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Author: Danielle Gauthier

Refugee Youth Spend Summer Exploring, Learning, and Bonding

Written by Danielle Gauthier on . Posted in Blog, Lowell, Manchester, Press Releases/Statements, Youth Programming.

This summer, refugee youth in Lowell, Massachusetts and Manchester, New Hampshire who participated in IINE programs throughout the year had the opportunity to stay engaged during the school break. With staff and volunteers, they explored their local communities, practiced their English skills, learned about art and science, and formed deeper bonds with their peers. 

Lowell, Massachusetts

“That was really nice. I met a lot of people and made new friends,” writes Farah, a 14-year-old from Afghanistan practicing her English in a tutoring session. “My favorite activity was planting the pots. It was so fun and I love the nature, which makes me happy.” 

Farah is one of twenty young refugees who have spent much of their summer with IINE in Lowell, not only working on their English, but also, sewing, swimming and playing sports at a local YMCA, practicing yoga in a dedicated youth space in the Lowell office, and taking field trips to local spots like Lowell’s New England Quilt Museum.  

They’ve also been making art—the “planting pots” activity that Farah enjoyed took place over two weekly “Art Afternoons.”  While listening to music, eating snacks, sipping tea, and mingling, participants were guided by an IINE community volunteer and a summer intern in decoratively painting two pots. In one pot they planted herbs—choosing from parsley, sweet basil, coriander, and chives—which IINE will plant in a community garden. In the second, they potted spider plants, which each participant was able to take home with them. 

The refugee youth taking part in Art Afternoons and other summer activities range in age from 14-20 (and sometimes bring younger siblings along to join the fun) and have come to the U.S. from Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti and Syria. They are drawn from IINE’s year-long programs, Refugee Youth Mentoring and Youth Goal, in which they are matched with volunteer mentors, who help them set, pursue, and achieve their educational and career goals. They also participate in peer support groups, like a group especially for Afghan women, and workshops in which members of the local community present on education, work opportunities, and skill-building.  

As refugees, these youth have all experienced early trauma, and given their language and economic barriers, can feel isolated in their new communities. IINE Youth Services Manager Isabel Goes developed IINE’s summer programming to keep them engaged, help them practice their English, and encourage them to socialize and make friends. 

“The biggest thing was building community bonds with our youth—reducing isolation when resettlement starts,” says Goes, “and we’ve seen clients form close bonds this summer, which will be useful during the fall. We have tutoring twice per week which helps with English, but it’s also nice to have informal conversations during activities and see how far clients can get with what they know so far. It also opens the door if youth need any guidance during this time.”

While Goes also cites the potted plant activity as a highlight, she is particularly excited for what she has planned to cap off the summer. “There have been a lot of requests for a bake-off or a cook-off with IINE staff as judges! We also want to reserve space in the park for an end-of-summer celebration with yard games.”  

Manchester, New Hampshire 

Meanwhile, IINE staff at our Manchester site planned an equally fun summer for the children and youth engaged in our Refugee School Impact program, which supports newly arrived refugees in navigating the Manchester public school system.  

IINE School Impact Coordinator Jamie Suarez partnered with Southern New Hampshire University’s Center for New Americans Amika Youth Program, helping to plan summer field trips to state parks, amusement parks, and more during the school break.  

IINE has had a great relationship with the program for several years, and Suarez says, “This is a new expansion to our shared goal of giving refugee youth great experiences and keeping the kids educationally engaged throughout the summer months. We are providing additional funding to their existing program so they can take more kids and expand on their field trip experiences.” 

Among other fun activities, youth had a blast at Dupont Splash Pad and Chucksters mini-golf, found inspiration at the Currier Museum of Art, and enjoyed hands-on learning experiences at the SEE Science Center.

“Summer programming at the SNHU Center for New Americans was an absolute blast,” says Center for New Americans Program Coordinator Aloyo Lidia Yen. “The kids enjoyed new experiences with field trips to places some had never been before, mini golf, beach trips, movies, and more! Thank you, IINE, for helping make this happen.”
 

Volunteer mentors and tutors help our refugee youth clients to practice English, complete school assignments, prepare for interviews and exams, and more. If you are interested in volunteering with our youth, visit our Get Involved webpage. 

Suitcase Stories®: How a Cup of Coffee Transports Maryna to Happier Days in Ukraine

Written by Danielle Gauthier on . Posted in Blog, Our Team.

Maryna, a Ukrainian refugee, was living in Kyiv with her daughter when Russia invaded the country in 2022. In her recent Suitcase Stories® performance she shared the story of her difficult and brave decision to say goodbye to family and friends in Ukraine with no idea when they may be reunited, and her determination to give her daughter a safe home in the U.S. Maryna came to IINE as a client and now works as an Employment Specialist on our Career Services team. Every day, she helps fellow Ukrainian refugees and other immigrants to acclimate to life in the U.S. and secure employment. The following is a transcript of Maryna’s story in her own words.

Maryna shares her story at IINE’s International Women’s Day event

Since moving to the United States last year, I have visited many coffee shops in Boston, including Starbucks, Tatte, and Panera. I like Starbucks coffee the best. I order my latte with soy milk and one sugar. I am allergic to regular milk. I like how everything feels normal when I am drinking coffee. But sometimes, when I am sitting at a coffee shop and I hear the sounds of airplanes in the sky, I am immediately transported back to Ukraine. The sound makes me nervous, and I feel like I should run to a shelter. This is a kind of associative feeling from which it is very difficult to leave.

