Dauphin County Commissioners George Hartwick and Chad Saylor presented a proclamation to several immigrant-owned businesses.
In celebration of Immigrant Heritage Month in June, county officials on Tuesday recognized several immigrant-owned businesses in the greater Harrisburg area.
Dauphin County commissioners, along with a representative from Gov. Tom Wolf’s office, visited Serenity Blue Dialysis Treatment Center and HMC Child Care Services on Linglestown Road in Susquehanna Township.
“For a long time, immigrants have been at the side, not really up front,” said Christine Titih, who organized the event. “This lets the authorities know that the immigrants are out here doing things.”
Titih, founder of the nonprofit Oaks of Central PA, which assists African immigrants, wanted to give local and state officials a chance to meet members of the immigrant-led business community. She also hoped the event would inspire other immigrants to start their own businesses.
Ester Mbaya, owner of Serenity Blue Dialysis Treatment Center, offered tours of her facility, which opened this past winter. Mbaya explained that she decided to open the businesses, having lost her father to kidney disease
“It’s a passion project,” she said.
LaDeshia Maxwell, executive director for the Governor’s Advisory Commission on African American Affairs, attended and explained how representing the African and Caribbean diaspora communities is important to her.
Several other entrepreneurs who attended also shared information about their businesses and the challenges they’ve faced as immigrants
“We put in the work and are part of the economic growth,” Mbaya said. “I feel like it’s about time we got recognized.”
Officials toured the two neighboring businesses and attendees participated in a roundtable discussion on owning businesses.
Titih said that she hopes the event opened the door for better communication and collaboration between the immigrant community and elected officials.
“Immigrants have made up the threads of America,” Commissioner George Hartwick said. “The idea of hardworking individuals that have come here to be able to establish a family, make ties and figure out a way to follow and chase a dream is something that has been the backbone of this country.”
Serenity Blue Dialysis Treatment Center and HMC Child Care Services are located at 2405 Linglestown Rd., Harrisburg.
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