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CIVIC ENGAGEMENT 244 Moving from Exclusion to Belonging She called the principal and explained the situation and the principal came out and met with her and got the bus back to pick the kids up. She felt really good that she got a response.”1186 Ensuring funding and resources for EL classes helps immigrants connect and feel part of their new community, as well as providing the necessary language skills to advance and participate in the employment market. DISCONNECT WITH LARGER COMMUNITY Despite the positive experiences of these individuals, most immigrants were not involved in institutions that serve the broader community: “not at all,” according to one service provider.1187 Immigrants reported wanting to be involved but feeling unable to participate. One woman wanted to participate in the Breast Cancer Walk: “But I did not attend. I wondered ‘Will they welcome me?’”1188 Leaders of community organizations often expressed frustration at failing to get active participation from diverse immigrant groups and surprise that their efforts are not successful. One director of a multicultural community organization reported, “it’s hard to get board members from [immigrant] groups; only one *immigrant+ board member showed up to be elected,”1189 despite what she felt were concerted outreach efforts. Immigrants and community members identified ignorance of community resources as a primary reason that immigrants felt unwelcome and did not participate in the broader community.1190 People in all regions noted the challenges of finding the right resources and recommended a centralized location where newcomers can seek information about basic needs, community involvement, and other services.1191 Especially for new immigrants who may lack English proficiency, the primary connection to services and resources is often through family members or friends.1192 While this network is very effective for many, interviewees highlighted the additional challenge for people who lack a friend or family member to help them connect to the systems.1193 There is not a consensus on the best way to consolidate and provide resources for immigrants. Some of the challenges are: knowing when new immigrants or residents arrive, coordinating between government and private agencies, funding welcoming or integration initiatives, and communicating to immigrants about what is available. One immigrant noted that, “those who have 1186 Interview 55. 1187 Interview 106. 1188 Interview 22. 1189 Interview 93. 1190 Conversation 7; Conversation 12; Conversation 16; Conversation 19; Conversation 22. 1191 Conversation 12. 1192 Conversation 25. 1193 Conversation 21.