Building Bridges, Transforming Lives
Empowering low-income households, migrants and refugees to accelerate their integration and productivity.
Job Placement and Training
We collaborate with local businesses to provide job placement and training programs that equip immigrants with the skills needed for employment within the community..
Community Welcome Committees
We have established community-based welcoming committees that greet newcomers and provide them with information about local resources, services, and cultural norms..
Cultural Exchange Programs
We facilitate cultural exchange programs that encourage interaction between newcomers and established community members, fostering understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures.
Legal Aid Clinics
CIMS provide legal aid clinics that offer assistance with immigration-related matters, helping immigrants navigate legal processes and understand their rights..
Community Engagement
CIMS staffers and volunteers provide direct services to people who need them in the community in which they live. We serve the larger Philadelphia community by providing information and referrals, advice and counsel, legal support, and community workshops, and mentorship opportunities and by collaborating with community-based organizations and other partners..
Our Work
Empowering Migrant Communities
Sustaining Resilient Social Support Networks
Dismantling Barriers
Our Mission
Providing migrants with a strong foundation of support, nurturing growth, and integration in their new communities.
Our Vision
Seamless Integration for Every Migrant.
Our Management Team
Mr. Kennedy Chesoli,
Executive Director
Ms. Rosemary Musumba,
Deputy Executive Director
Ms. Mercy Ayilo,
Director of Programs (Volunteer)
Providing a foundation of support, fostering growth, and enabling seamless integration for every migrant.
Testimonials
Our journey to Pennsylvania from was filled with hope but also uncertainty. CIMS became our anchor during this transition for not only did they guide us every step of the way they also helped us access local resources, secure healthcare, and enroll our three children in schools. The Center didn’t just provide assistance, they gave us a sense of belonging. Through their support, we explored local networks and found stable employment and a welcoming community. We are forever grateful for their kindness and dedication to helping newly arrived families like ours thrive
When I arrived in York, PA, as a professional nurse from Kenya, the CIMS was my lifeline, guiding me through the challenges of settling down in a new place. Their support went beyond practical assistance—they consoled me during the hardest time of my life, when I lost my brother to COVID just days after my arrival. They played a key role in helping repatriate his remains, showing me compassion and care that I will never forget. Thanks to CIMS, I have found my footing, my community, and a renewed sense of hope. I am deeply grateful for their unwavering support.
My son and I arrived in Philadelphia in the summer of 2022 with little more than hope and determination, but navigating a new environment was overwhelming. CIMS , made all the difference. They not only guided us through accessing essential resources but also provided timely, weather-appropriate provisions that ensured we were comfortable and prepared for the seasons. Their thoughtfulness and genuine care have been a blessing to our family. CIMS has truly helped us feel at home in our new community. Thank you for everything!
As an international student at the University of Delaware, adjusting to a new culture and environment was a challenge. (CIMS) has been a cornerstone of my experience here. Their international students’ program has been timely, impactful, and incredibly supportive. Through their guidance, I’ve not only navigated the complexities of living and studying abroad but also felt a sense of community and belonging. I am grateful for their dedication and the opportunities they’ve provided me to thrive in this new chapter of my life. Thank you, CIMS, for making a difference!
