Driven by passion and determination, the founders come together to understand immigrants' needs in Stamford, CT. They conduct significant research and partner outreach and identify the building at 75 Selleck Street.

Over 200 community members join the celebration! Our earliest programs are all volunteer-led, focused on high priorities identified by immigrant community members during our planning. Programs encompass flexible English Language Learning classes, resume help, hiring site, computer training, plus more.

Together with our board, we create our first strategic plan. Significantly expanding our programs and partners, we serve almost 1,200 participants.

Over 1,000 new students join, +24% versus the prior year, and successful workers center placement grow +30%. Among many "firsts", we launch free tax preparation services and our annual breakfast. We also deepen our relationships with Stamford Public Schools.

We launch satisfaction measures to ensure program effectiveness is evaluated. New Drive Only License Program with the DMV is a game-changer, helping hundreds of immigrants gain access to driver's licenses and improving public safety!

Bank of America recognizes us with the prestigious Neighbors Builder Award. Anka Badurina, our current Executive Director, joins the team to develop and direct our skills development program. Hundreds of community members come together to paint the joyous mural featured in our center. Our program helps 2,300+ participants.

We end our affiliation with Neighbors Link and launch as Building One Community. We successfully expand to meet community needs, launching certificate-based, skill-building programs with multiple tracks. Our new Parent Organizing Program (POWER) ensures that schools meet the needs of immigrants. B1C supports 2,500 participants from 56 countries.

We hire an expert immigration attorney to support legal assistance. We accelerate our parent organizing group, POWER, to empower parents to gain attention and support at the Stamford Public Schools.

By understanding local needs and determining how to meet those needs through existing and new services, B1C is strongly prepared to shape our future programming and strategic plans. We serve 3,387 active program participants from 71 countries.

We expand our center and open a new satellite office on Stamford's east side. Offering a range of crucial services that Educate, Employ, Empower, and Engage immigrants, we support over 10,400 participants from 102 countries.

Thanks to the strength and generosity of our incredible community, B1C nimbly pivots in response to the unexpected upheaval of COVID-19. We adapt our programs to support people online and create new emergency assistance programs. B1C supports over 11,500 participants from 106 countries.

We are happy to report that we’ve reached nearly $1.2 million in passthrough or directed aid since the beginning of the pandemic, thanks to our donors and to partners like 4-CT, the State Rental Relief Program, and United Way of Western CT.

Looking ahead, B1C is excited to begin to reach more immigrants than ever before. We are grateful to our hundreds of partners, volunteers, and donors throughout Fairfield County.

Join us - together we strive to advance the successful integration of immigrants and their families.

B1C published We Are Stamford, a photo book featuring the stories and portraits of immigrants living and working in Stamford, captured by Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist John Moore. The book brings to life the diverse backgrounds, struggles, and contributions of neighbors from Colombia, Haiti, Guatemala, China, and beyond. It stands as a testament to the richness immigrants bring to the city and supports the community it celebrates.

B1C received a transformative $2 million grant from Yield Giving, the philanthropic fund of MacKenzie Scott, as part of its Open Call award series. Selected from over 6,300 applicants nationwide, B1C was one of 361 small nonprofits to share in the funds, supporting B1C's mission of advancing immigrant integration.

In October, B1C brought back Community Day at its west side location after a one-year hiatus, and the energy was stronger than ever. Families used a fun "passport" to visit stations and collect stamps while learning about B1C programs and services. The day featured cultural food and activities from more than 30 partner organizations and spotlighted Immigrant Entrepreneurial Incubator participants, who proudly showcased their businesses. Hundreds of community members joined in what was a wonderful day of connection.

In February, Marissa Muñoz joined B1C as Executive Director, bringing more than 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience and a deeply personal connection to Latino and immigrant communities. Marissa brings both vision and heart to B1C's next chapter.

B1C is also undergoing a renovation of its Shippan Avenue home, improving its spaces to better serve the community.