Welcome Project PA focuses on vulnerable populations like immigrants and LGBTQIA+ (Source: Josh Blakesley).
The Welcome Project PA based in Hatboro is fighting for a world in which all people are welcomed just as they are.
Josh Blakesley, M.Div., the nonprofit’s executive director, said their motto is “Widen the Welcome” and their mission is to “lift up marginalized and vulnerable populations and bring about positive social change to improve the lives of these individuals and families”.
The Welcome Project’s main focus is providing programs and resources for immigrants and the LGBTQIA+ community in the Greater Philadelphia area, including support groups, social activities, and advocacy.
Immigrant Rights Action, a grassroots group in Bucks County focused on providing the county’s immigrant community legal resources, merged with The Welcome Project PA in May 2025.
WPPA’s Immigrant Justice Program provides transportation and accompaniment to legal consultations, court hearings and ICE supervision visits, as well as access to an attorney referral program, financial support and mental health resources.
Through its LGBTQIA+ programs, WPPA also hosts activity nights and support groups for LGBTQIA+ individuals, their families and their allies. All programs are either free or low-cost/sliding scale for community members.
The nonprofit also provides education and advocacy and hosts the annual Bucks-Mont PRIDE Festival at the Abington Art Center. Through a grant from the Gender Justice Fund via the Trans Resilience Fund, it is also able to provide short-term microgrants for transgender and nonbinary individuals, including parents of trans kids.
On the biggest challenges to fulfilling the nonprofit’s mission, Blakesley said, “It’s the overwhelming demand. Especially for young trans people whose biggest obstacle is getting access to care. There is so much misinformation and fear. We want to get them the right information.”
Welcome Home Project PA also offers DEI training and interfaith immersion and service-learning, educational events and other projects.
Blakesley said, “The most important part of what we do is the people. I want to do meaningful work and work with others who also want to make a difference in our communities.”
How can the community help?
Blakesley said that donations and volunteers are always appreciated. Volunteers are needed in their LGBTQIA+ library to get books into the system, and to help with legal clinics, community clean up days and the Bucks-Mont Pride Festival.
WPPA is hosting an open house on September 27, between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. All are invited to check out their space and learn about all their programs and resources.
The Welcome Project PA is located at 350 S. York Road in Hatboro. For more information, visit welcomeprojectpa.org or call (215) 675-8808.
