Spotlight Report Excerpt: On Putting Down Roots in Lowell

The below letter from IINE President & CEO Jeff Thielman is an excerpt from our July 2026 Spotlight Report on Putting Down Roots in Lowell.

To learn more about IINE’s history in the city, how this new center will lead to expanded and innovative support for refugees and immigrants, and how you can get involved with this work, click here to read the full Spotlight Report.

Lowell, Massachusetts, has long exemplified the promise of a “Gateway City.” By welcoming successive generations of immigrants and refugees, it has become an economic engine for the state and a place where cultures from across the world have mingled to create a community that is uniquely American. Immigrants helped put Lowell on the map by powering its famed role in the Industrial Revolution, and over the decades, newcomers have continued to help meet the city’s changing needs while shaping its character.

IINE’s own work began in Lowell in 1918, when a group of pioneering women at the local YWCA opened our doors to help a growing population of immigrant women and girls find their footing, integrate into the city’s workforce and civic life, and thrive in their new home. Over the past century, we’ve built on this model of welcoming and now serve thousands of newcomers every year.

As shifting federal priorities create uncertainty about our nation’s commitment to welcoming newcomers, IINE is making a bold investment in their future—right where our story began. This investment will bring our Lowell programs under one roof, creating a lasting, permanent home for opportunity, connection, and community.

Rooted in the historic Lower Highlands neighborhood, this dynamic community hub will enable us to respond to the evolving needs of immigrants, refugees, and the broader Lowell community for generations to come.

Surrounded by trusted partners and designed for growth, the new center will expand access to critical services, foster belonging, and serve as a launchpad for innovative programs that help newcomers build stable, prosperous lives.

This is a defining moment for investment in Massachusetts’ immigrant communities. While policies and priorities may change, the contributions of newcomers remain a constant source of strength and vitality for our state. In the face of uncertainty, we are choosing to lead with vision—creating new opportunities, forging stronger connections, and building a brighter future rooted in welcome, resilience, and belonging.