About Us

Greetings from Orlando!

Orlando Welcome was born out of a passion for connecting with people from different cultures and backgrounds. Our founders, Joel and Tanique, have all experienced the joys and challenges of living in a foreign country or welcoming foreigners to their own. They have also witnessed the amazing impact of hospitality, friendship, and practical support on the lives of internationals in Central Florida.

In 2015, Joel and Tanique founded Orlando Welcome with a mission to assist internationals coming to Central Florida. Having lived abroad in China for four years, they knew firsthand the challenges of adapting to a new culture. It was the warm welcome from their local community that helped them navigate everyday essentials like grocery shopping, negotiating, paying bills, and finding medical care.

Joel also had a personal understanding of the immigrant experience. His family migrated to the USA in 1989, and he knew the hardships that come with building a new life in a foreign country. When Joel and Tanique began meeting international Castmembers from Epcot, they recognized many faced similar struggles and were often alone without a support network.

Orlando Welcome was created to bridge that gap, providing a helping hand and a friendly face for internationals arriving in Central Florida. Almost all those served by the organization come with little to no local connections, and Orlando Welcome helps connect them to essential resources, creating a welcoming community that eases their transition into American life.

Our Mission and Vision

Our mission is to help internationals feel at home in Central Florida by providing them with hospitality, friendship, and practical support. We want to make their transition easier and more enjoyable by offering them:

• Transportation services

• Temporary housing

• Household items

• Language assistance

• Cultural orientation

• Social events

• Community referrals

Our vision is to see internationals thrive in Central Florida and contribute to the diversity and richness of our city. We believe that every person has a unique story and a valuable perspective to share. We want to create a culture of mutual respect, appreciation, and learning among people from different backgrounds and beliefs. We want to celebrate the beauty of diversity and the power of unity.

Our Values

We are guided by the following values in everything we do:

• Respect: We respect the dignity, rights, and beliefs of every person.

• Compassion: We care about the needs, feelings, and challenges of every person.

• Service: We serve others with generosity, humility, and excellence.

• Friendship: We build genuine and lasting relationships with others.

• Learning: We seek to learn from others and share our knowledge and skills.