CIN Launches First-Ever Refugee and Immigrant Welcoming Center: A Historic Milestone for Washington State

Seattle, WA — In a bold leap forward for refugee and immigrant support, Congolese Integration Network (CIN) has officially launched a groundbreaking capital project to establish the very first Refugee and Immigrant Welcoming Center in Washington State.

This visionary initiative, made possible through generous funding from 4Culture Congress, Washington State, and a vital down payment from King County, represents a transformative step toward equity, inclusion, and opportunity for thousands of newcomers in the region.

As always, CIN centers community voices in every stage of its work. In 2023, the organization engaged residents to help guide site selection and programming. That commitment to inclusion continued this week with a powerful new collaboration with the Washington State Library and Inclusive Data—a partnership aimed at closing the digital divide.

Through community surveys, CIN is gathering crucial input to inform not only state-level decisions but also the design of the computer lab that will be a key feature of the new Welcoming Center. The lab is part of a broader vision: to increase refugee and immigrant participation in STEM careers, reduce poverty, and create lasting pathways to success.

As part of this exciting expansion, CIN also unveiled its second location in Tacoma, just steps from Tacoma Mall. This site will soon feature a dedicated event space open to the community ideal for workshops, gatherings, and cultural celebrations that foster engagement and unity.

With the launch of this capital project, CIN is building more than a center. It’s building a future where every refugee and immigrant feels seen, valued, and empowered.

Thank you to all who stand with us. Together, we’re building bridges to a brighter tomorrow.