Newcomers and Welcomers

The Welcome Network

This podcast is a collection of interviews from our staff, volunteers, board, & people from similar organizations or businesses who serve migrant newcomers with limitless imagination. We hope you are inspired by the stories we tell!

25 Episodes

Interview with Nick Courchesne
6/26/2025
31:27
Today’s interview features Nick Courchesne. Nick works for International Literacy & Development (or ILAD) based in DFW. Nick is is the economic development administrator for ILAD’s Refugee Business Development Center helping refugees start & run their own businesses. We hope you enjoy our interview with him.
Interview with Maria Cabrales
6/16/2025
15:50
Today’s interview features Maria Cabrales. Maria is business immigration attorney with Davis & Campbell. Maria has volunteered with The Welcome Network for many years, & she has recently becoming a board member with us. We hope you enjoy our interview with her.
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Interview with John Leitzel
6/16/2025
1:08:14
Today’s interview features John Leitzel. John is a pastor at Mercy Hill Church in Munster Indiana, a cycling coach with the National Interscholastic Cycling Association, & previously a biology professor. Our interview with John explores what all of scripture has to say about welcoming immigrants. We hope you enjoy our interview with him.
Interview with Leslie McGowan
6/16/2025
28:54
Today’s interview features Leslie McGowan. Leslie is a member of a network of English practice clubs in Tulsa, Oklahoma meant to help newcomers practice English & make friendships in American homes. We hope you enjoy our interview with her.
Interview with Austin Scott Key
6/16/2025
25:06
Today’s interview features Scott Austin Key. Scott is the co-founder & co-director of Every Shelter, a group designs shelters with & for refugees in refugee camps around the world. We hope you enjoy our interview with him.
Interview with Chris Ophus
6/16/2025
36:37
Today’s interview features Chris Ophus. Chris is on staff with New Life Centers, a group that was key in supporting new arrivals coming to Chicago from Venezuela in recent years. We hope you enjoy our interview with him. LinksNew Life CentersNew GenerationsThe Welcome Network
Interview with Julia Sheets
6/16/2025
36:37
Today’s interview features Julia Sheets. Julia and her family are a part of our family hosting program. I hope you enjoy our interview with her.
Interview with Loren Balisky
6/16/2025
33:57
Today’s interview features Loren Balisky. Loren is the founder and director of Kinbrace, a group that provides creative housing for refugee claimants in British Columbia. Kinbrace’s housing ideas have influenced the DNA behind our Welcome Homes. We hope you enjoy our interview with him.
Interview with Tim Ophus
6/16/2025
32:58
Today’s interview features Tim Ophus. Tim is the pastor of Chicago Gospel Fellowship and an ESL teacher with the Chicago Welcome Center. We hope you enjoy our interview with him.
Interview with Amber Elworth
6/16/2025
29:13
Today’s interview features Amber Elworth. Amber is the co-owner of Lighthouse Coffee in Baton Rogue Louisiana. A business specifically started to hire newcomers. We hope you enjoy our interview with her. LInks:Lighthouse CoffeeThe Welcome Network

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Newcomers and Welcomers

The Welcome Network

25 Episodes

Interview with Nick Courchesne

Interview with Maria Cabrales

Interview with John Leitzel

Interview with Leslie McGowan

Interview with Austin Scott Key

Interview with Chris Ophus

Interview with Julia Sheets

Interview with Loren Balisky

Interview with Tim Ophus

Interview with Amber Elworth