In Ukraine, I was a successful businesswoman. I worked in retail, setting up new businesses such as H&M and Adidas in malls.

I remember when I used to worry about such trivial problems as a broken nail or some kind of ugly hairstyle. This all changed on February 24, 2022. I remember waking up at 4 am as usual because I have a five-month-old daughter, and I needed to feed her. I saw fireworks at the window, or I thought it was a firework. Suddenly, I received an SMS from my friend who lived in the north of Ukraine. He wrote me: “Maryna, take your daughter, dog, and cat, and drive to a safe place. The War Has Started.” I was shocked. I didn’t know what to do. I called all my neighbors to tell them to take their stuff and drive. In one hour, my neighbors came and helped me to package all my stuff. When we finally left, I was driving with my 5-month daughter, cat, and dog and two neighbors (because they had no car).On the road, there were traffic jams, panic, horror, and crowded queues to fill up the car. I called my friends to know which road will be good. We were driving towards the border with Poland and hoped to find friends who could take us for the night. A drive that should have taken five hours took twenty-one. When we got to Lviv, our friends accepted us. Instead of taking a hot shower, resting, or having a bite to eat, we went straight to a shelter because we heard sirens throughout the city. I thought we would stay with them for one night, but instead, we stayed for three months. I did my best to stay busy. I volunteered, collecting donations coming across the border and distributing them to people. I remember my daughter crawling among the boxes.  We had to stay busy, or my mind would go to dark places. The whole time I thought, “We will go home in a few days, we will go home in a few days.”  But a few days would be another week.

Eventually, my neighbors and I decided to return to Kyiv. It was our home. We resigned ourselves to the fact that it will not be the same as before and that we would learn how to live in a new reality. We would be strong. Still, it was hard to return. People were different. People smiled less, and many businesses were closed. I could not return to work because international companies were no longer opening stores in Ukraine. I learned that the nanny who had watched my daughter when I went to work had been killed.

Still, I didn’t want to leave Ukraine. It is our home. I wanted to be strong.

This changed one day when a rocket flew into a neighboring house, and a five-year-old girl lost her parents and became an orphan and disabled. At that moment, I realized the same thing could happen to me and that my daughter could be left an orphan. I told myself I need to move. I found a program that helps Ukrainians to move to the U.S.A. My friend sponsored us, and after we got approved, I packed two pieces of luggage with our belongings and left. Again, the road was hard, and with every distant kilometer, I understood that my heart is in Ukraine, but I want to have a safe future for my daughter.

Upon arrival in Boston, I had to complete all the documents to legally stay in this state of the country so that we could be citizens of this community, and other Ukrainians suggested to me that I could apply to IINE. And I am very grateful to them for assisting in the preparation of all documents, for obtaining insurance, for helping with job searches, and for the fact that now I am part of them and can help Ukrainians like me.

One of the things I remind other Ukrainians is to find joy in the small moments. For me, that is a cup of coffee. Sometimes when I miss home, I actually go to the Natick mall and order a cup of coffee and walk around. It reminds me of my life in Ukraine, and I feel a little less anxious.

Plus, you can’t hear the airplanes from inside the mall.

Suitcase Stories® programming invites storytellers to develop and share meaningful personal experiences of migration and cross-cultural exchange with others—from large audiences to small groups—of all ages. Everyone has a Suitcase story.™ Learn more about Suitcase Stories®.

2 Years After the Afghan Evacuation, Afghans Deserve Permission to Stay in Their New Home

2 Years After the Afghan Evacuation, Afghans Deserve Permission to Stay in Their New Home

Written by Danielle Gauthier on . Posted in Advocacy, Afghan Refugees, Blog.

By Alexandra Weber, Chief Advancement Officer and Senior Vice President

Two years ago, on Sunday, August 15, 2021, the Taliban took control of Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul. More than 76,000 Afghans were evacuated to the U.S. Families arrived exhausted, fearful, and unsure of what would come next, and resettlement agencies across the country rushed to respond. Thanks to an incredible outpouring of support from our donors, community partners, and volunteers, IINE welcomed and resettled more than 500 Afghan evacuees in Massachusetts and New Hampshire within five months. 

Now, two years later, what does life look like for Afghans in the U.S.? Devastatingly, it is still full of unknowns.  

Humanitarian Parolee Status – An Impermanent Solution to a Lasting Problem  

Afghans Deserve Support and Permanency in the U.S.

Afghan evacuees came to the U.S. as humanitarian parolees and were granted legal permission to stay for two years. Recently, the U.S. government offered Afghan families an extension of parole for another 12 months—which, in effect, extends their limbo. Afghan evacuees, most of whom traded their safety to support our country, need more than short-sighted and temporary permission to stay in the U.S. Having worked with the U.S. as allies, returning to an Afghanistan still ruled by the Taliban is not an option. 

Join IINE in advocating for the Afghan Adjustment Act (AAA). The bipartisan bill, recently reintroduced to Congress, would allow Afghans to apply for green cards and set them on a pathway to becoming permanent citizens. The AAA would enable those who came alone to bring their families to the U.S.; many Afghan evacuees were separated from their families in the chaos of being airlifted from Kabul, and their families remain in Afghanistan, in danger every day. Passing the AAA will mean that thousands of Afghans will be able to reunite with their families, and together, remain safely in the U.S. – a country they have come to call home.  

