Community Spaces to Help You Succeed
The Welcome Center is an open space that community members have access to — it supports community engagement, creates opportunities for workforce development, and ultimately cultivates a sense of community and inclusiveness for all newcomers and residents.
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130+future and current entrepreneurs trained in 2018 sessions offered in partnership with the Office for New Americans.
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10+community education courses offered in 2018 sessions offered in partnership with the Office for New Americans and the Traffic Safety Program.
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50+languages available for interpretation and translation.
Office Space, Training Rooms, and Computer Workstations for the Utica Community
Community members have access to computer workstations, conference rooms, presentation materials, and translation and interpretation services.
Six computer workstations with internet access
Need to fill out a job application, DMV forms or healthcare paperwork? Our workstations provide the resources you need to get your work done.
Private Office Space
Two private office spaces are available for rent for individual, organization or business use.
Driving Simulators
Are you learning how to drive? The Welcome Center has two driving simulators to support the attainment of driver's permits/licenses through the agency's Traffic Safety Program. Contact Traffic Safety Coordinator, Lisanne Divine for days and times when support is available.
Conference Areas
A semi-private enclosed conference area with a large conference table and seating is available to community members.
Enhancing Community Space & Technology in Utica
The Welcome Center gives community members another opportunity to get free access to technology, meeting spaces, and other resources in Utica.
FAQs
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What is the Welcome Center?
The Welcome Center is a community area open and welcome to the public. It offers hours during the week, flexible hours on the weekend, and the following resources:
- Two private office spaces available for rent
- A work area with six computer workstations with internet access
- Two driving simulators to support the attainment of driver's permits/licenses through the agency's Traffic Safety Program
- A semi-private enclosed conference area with a large conference table and seating
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What is the Opportunity Training Center?
The Opportunity Training Center is equipped with state-of-the-art technology for training and video conferencing. The space includes a training room with smart board technology able to accommodate 50-100 participants, with a private office area and kitchen and lounge space for breaks/lunch. All available for single or multiday rental.
The Opportunity Training Center can be used by The Center’s partner agencies to provide workforce training and educational opportunities. It is also open to Utica residents looking for a private training space for single or multi-day events.
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How can I rent a space at the Welcome Center?
It’s easy — simply fill out our online form! You can contact us at 315.738.1083 if you need assistance.
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How can I book the Opportunity Training Center?
It’s easy — simply fill out our online form! You can contact us at 315.738.1083 if you need assistance.
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Who can use the Welcome Center?
Everyone! The Center is open to any community member and offers free resources for adult refugees, immigrants, and newcomers to the area. Services and activities include:
- Computers with internet access that offer the latest resources and web-based tools, including information in multiple languages
- Two desks/office spaces are available for our partner organizations to rent to provide services to clients. These are based on a rotating schedule. Please click here for more information.
- Service agencies, ethnic-based community organizations or groups can hold meetings or gatherings in our meeting space with a conference table
- A one-stop location for new arrivals to find out information about the Utica community, including housing, employment, education, arts and cultural events, and community services.
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Who can use the Opportunity Training Center?
The Opportunity Training Center is open to organizations, businesses, and other groups looking for a meeting or training space for their event.
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When is the Welcome Center open?
The Welcome Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, as well as during evenings and weekends as needed.
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Where is the Welcome Center and the Opportunity Training Center located?
The Welcome and Opportunity Training Centers are located at The Center at 201 Bleecker St., Utica, NY 13501.
The Welcome Center is located on the first floor of The Center and the Opportunity Training Center is located in our basement. All visitors must be buzzed in at our reception desk and sign in to be directed to the proper location.
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When is the Opportunity Training Center open?
The Opportunity Training Center is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 PM to 4:30 PM. However, dates, times, and weekends for special training can be accommodated as needed. Check here to see if the space is available for your next event.
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Who does the Welcome Center help?
Everyone! The Welcome Center serves the entire community, including businesses and organizations. Even though we have specific programs for refugee, immigrant, and newcomer communities, our services are meant to benefit anyone in the Mohawk Valley region.
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How do the Welcome and Opportunity Training Centers contribute to the revitalization of Utica?
These community spaces will provide access and opportunities for refugees, immigrants, newcomers, and Utica residents to services that will help them engage and contribute to the economy and cultural vibrancy of the Utica and the Mohawk Valley region.
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How are the Welcome and Opportunity Training Centers funded?
The Center received Empire State Development funds through the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council to create the Welcome and Opportunity Training Centers by renovating several areas of the agency.
