Initial 2023-2024 grant helped over 800 immigrant households receive key services
Boston, MA – After successfully providing more than 800 immigrant households with key services including asylum application assistance, work authorization application assistance, and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) application assistance, the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition is now sub-granting $1.8 million to 15 community organizations to continue their crucial Immigrant Assistance Services (IAS) programs.
“We are grateful for our partnership with MIRA and these community organizations that has ensured access to essential legal services for hundreds of immigrant families in the past year,” said Cristina Aguilera, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants. “Connecting new arrivals with pathways to work authorization, employment, and stability for their families is a priority for our administration. We look forward to continuing our efforts to support immigrants eager to work and begin a self-sustainable prosperous life for their families.”
As part of the IAS program, the MIRA Coalition is sub-granting the majority of the $1.8 million it was awarded earlier this month to 15 organizations supporting new arrivals.
The MIRA Coalition first awarded funds as part of the IAS program last year, when it received a $1.75 million grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. From 2023 to 2024, the IAS program helped 11 organizations offer case management and 6 organizations provide limited legal assistance to new immigrants.
“Over the past year, more than 800 households received direct support in applying for work authorization, asylum, and other essential programs, thanks to the IAS program,” said Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition. “We are thrilled that the state has elected to extend this program, ensuring that new immigrants – nearly all of whom are fleeing incredibly traumatic, violent situations in their home country – may find safety and security in Massachusetts.”
Some key metrics around the first year of the IAS program’s implementation include:
- 992 total families referred
- At least 832 children served
- 146 pro-se Asylum applications submitted
- 300-plus families received “Know Your Rights” presentations
Below is the full list of organizations receiving funding.
- Center for New Americans (CNAM)
- Immigrant Assistance Center (IAC)
- Agencia ALPHA
- Central West Justice Center (CWJC)
- Northeast Justice Center (NJC)
- South Coast Counties Legal Services (SCCLS)
- Boston Missionary Baptist Community Center (BMBCC)
- Brazilian Worker Center (BWC)
- Compassionate Works (CW)
- Empowered and Dedicated to Edifying the Nation (EDEN)
- La Comunidad
- New Americans Association of Massachusetts (NAAM)
- Organization for Refugee and Immigrant Success (ORIS)
- Savesouls
- Worcester Refugee and Immigrant Support and Empowerment for Health (RISE