A New Community, A New Home 

Afghan woman sewing at a sewing machineDespite living in limbo, over the past two years Afghans have put down roots in New England. IINE has helped Afghan families in Manchester, New Hampshire gather weekly to cook together, socialize, practice English, and play games. They attend workshops on topics ranging from dental hygiene to child car safety, learning the cultural customs and norms of their new country. In Lowell, Massachusetts, Afghan women gather weekly for an IINE-led sewing class. A few participants have gone on to start their own sewing business; they are excited to be supporting their families and contributing financially in a way they never have before.  

There are many more stories like these. Afghans have created community here. New England is now home. 

Lend Your Voice in Support  

Because of generous support from people like you, IINE has welcomed and supported 554 Afghans since August 2021. You can advocate for their permanent residency in the U.S. by contacting your congressional representative today and asking them to pass the Afghan Adjustment Act (S.2327 and H.R. 4627).

IINE’s donors are our heroes! When the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan, you stepped up. You helped ensure that families who come to Massachusetts and New Hampshire find welcome and life-saving support. Now, your help is needed once more.

Violence, chaos, and widespread food and water shortages in Haiti are endangering the lives of its people. IINE is currently serving more than 5,000 Haitian immigrants – a number unlike anything we have ever seen before. Learn more and discover how to support this vulnerable population here: https://iine.org/5-things-to-know-about-the-crisis-in-haiti.

Employee Profile: Meet Julian D'Andre, Case Specialist

Employee Profile: Meet Julian, Case Specialist

Written by Danielle Gauthier on . Posted in Blog, Boston, Our Team.

Julian joined the International Institute of New England earlier this year as a Case Specialist. Driven by a desire to help fellow Ukrainian refugees, Julian spends his days helping our clients to access the resources they need to achieve security in their new home. Julian shared his path to IINE, what he enjoys most about his role, and how he finds hope and purpose as the war in Ukraine continues.  

Julian D'AndreWhat brought you to the International Institute of New England?

I didn’t necessarily envision myself working at IINE, but having lived in Ukraine for nineteen years of my life, I had a strong desire to help Ukrainians who were coming to Massachusetts through the U4U program. I knew that I would be well equipped to bridge the gap between Ukrainians who moved to Massachusetts and the possibilities that are available to them.

What does your day to day look like? 

As a Community Services Case Specialist my day to day varies, but every day there is a fair amount of documentation that takes place. In addition, I apply to different public benefits for my clients and check in with them to make sure that their needs are being met to the best of my ability.

What aspect of your role do you enjoy most? 

I enjoy interacting with my clients and helping them to get from where they are to where they would like to be. I enjoy being a step in the process of becoming integrated into the community. I love connecting people, so meeting people and connecting them to different resources, community leaders, etc. is something I enjoy.

What advice would you share with someone who is interested in joining IINE?

IINE is a special place in that you are one of the first people that someone meets when moving to the United States. You have the unique opportunity to help someone get on the right path toward their goals. In addition, you can be kind to someone who may not have experienced kindness or positive emotions for a long time.

Share something you are passionate about.

It’s difficult at times to focus on hobbies because for Ukrainians, the number one goal at the moment is victory and survival. In order to get to victory faster, I started an initiative for creative people to do projects for people and use the revenue to support Ukraine. I have been doing photo and video shoots to help my friends who are fighting in Ukraine and who are in dire situations (you can view the photos and videos on Instagram).

Interested in joining our team? Our collaborative, team-oriented environment offers opportunities to serve refugees and immigrants, while learning from other staff and departments. View career opportunities here. 

Mapendo Suitcase Stories

Suitcase Stories®: Mapendo Reflects on Her Family’s Journey From the Democratic Republic of Congo and Starting Over

Written by Danielle Gauthier on . Posted in Blog, Client Stories, Suitcase Stories.

“This is when we knew we had to start life all over.” Mapendo, a refugee youth client at IINE, is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo; however, she and her family have not been there in over a decade. In our blog, she shares her Suitcase Stories® performance – the story of her family’s journey from their home in the DRC, where life was comfortable until her father suddenly went missing; to Uganda, where they lived for ten years; to the U.S. After a long, difficult journey, Mapendo and her family of eight are putting down roots in Massachusetts, and Mapendo is determined to find success. She recently graduated from our Certified Nursing Assistant Program so she can pursue a role in healthcare. Here, she shares her story in her own words… 

When I was young I felt like a celebrity because my father was a famous sculptor, researcher, and book writer about African art. We lived a life everyone worked hard to get in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It was a luxurious life with my parents and four older siblings. Life was too smooth until one day my father went missing. We didn’t take it very seriously for the first weeks because he usually went for business trips for his research work, but as weeks turned into months, we started getting worried. The fact that we were not able to communicate with him made it even worse. As a little girl who never thought of living without both of her parents, I remember asking my mother each single day to bring back my father, but with tears rolling down her eyes, she had nothing to say. She only got more grief.

Mapendo gives a Suitcase Stories® performance at IINE’s 2023 World Refugee Day event in Lowell, MA

One night, we received a call from an anonymous number to find out it was my father. He was elaborating on how unsafe it was for us in Congo and that we had to flee immediately to Kampala, Uganda. That very night my family started packing only the things we will need for the journey. The young me was totally confused about what was going on, so I grabbed my favorite snack and a doll, thinking we were going for a family picnic.

