| Giving Thanks at the Center |
| | ** Photo: Mayor Walsh, Blue Cross Blue Shield CEO Andrew Dreyfus, Chief Marty Martinez, MOIA Director Yusufi Vali and IIIC staff.
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| | Friends,
Over the past year we have witnessed extreme cruelty against immigrant children and families, daily policy changes to prevent immigrants coming to the United States, and restrictions on our immigrant neighbors' ability to gain status and stability. We are engaged in a battle to protect and defend human rights, human dignity, and the character of our great nation.
As we approach Thanksgiving, I am so grateful for the dedication of my colleagues at the Center, our volunteers, and Board leadership. I am grateful for the support of all our donors, friends and partner organizations. Thank you, in Irish, we say, go raibh maith agat which translates as “may there be goodness upon you."
In the past week there have been couple of highlights to mention:
- First, we are thankful for the wonderful recognition for the Center in receiving the City of Boston's Community Champion Award from Mayor Martin J. Walsh and his Office of Immigrant Advancement. It was a lovely evening with so many community partners, unions, business and faith leaders.
- Next, we are thankful for the generous $25,000 matching gift from Mr. Arnold Hiatt and his family towards our end-of-year fundraising campaign. This gift enables us to provide additional wellness and counseling support to the immigrant families that visit our Center.
- Congratulations to our partners Health Law Advocates who celebrated their 24th annual Breakfast last week. HLA shares our values and are strong allies. We are moved by their mission to “defend low income immigrant families against oppressive federal policies that prevent immigrants from accessing health care/enrolling in health insurance” and look forward to continued collaboration.
Next week, please join us on Monday at the State House in support of the Safe Communities Act (12/2) and on Tuesday at the Old State House for our Citizens Empowered Community Dialogue to hear stories of immigrant civic engagement.
Finally, next Tuesday is also #GivingTuesday - please donate to our matching gift campaign in support of our work.
In Love, Solidarity and Gratitude,
Ronnie |
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| | #GivingTuesday is right around the corner on December 3rd and the Irish International Immigrant Center welcomes you to empower immigrants from 126 countries with legal advice and representation, English classes, counseling, and other crucial services
Your donation to the Irish International Immigrant Center allows us to provide critical services to those in the Boston Area who need it. Give now and get ready for #GivingTuesday on December 3rd where you can help by #GivingInspiration to others through spreading this message on social media. |
| | Jackie, one of the Center's immigration attorneys, first worked with immigrant and refugee communities while at Ayuda in Washington DC. After law school, she chose to join the IIIC to help provide legal assistance to those same communities that had first inspired her to pursue a legal career. Jackie sees her job at the Center as “a special opportunity to be able to be a part of someone’s journey." She cherishes the daily impact that can be made for immigrant and refugee families as she assists them in working towards a life-changing goal.
Thank you, Jackie! |
| | | | Next Monday, December 2nd, starting at 10am, the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security will hold a public hearing on the Safe Communities Act in the Gardner Auditorium of the MA State House.
The Safe Communities Act is important because it aims to restore community trust in public institutions by avoiding entanglement in immigration matters and protecting due process for all.
Safe Communities Coalition is holding a media event at 9am, and then organizing shifts of supporters to sit in on the hearing. Please come make an impact with your presence.
If you want to get involved on December 2nd, you can either:
1. Attend the rally organised by Safe Communities Coalition at 9:00 am on the steps of the MA State House.
2. Attend the hearing as a supporter for a two-hour shift OR volunteer as an usher or guide. Sign up for your shift here.
If you can't join us, we encourage you to submit a written testimony. |
| | | | | **Photo: An IIIC ESOL Student Gives Thanks
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| The Irish International Immigrant Center is working toward a society in which all are welcomed and valued and enjoy equal opportunities and protections. The IIIC is a highly respected multi-service welcome center for immigrant and refugee families from around the globe. We assist newcomers as they integrate into American society by providing legal, wellness, and education services, working for systemic change, and facilitating cross-cultural community building and inclusion.
The IIIC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible. www.iiicenter.org | 617.542.7654 |
| Follow the Irish International Immigrant Center's work |
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