The Center for New North Carolinians, located at 413 South Edgeworth Street, strives to “build bridges among immigrant populations and existing communities throughout the state of North Carolina*.” The center was estabilshed in 2000, an outgrowth of a “Task Force on Outreach to New North Carolinians” that was created by Chancellor Patricia Sullivan in 1997 at the University of North Carolina Greensboro. The task force determined that our newest North Carolinians needed access to education, job training, medical and social services (more on history and mission here). The Center for New North Carolinans is a great resource not only for refugees but also for community members and organizations that want to have a better understanding of how to better serve our newest residents. The Center is also a great clearinghouse for data and resources. While the Hispanic/Latino community increased over 400% in a decade, according to the 2000 census, there are over 180 home languages other than English in North Carolina; so the social, linguistic, and cultural needs and issues are many. In addition to many other ethnic groups, our region contains the largest population of Montagnards outside of their Central Highlands homeland in Vietnam.

 The very capable Dr. Raleigh Bailey was the above center’s first director. While the building has a for lease sign on it, there is every indication that the center and the AmeriCORPS access program are still on site. Perhaps they are just renting part of the space inside. If we learn the center is moving, we’ll let you know.

Today is ABC Wednesday and N is for New North Carolinians. For this round of ABC Wednesday, we are featuring causes of Greensboro and our immigrant community is one worth featuring. All of us in North Carolina, except perhaps our Native American residents, have immigrated at some time.

*reference and additional information here.