We took a cargo ship to Uganda since it was the only means of transport we could get. Upon reaching Uganda, we took a bus that drove us to the capital. When we reached Kampala, we didn’t know how we were going to locate our father. We did not understand what people were saying. At that point I was confused about how I moved from luxury to the ghetto. Fortunately, a stranger saw how confused we were and took us to the nearest police station. One of the policemen knew Kiswahili and asked my mother questions. After a while, a stranger came claiming that he knew where we could find our father. He offered to take us. At that point, we had mixed feelings of happiness and fear, but fleeing from Congo was a risk we already made, so we had no choice but to go with him to where my father was.

Mapendo at the graduation ceremony for IINE’s Certified Nursing Assistant program

At last, we met my father, and we were so happy to see him again after a year. But we were so exhausted and famished. When he took us to the place we had to start living, we all broke down. This is when we knew that we had to start life all over with nothing like cars, luxurious foods, houses, or Barbie bedrooms.

After five years, life got better and we had access to good schools and better houses, and my family had also expanded, but the fact was that we could not be offered citizenship as neither my grandfather nor father were Ugandans.

After ten years, we got resettled to the United States. We got so excited but we felt like something was missing because one of our sisters went missing and our going to the States meant that we will never get a chance to look for her ever again.

Upon arriving in the United States, we came with a lot of expectations only to find out that I needed to get a job so I can help out with bills, rent, and paying my own tuition. I’m currently working as a crew member at a fast food restaurant. As a young adult, I have learned that in life, regardless of what you are going through, there are moments of happiness that you need to make the most of.

Suitcase Stories® programming invites storytellers to develop and share meaningful personal experiences of migration and cross-cultural exchange with others—from large audiences to small groups—of all ages. Everyone has a Suitcase story™. Learn more about Suitcase Stories®.

Meet Kubana Alexis, Associate Director, Workforce Initiatives

Employee Profile: Meet Kubana Alexis, Associate Director, Workforce Initiatives

Written by Danielle Gauthier on . Posted in Blog, Our Team.

Kubana Alexis joined the International Institute of New England in 2018 as a Skills Training Specialist. Today, he is the Associate Director, Workforce Initiatives, managing and innovating our job skills training programs. Kubana discussed his journey from client to employee at IINE, his advice for prospective IINE employees, and how he enjoys spending his free time.  

What brought you to the International Institute of New England?

I came to IINE as a client in 2017. I was resettled here as a refugee after living in Uganda for thirteen years. I had worked with refugees for around nine years before that, and I was passionate about continuing that work no matter what. In the beginning, it wasn’t easy. I did a year of service as a Commonwealth Corp member. I oversaw sourcing and recruiting volunteers to support education, skills training, and career coaching programs, and expanding the organization’s volunteer outreach systems. In 2018, my year of service ended, and I started to look for a new job. I wanted to stay in the U.S. and be an inspiration to others. Coming here as a refugee, you have a lot of expectations for yourself. It can be hard to fulfill them. I was determined.  

Throughout the year, I stayed in touch with my caseworker at IINE. They offered me a job as a Skills Training Specialist. I wanted people to see that IINE can resettle you, and you can work for them, too.  

It’s been five years since you first joined IINE as an employee. Congrats on the work anniversary! How has your role evolved over time? 

Kubana teaching a Hospitality Training Class
Kubana teaching a Hospitality Training Class

As a Skills Training Specialist, I focused on coordinating skills training programs and training clients. In 2019, I was promoted to Training Manager, and I continued that work until 2021. Then I was promoted to Associate Director, Workforce Initiatives. In this new role, I have expanded our existing skills training programs and implemented new initiatives.  

Can you tell us more about these new initiatives? 

Sure, let me share two in particular. One of the first new programs we piloted was a professional development course across our three sites (Boston and Lowell, Massachusetts, and Manchester, New Hampshire). The course was designed for a range of English language levels, from immigrants who are still beginners to those who are very advanced. Many of our clients are highly educated and had successful careers in their home countries. I wanted to design a course that would help them find good jobs in the U.S. too. We cover topics like professionalism & soft skills, customer service, professional email etiquette, transferable skills, teamwork/collaboration, professional resume and cover letter writing, job search strategies, mock interviews, professionalism/work ethics, and salary negotiations. Five individuals just successfully completed the course, and we are running the next cohort soon! 

Another program I have led us in piloting is called SelfCorps. With this program, we want to make sure that we don’t just support our clients in getting jobs, but also in integrating into their communities. When we come to work, we bring our issues from our homes and communities with us. People are dealing with mental health issues, financial issues, police reform, etc. I want to help people balance their personal lives and work and to connect with resources in their communities. So, that’s the focus of the program.  

You definitely keep busy! What does your day-to-day look like? 

Every day is different. Right now, I’m very involved in community engagement, so I’m working closely with external partners, attending conferences, and setting up meetings about recruitment and training, etc. That might be my Monday, and then on Tuesday, I’m working on a grant proposal. Wednesday, I’m working on budgeting. It’s always changing! 

I also try to work across our three sites, so I can collaborate with our different teams – whether that’s discussing our programs with a career navigator, talking with marketing about how to promote our programs, or collaborating with HR to think about recruitment and outreach. I am always looking to see where I can be most useful; I want to support wherever I can.  

What aspect of your role do you enjoy most? 

I enjoy being able to advocate for our clients. They have inspiring stories to share.  

I also enjoy highlighting the work we are doing to support them. I’m proud to say that IINE has served 7,000 refugees and immigrants this year. That takes a lot of work and a lot of courage. We have an amazing team.  

