Empower Communities This Year-End
Thanks to supporters like you, MIRA continues to stand with immigrant and refugee communities across Massachusetts—even in the face of unprecedented challenges. Families have endured detention, racial profiling, and systemic barriers, yet our communities continue to organize, support one another, and speak out. The future may be uncertain, but together, we will not stand by.
We’re asking you to make a gift today toward MIRA’s year-end campaign as we work to raise $350,000. Your generosity allows MIRA to respond swiftly and effectively where support is needed most—and most importantly, it amplifies the voices of the people at the heart of our work.
Below, you’ll find stories that reflect the strength, perseverance, and leadership that define our immigrant communities. Behind every story is someone like you—someone who believes in justice, dignity, and the right to belong.
Join us in empowering immigrant communities with a gift today.
Bekele’s Path to Citizenship: Guided by Support and Community
Bekele, now 24, arrived in the United States from an African country when he was just eight months old and was adopted by American parents. He has lived with significant medical challenges, relying on his mother as his primary caregiver.
A month ago, Bekele reached an incredible milestone: he obtained his Certificate of Citizenship (N-600). However, the process was daunting and came with a few challenges. His mother was understandably anxious—she worried the interview notice might be an ICE check-in and what that could mean for her son. Bekele’s safety and well-being depended on careful guidance and support.
That’s where MIRA stepped in. Our team walked Bekele and his mother through the entire process, explaining each step, preparing them for the interview, and offering reassurance when fear and uncertainty took over. Thanks to this support, Bekele secured his citizenship, gaining stability, protection, and a greater sense of belonging.
Moved by the support she received, Bekele’s mother made a donation to MIRA to help other families navigate these moments with confidence and care. Stories like Bekele’s are why we do this work—uplifting immigrant families, supporting caregivers, and empowering individuals to thrive despite fear and uncertainty.
Building Power Through Community: The Impact of MIRA’s Organizing Team
At MIRA, we know that true change doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens when people come together, share knowledge, and lift each other’s voices. Our organizing team works tirelessly to build the relationships and coalition that make this possible.
Showing up is only half the work. The other half is building trust, exchanging mutual support, and empowering community members to take action. Through partnerships—including MIRA’s 150+ coalition members, community-based organizations, healthcare providers, and faith-based institutions—we provide civic education, political guidance on our shared vision, and support to help people advocate for themselves and their communities.
This year alone, more than 600 people attended and over 195 organizations were represented at MIRA’s Immigrant Day at the State House (IDSH). These dedicated community members and organizations turned their learning into action, led 49 meetings with legislators to speak on issues impacting their lives and the immigrant community. The strength of this coalition was clear: people showed up because of the trust, connection, and shared purpose built across our communities.
Guided by a team of staff who are immigrants or children of immigrants, MIRA works alongside immigrant and refugee communities to step into their own power—lifting up individual voices and working toward shared goals.
Ana’s Journey: Finding Guidance Through MIRA
Ana and her family arrived in the U.S. two years ago, seeking safety and a chance to build a new life. They received Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and hoped to apply for asylum for longer-term relief in the United States. Like many newly arrived immigrants, Aba was navigating a complex legal system and working with an attorney who seemed trustworthy and promised certainty in her case. Unfortunately, that attorney was submitting messy, error-filled applications and had already been formally reprimanded—showing how even well-intentioned appearances can mislead immigrant families.
With a court hearing only 12 weeks away, Ana’s caseworker referred her to MIRA Coalition’s Immigrant Assistance Services (IAS). Working closely with shelters and other nonprofit partners, IAS provides families living in emergency assistance shelters across Massachusetts with legal guidance and case management support.
The IAS team reviewed Ana’s paperwork, explained her options, and empowered her to make an informed decision. With their guidance, Ana chose to end her relationship with the attorney and work with a trusted legal team. Now, she and her family have a real chance to resolve their case successfully.
This is just one example of how IAS partners with families, working alongside shelters and community organizations to give immigrant and refugee communities the guidance and confidence they need to move forward and build their lives.