About LIRC

The One-Stop Information Center can provide information and resources on a wide range of topics. We strive to help all people, and the services are free. Information is in the following areas:

The Littleton Immigrant Resources Center (LIRC) is a division of Bemis Public Library, a department of the City of Littleton. The LIRC has three goals:

1. To help immigrants, refugees and other newcomers with information — by providing a one-stop information center with a variety of programs, appropriate resources and a knowledgeable staff;
     
   
2. To encourage two-way integration by connecting people with each other — by matching newcomers with community volunteers for friendship and cultural exchange; and
    
3. To encourage citizenship and civic community involvement — by coordinating English language and citizenship mentoring programs, sponsoring English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, and offering opportunities to participate in local activities and events.
   

How it all started

The Littleton Immigrant Resources Center has its roots in the 2004 Littleton Leadership Retreat. During that retreat, more than 70 Littleton residents gathered to learn about the large number of people from different cultures who were moving into the community, and discuss how establish residents could reach out to these newcomers.

After the retreat, a group of volunteers received a year-long planning grant from The Colorado Trust, a private grant-making foundation dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of the people of Colorado. The group became known as the "Littleton Immigrant Integration Initiative," or LI3.

The volunteers spent the year talking with new and establish residents, to learn what would make this community a place where newcomers are welcomed. In a series of "community conversations," Littleton residents shared what they value about Littleton: excellent schools, low crime rate, extraordinary recreational opportunities, and beautiful parks and walking trails. In addition, the immigrants noted that they would like more information about work, housing, transportation, recreation and other daily activities. They wanted to feel more a part of the community's cultural and civic activities.

In 2005 LI3, was selected to receive four years of funding from The Colorado Trust. A One-Stop Information Center, managed by the Littleton Immigrant Integration Initiative (LI3) and housed at Bemis Public Library was established, and a full-time coordinator was hired. The Health and Wellness Program was also established to assist low-income people gain access to medical, dental and mental health care.

In 2009, the City of Littleton and the Littleton Immigrant Integration Initiative received the E Pluribus Unum grant of $50,000 in order to continue to serve the community.

LIRC Funding

The original funding for the LI3 project was a four-year grant for $300,000 from the Colorado Trust. This grant ended July 31, 2009. The One-Stop Information Center officially became part of the City of Littleton and Bemis Public Library in August 2009, under the supervision of the library director. The Health and Wellness Program became a new non-profit, the South Metro Health Alliance. The Littleton Immigrant Integration Initiative (LI3) continues as a non-profit organization supporting immigrant programs in the Littleton area. Assistance for the programs is provided through grants, the City of Littleton, local agencies, businesses and private individuals. For additional information on LI3, or to make a tax-exempt contribution, contact Susan Thornton, chairperson of the LI3.