What advice would you share with someone who is interested in joining IINE? 

Be flexible and open to change. The staff at IINE is a welcoming community. They want to support and teach you, and you have to be willing to support them and learn, too.  

All of us are working towards a common goal – to support refugees and immigrants and make their lives better. Believe in the mission, and you will be fulfilled here.  

Bonus: Share something about yourself that people might be interested to know. 

I’m very social! I like being with people, listening to music and dancing together. I am also a crazy sports fan. I love soccer and basketball. I call myself a Bostonian; go Boston Celtics!

Interested in joining our team? Our collaborative, team-oriented environment offers opportunities to serve refugees and immigrants, while learning from other staff and departments. View career opportunities here. 

Major League Opportunity for Refugees at Fenway Park

Major League Opportunity for Refugees at Fenway Park

Written by Danielle Gauthier on . Posted in Blog, Boston, Employment Support.

Getting a call from the Red Sox to come on down to Fenway Park is the dream of many a New Englander. Even though he wasn’t being asked to suit up, IINE Career Service Manager Nico Britt was thrilled when it happened to him shortly before the start of the baseball season. 

“Our [employment] partnership with the Red Sox and Aramark, [who provides their concessions], was one that started because they reached out to us,” Nico explains. “We jumped on this opportunity and reached out to Jeff Carson who is the head of recruitment for Fenway. He invited us to tour the facilities. He has experience working in refugee resettlement and feels passionately about giving refugees and immigrants an opportunity in the American workforce. Our clients were really excited to work at Fenway as it is a famous stadium. The schedule is super great as it allows clients to pick their shifts—a lot of flexibility.” 

In April, several IINE clients—refugees seeking their first job in the U.S. who had prepared with IINE Career Services staff—headed down to America’s favorite baseball park for a recruitment event. They learned about job opportunities with Aramark at Fenway and then had on-the-spot interviews. Three clients, from Yemen, the Central African Republic, and Ukraine, were handed offer letters for jobs in custodial services.  

So far, their Fenway work experience is going better than the slow-starting 2023 Red Sox season. “It’s a great job. I like it a lot!” says Osamah, a recent refugee from Yemen. “Aramark is a good employer.”  

So, has the partnership created some new baseball fans?

IINE Employment Case Specialist Sean Burke enjoys a visit to Fenway Park, where his refugee clients have landed their first jobs in the U.S.

Sean Burke, an IINE Employment Case Specialist says that in conservations with the clients placed at Fenway, he finds that “they don’t necessarily follow everything that’s going on [on the field] but they appreciate the enthusiasm—how everyone is just thrilled to be there.” 

Sean and his colleagues certainly were when IINE’s Career Services team was invited to the park to watch the Sox “perform tremendously well in a riveting game vs the Seattle Mariners” as a thank you for helping Aramark staff up. 

Maryna Vernyhora, a refugee from Ukraine who now works as an IINE Employment Specialist is officially a convert. “It was my first game. I would gladly go again. It was incredible! To be honest, before I did not watch baseball at all, but now I am a fan of the Red Sox!”

Inspired by the mid-game heroics of the Sox (who won their fifth World Series title in 1918, the year IINE was founded in Lowell), Sean offered this final reflection, “It’s been a really great opportunity. Baseball’s an important part of American culture, and as the crew came out to clean up the field after a dramatic sixth inning, I came to realize how much the Red Sox and IINE Career Services have in common: we’re both signature New England teams.” 

IINE provides job placement and targeted skills trainings so refugees and immigrants can earn a steady income and build a career path. Learn more about our employment services. 

Volunteer Spotlight: Phoebe Park

Volunteer Spotlight: Phoebe Park Finds a Connection That Transcends Language Barriers

Written by Danielle Gauthier on . Posted in Blog, Boston, Volunteer.

In our Volunteer Spotlight series, we catch up with cherished IINE volunteers to hear more about their passion and experiences. Our latest edition features Phoebe Park, a recent college graduate who has been tutoring the children of a refugee family in Boston.

Phoebe shared how her academic interests and personal background led her to IINE, what she has learned about being an effective volunteer, and how this experience has deepened her community ties. Read on to discover what Phoebe had to say…

IINE: What drew you to volunteer with IINE?

Phoebe: I have always been passionate about volunteering as a way to give back and get involved, and I enjoy using the privileges and opportunities I have been given to help others. I’m also a people person; I enjoy interacting with others! 

Phoebe with the two younger children she tutors in English (and enjoys snacks with!)

I came to IINE specifically for two reasons. First, I studied government and political science in college, which included looking at refugee movements. So, immigration and resettlement were academic areas of interest for me. When I heard about IINE through a friend who interned at your organization, I became excited about the opportunity to gain hands-on experience—not just learning about refugee movements, but seeing them in the community around me and being able to help—that was fascinating to me.  

Second, I grew up in an immigrant household in Texas and can speak multiple languages, including Korean, which we spoke at home, and Spanish, which was my major in college. I felt like volunteering with IINE would be an opportunity to draw on my own specific perspective and skills.  

IINE: What kind of volunteer work do you do?

Phoebe: For the past month, I have been volunteering with a refugee family in Boston a few times a week. There are four children. I help the older two, who are in school, with their homework, and I tutor the younger two in English. I also help the mom with English.  

I work as an analyst at a clinical trials recruitment company, so this volunteer work is completely different from how I spend most of my day. It allows me to fulfill my passion for helping others.  

IINE: What has been the most impactful aspect of volunteering?

