The “Welcoming Claresholm” Settlement, Integration, and Language Project (June 2020 – June 2021) was a timely and effective initiative, supporting the residents of Claresholm, Alberta to raise their awareness of the benefits of immigration and to their role in being a welcoming community. The project engaged service providers, public servants, immigrant and non-immigrant community members, faith groups, educators, and business-owners – with a growing number of committed partners, volunteers, and community champions. Key project outputs are a Welcoming Claresholm Committee, a Welcoming Claresholm website, a series of diversity trainings, and several communitywide events and information sessions. As the project is very early in its planning and implementation, there is consensus that, while impactful, long-term efforts are necessary to create a truly welcoming community that can support the long-term retention of newcomers through localized, evidence-informed strategies. As health restrictions lift there will be increased opportunities to host larger scale events and training sessions and to foster relationships through in-person meetings, ultimately enhancing the pace of outreach efforts. Under the guidance of the Calgary and Foothills Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS & FCIS), he first year of the project has set a strong foundation and generated notable momentum for ongoing work.