the best part is, you can support St. Malachy and then come over to Finnigan’s to support the Immigration Center. A perfect Sunday afternoon – well, for a non-Eagles week.
See you all soon!
Last week, Attracta O’Malley sent me a story about an elderly Irish man who lay dead in his apartment for more than a year before his body was discovered.
This tragedy happened in New Zealand, but we have had similar cases here in the United States. Preventing this from happening in our community is a driving force behind the programs for seniors at Irish Immigration Centers around the country.
We host a weekly lunch program for seniors every Wednesday at the Center. We provide food, Barry’s Tea, choccie biccies, music and programs relating to senior care in our community.
But we want to do more.
We all know older members in our community living alone.
We all know people who need some help with their messages or small chores around the house.
We all know people in hospitals or homes who would love a visitor.
And we are determined to provide those services.
I’ve just made an offer to a full-time social worker, who will start at the Immigration Center in November. Leslie’s first job will be to figure out how we can ensure the vulnerable members of our community are cared for.
To help fund this expansion of our services, we are hosting a Winter Benefit at Finnigan’s Wake on November 6.
I hope you will be able to join us and help ensure all our seniors have a happy Christmas!
Irish Winter Celebration
Thanks to the generosity of Mike Driscoll, the Immigration Center will be hosting a winter celebration on November 6 at Finnigan’s Wake to raise money for our senior services.
It’s a Sunday – no Eagles game – and the perfect chance for you to get together with some friends to enjoy some live music, raise some glasses and raise some money for the Center.
Tickets start at $30. Kids are welcome!
And you can find all the details and buy your tickets here.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me on 610-789-6355.
Last week, Attracta O’Malley sent me a story about an elderly Irish man who lay dead in his apartment for more than a year before his body was discovered.