Phoebe: I’m sure a lot of volunteers would say this: even if English isn’t their first language, the gratitude and the love that the family members give me are so tangible. I might not be able to have in-depth English conversations with the mom at this stage, but every time she invites me to join them for dinner or packs a Tupperware of snacks for me to take home, I feel the strength of our connection. 

I have told so many of my friends about volunteering with IINE! I want others to have this same experience.  

IINE: Speaking of, is there any advice you would share with people who might be considering volunteering with IINE?

Phoebe: I think open-mindedness is really important. For example, I originally signed up to tutor the kids – that was how the volunteer opportunity was listed. But then, one day, I was at the family’s house, tutoring the kids, and I noticed that there seemed to be a language barrier between the mom and a maintenance worker who was fixing their fridge. They were communicating in English, but it wasn’t either of their first language. I realized that the maintenance worker was Korean, so I was able to translate what he was saying into English for the mom. It wasn’t an experience I signed up for, but having an open mind helped. Now I always try to notice and adapt to the current needs of the family – whether it’s tutoring the children or just spending time with them to improve their social skills.  

IINE: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

Phoebe: I would share that Boston has a high immigrant population; immigrants are all around us. Reaching out into your community and helping is so rewarding. These are people that are a part of your city.  

Interested in IINE’s volunteer opportunities? Click to find a list of ways you can get involved.

WRD 2023

IINE Celebrates World Refugee Day 2023

Written by Danielle Gauthier on . Posted in Blog, Boston, Events, Lowell, Manchester.

World Refugee Day 2023

The United Nations General Assembly established the first World Refugee Day on June 20, 2000. The international holiday honors the courage and resilience of refugees worldwide, celebrates the significant contributions they make to every community they join, and calls for expanded protections for a population that is forced to flee their homelands.  

Our community came together at our three sites—Boston and Lowell, MA and Manchester, NH—to celebrate our clients’ successes, hear their stories, and honor our community partners, who make our work helping refugees possible.  

Highlights of the Day

Refugee Voices: Clients Share Their Personal Journeys

A number of clients took the stage to share what brought them to IINE and the challenges and opportunities they have faced since arriving in the U.S. Originally from the Congo, Suitcase Stories® performer Mapendo Mutingamo reflected on her years-long journey to Massachusetts. Mapendo grew up in a large house with her four siblings and their parents. When her father, a successful artist, went missing, Mapendo and her family left the Congo to try to reunite with him. They would spend the next 15+ years living in Uganda, in a home “smaller than a restroom.” Food was scarce, the house lacked beds, and the bathroom was outdoors and shared with other families in the area. When Mapendo and her family were finally able to migrate to the U.S., they found hope. Today, with support from IINE, Mapendo and her siblings are enrolled in school, her family has a comfortable home, and she has graduated from our Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program. Reflecting on her experiences as a refugee, Mapendo shared this insight, “Take this from me: life is like a potato. Sometimes it’s smashed, sometimes it’s hard, and sometimes it’s turned into fries, so enjoy it as it lasts.” 

Congratulations to our Graduates and Award Recipients!

There were many accomplishments to celebrate this World Refugee Day! We recognized our eight refugee youth clients who have been accepted to represent the state of Massachusetts as part of the National Youth Leadership Council. As NYLC members, our youth clients will receive training to be leaders in improving their communities and addressing real world issues. We also celebrated multiple graduations. Our ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) students celebrated the end of term and having gained the language skills and culture knowledge they need to be successful in the workforce. Our LNA (Licensed Nursing Assistant) class celebrated completing the 18-week program, which prepares them for the NH Board of Nursing LNA licensing exam. We are so proud of our clients’ successes!  

Support from the Community

This year alone, our organization has supported over 6,000+ refugees and immigrants. Meeting this unprecedented need for our services would not be possible without the help of our community. We honored the contributions of numerous community partners this World Refugee Day, including Abisi Adult Education, ASAIPSAR (Acton Stow Area Interfaith Partnership Supporting Afghan Refugees) Volunteer Team, Boston Area Gleaners, Department of Transitional Assistance, Middlesex Community College, and Starbucks. At our Lowell celebration, representatives from Starbucks took attendees on a tour around the world via coffee. Starbucks recently hired multiple IINE clients. In New Hampshire, we heard from Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig and representatives from Senator Jeanne Shaheen’s and Congressman Chris Pappas’ offices, who all recognized the invaluable role refugees play in strengthening our local economy and culture.  

Fun Had by All

At all of our sites, our staff, clients, and supporters enjoyed the opportunity to gather in-person, celebrate this important holiday, and enjoy great food, games for the whole family, and each other’s company! 

We are proud to have welcomed, resettled, and supported refugees in the New England region for over 100 years. Learn more about our refugee resettlement work here.

Pride Month: Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Refugees and Immigrants in the Media

Pride Month: Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Refugees and Immigrants in the Media

Written by Danielle Gauthier on . Posted in Blog.

June is Pride Month in the United States, a time to celebrate and affirm the impact of the LGBTQIA+ community on our society. As we honor Pride, the country and many parts of the world experience a disconcerting wave of discrimination against this community. Here at IINE, among our clients are people who fled their homelands because they feared or suffered persecution due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. We proudly provide services to LGBTQIA+ refugees, asylees, humanitarian parolees, and unaccompanied children who would be harmed or imprisoned in their native countries.  

During Pride, we look to amplify the voices of refugees and immigrants who belong to the LGBTQIA+ community. Here is a selection of media that highlights their experiences, struggles, and triumphs – and showcases their resilience and contributions.  

Documentary: “Unsettled: Seeking Refuge in America”

“Unsettled: Seeking Refuge in America” chronicles the lives of four LGBTQIA+ refugees who left their homes due to fear of persecution and resettled in San Francisco. The documentary follows Junior Mayema, a gender-nonconforming man who fled the Congo; Mari N’Timansieme and Cheyenne Adriano, a lesbian couple who escaped harassment in Angola; and Subhi Nahas, a gay man who escaped from Syria where Islamic terrorists threatened his life. Speaking with WBUR, filmmaker Tom Shepard highlighted the unique obstacles LGBTQIA+ refugees face. “Going back decades, resettlement in the U.S. was always based on family. A family would flee a war-torn country and, if they came to the Bay Area, would immediately be connected to a community center, a mosque, or [with] others from their country. Not that it was easy  but there were strong mechanics in place to get families a toehold. If you are a gay Iraqi and you come to the Bay Area, probably the last people you want to see are other Iraqis. That puts LGBTQ [refugees] at much higher risk for depression, isolation [and] PTSD.” Click to learn more about the documentary.

Podcast: Refugees’ Stories 

The 2020 season of the Refugees’ Stories podcast highlights the experiences of migrants who have sought asylum for their sexual or gender identity. In one episode, listeners hear from Kazi, who comes from Bangladesh where homosexuality is illegal. Kazi reflects on the hardships he faced in his home country as a gay man: the deep loneliness; being forced into marriage to a woman; and the inability to lead an authentic life. Fortunately, that all changed when Kazi went to the U.K. to study dentistry. Today, Kazi is an openly gay activist living in London. Click to hear his story.  

Book: We Have Always Been Here by Samra Habib  

Samra Habib’s memoir We Have Always Been Here delves into the topics of identity, sexuality, and queerness. Samra grew up as an Ahmadi Muslim in Pakistan, where they regularly received threats from Islamic extremists for their religious beliefs. From an early age, they learned how to mask their true identity in the face of danger. When Samra and their family came to Canada as refugees, Samra faced new obstacles: racism, poverty, and an arranged marriage. Grappling with familial expectations and their own desires, Samra searches for a path that will allow them to be their most authentic self: a queer, nonbinary Muslim. Click to learn more about the memoir.  

Documentary: “Crossing Over: Stories of Immigration and Identity”

“Crossing Over: Stories of Immigration and Identity” follows three transgender women, who emigrated from Mexico to the U.S. Francis, Brenda, and Abigail’s stories shine a light on the challenges that come with seeking political asylum as transgender women; the transphobia that exists in both Mexico and the U.S.; and the dangers of the sex industry, which all three women enter, needing to find jobs but limited by their undocumented status. The filmmaker, Isabel Castro, was born in Mexico and moved to the U.S. when her family migrated when she was young. “I didn’t live in Mexico for very long. I grew up primarily…in a very conservative Connecticut town where social issues like immigration are sometimes difficult to understand. My motivation in making this film was to put very personal narratives behind this discussion. I wanted people to see it, meet the characters, get invested in these characters and say, ‘You know what? Screw political motivations—these are people I’m invested in and empathize with.’“ Click to watch the documentary.  

IINE Hosts 41st Annual Golden Door Award Gala, Honoring Srikant M. Datar

IINE Hosts 41st Annual Golden Door Award Gala, Honoring Srikant M. Datar

Written by Danielle Gauthier on . Posted in Blog, Press Releases/Statements.

It was a night to remember! On Monday, May 15, over 450 of our community members and supporters gathered at the Fairmont Copley Plaza for our 41st annual Golden Door Award Gala. The Golden Door Award is presented each year to an immigrant who has made outstanding contributions to American society. The Award takes its name from Emma Lazarus’s words, which are inscribed at the base of the Statue of Liberty: “From her beacon hand glows world-wide welcome…I lift my lamp beside the golden door.” This year’s honoree was Dr. Srikant M. Datar, Dean of Harvard Business School. A graduate with distinction from the University of Bombay, Dr. Datar has received great recognition for his academic work, teaching, and commitment to inclusivity, and is a leader in the field of business management. 

Highlights of the Evening

Renowned Ukrainian Violinist Liubomyr Senshyn Shares His Culture and Passion 

The evening began with a Suitcase Stories® performance from renowned Ukrainian violinist Liubomyr Senshyn. Liubomyr spoke of the sacrifice his family made to buy him a violin when he was young, how his passion for the instrument led him to migrate to the U.S. to study, and the fear he felt as he watched from afar when Russia invaded his home country in 2022. The vestibule of his family’s home, which he always remembered as an area of welcoming, suddenly became a place of shelter for Liubomyr’s parents. Liubomyr struggled with what to do – was his focus on music enough in the face of such devastation and destruction? But then he realized: by choosing to play violin, he could help preserve and share a culture that it is under threat and honor the enduring strength of the Ukrainian people.

Congolese Refugee and IINE ESOL Student Elisabeth Mbombo Reflects on the Power of Education 

A refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Elisabeth is a star pupil in our ESOL classes. She was a principal and teacher in her home country, and knows firsthand how education can bring freedom, safety, and self-sufficiency. Elisabeth shared her inspiring journey with us all.  

IINE Senior Program and Contracts Manager Sabyne Denaud Tells Her Own Immigration Story

The evening’s hosts were our Legal Case Specialist Safeena Niazi and Senior Program and Contract Manager Sabyne Denaud. Safeena is from Afghanistan and came to the U.S. in 2017. Initially a client, Safeena went on to become an interpreter for our Afghan clients before joining our legal team. Originally from Haiti, Sabyne started at our organization in 2016 as a Case Specialist, resettling hundreds of refugees from all over the world. Now, she focuses more intensively on the thousands of immigrants who are arriving from her home country.  

Sabyne took to the stage to share her own personal story. She described the difficult decision her mother made to leave Sabyne and her sister in Haiti when Sabyne was only 4 years old, and travel to the U.S. For more than a decade, Sabyne and her sister stayed in Haiti under the care of their mother’s best friend. Sabyne and her mother spoke regularly, but in an effort to protect her, Sabyne’s mother never told her of the difficulties she encountered as she struggled to create a life here. The family was finally reunited years later when Sabyne and her sister joined their mother in the U.S.; it was only then that Sabyne fully understood the many obstacles her mother had overcome to secure a better life for them all. Sabyne’s moving, beautiful story—which brought many of us to tears!—captured the sacrifices so many refugees and immigrants make in the hope of a safer, better future for their families.  

Golden Door Award Honoree Srikant M. Datar Reminds Us of the Importance of Lifelong Learning and Serving

We presented Srikant M. Datar with the Golden Door Award in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to education and business on an international scale. Dr. Datar’s colleagues, friends, and former students, including HBS alum Lisa Skeete Tatum, all spoke of his leadership, authentic commitment to inclusivity, deep humility and empathy, and his trademark warm laughter. Learn more about Dr. Datar, his journey to the U.S., and the impact he has had on so many in the video below.  

IINE Supporters Raise a Record-Breaking $2.1 Million For Refugees and Immigrants 

Thanks to our gala attendees and the generous support of our sponsors, including Bancel Philanthropies, Loulou Foundation, Bristol Myers Squibb, Bain Capital, Moderna, and Pfizer, the night was a resounding success! The $2.1M raised will strengthen our ability to support refugees and immigrants who come to the region seeking safety and a new start. “Over the past few years, the number of families we serve has doubled. People fleeing humanitarian crises from around the world, including in Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Haiti, are arriving at our offices in unprecedented numbers, all seeking life-saving support,” said our CEO Jeff Thielman. “The need is remarkable – and it is growing every day. These funds are essential to the continuation of our services, and we are so grateful for the support.”    

Learn more about the Golden Door Award here.

Employee Profile: Meet Courtney Good, Talent Acquisition Specialist

Employee Profile: Meet Courtney Good, Talent Acquisition Specialist

Written by Danielle Gauthier on . Posted in Blog, Our Team.

Since joining us in 2021, Courtney has held multiple roles, including working directly with our refugee and immigrant clients and now, recruiting new staff members as part of our HR team. Courtney shared what first drew her to our organization, what her day to day looks like, and the advice she would share with prospective IINE employees.

What brought you to the International Institute of New England?

During my Masters, I learned about the United Nations and the rights of refugees and asylum seekers. My dissertation focused on the changes in cultural, indigenous, and ethnic identities of Latin Americans whose asylum applications were rejected or who were deported at the U.S.-Mexican border. After learning more about asylum seekers and law, I decided I wanted to work with refugees and asylees and gain first-hand experience in supporting new arrivals.

What has been your career path since joining the organization? 

Courtney Good with clients at World Refugee DayWhen I first joined the organization in August 2021, I was the Preferred Communities Case Specialist at the Manchester site. I worked directly with clients who had vulnerabilities that prevented them from easy resettlement, including HIV+ status, Class B health conditions, domestic violence, mental health diagnoses, and homelessness. In February 2022, I was promoted to the role of Community Services Manager at the Manchester site. In this role, I supervised the delivery of client services to support clients accomplish self-sufficiency and managed all community services programs at the Manchester site. Recently, I transitioned to the HR team as Talent Acquisition Specialist. I have been in this role since March 2023, where I have been able to support the recruitment and hiring of all full-time, part-time, and on-call staff, as well as supporting the IINE internship program.

What does your day to day look like? 

Working for the HR team, my work expands across all sites. On a typical day, I can expect to meet with hiring managers about job postings, support with posting jobs to open job boards, screen candidates for paid or internship positions, schedule interviews on behalf of hiring managers, and support with offer letters and onboarding processes.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy being able to support the organization as a whole in bringing on new team members and interns, expanding our reach to clients and our mission!

How would you describe IINE’s culture and values?

IINE is a diverse work environment where colleagues work together to support its clients in being successful. IINE values its mission to support the resettlement and journey to self-sufficiency for its clients and ensures support along each step of the pathways to self-sufficiency and citizenship. Overall, IINE has a collaborative environment where community is built within staff and with our clients.

What advice would you share with someone who is interested in joining IINE?

Remain willing to learn and open to new experiences! Being open to learning will support your professional development skills and allow you room to grow within IINE. For those who want to work with clients, remember that clients can be our best teachers of cultural and religious practices, language skills, and community.

Bonus: Share something you are passionate about. 

A passion of mine is learning about archeology and paleontology; my goal is to one day attend an archaeology field school or go on a trip to participate in an archeological or paleontology dig!

Interested in joining our team? Our collaborative, team-oriented environment offers opportunities to serve refugees and immigrants, while learning from other staff and departments. View career opportunities here.