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Author: Jeff Thielman

Farewell to IINE's Friend, Mary Annie Wakim

Farewell to IINE’s Friend, Mary Annie Wakim

Written by Jeff Thielman on . Posted in Blog.

Mary Annie Wakim died peacefully at Belmont House, Toronto, Ontario, on August 12, 2022, she was 102 years old.  

After graduating from St. Vincent’s Girls High School in Saint John, N.B. in 1938, Mary moved to Boston, MA, where she began a 55-year career in retail sales, her career culminating at the historic Filene’s Department Store.  

We remember Mary most fondly, though, for her selfless work with immigrants and refugees at the International Institute of New England. Mary participated in program development and taught English language classes at the Boston site on Commonwealth Avenue for over 20 years. Mary remained active with IINE for many years after leaving Boston, serving on advisory boards and committees for the Golden Door Award Gala. Her passion and dedication touched many lives. 

We join the many colleagues, friends, and family members mourning Mary’s passing. A mass of Christian Burial followed by interment will take place in Saint John, New Brunswick at a later date. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com. 

Farewell to a Trusted Board Member and Friend of Refugees, Thomas Lucey

Farewell to a Trusted Board Member and Friend of Refugees, Thomas Lucey

Written by Jeff Thielman on . Posted in Blog, Our Team.

The International Institute of New England joins the many friends, family, and colleagues mourning the loss of Thomas Lucey earlier this month. Thomas, who served on the IINE Board of Directors in the late 1990s and early 2000s, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2022, at the age of 78.  

Born and raised in Jamaica Plain, MA, Tom attended Boston Latin School and was the proud graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy, class of 1965. He served our country with great pride and was a Vietnam veteran.  

Tom served on many boards over the years, including Stonehill College, Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart, the Coast Guard Academy, Cape Cod Museum of Art, and the MSPCC, in addition to the International Institute of New England. 

IINE is grateful for Tom’s many contributions to the immigrant and refugee community, and he will be sorely missed. 

Notes of comfort may be made to his family at www.chapmanfuneral.com 

Resettle Together Thumbnail

A closer look: “Resettle Together: Community Sponsorship at IINE”

Written by Jeff Thielman on . Posted in Blog, Refugee Resettlement, Volunteer.

A closer look: “Resettle Together: Community Sponsorship at IINE”

Over the past year, IINE has resettled more than 330 refugees while simultaneously providing intensive case management and essential services to over 3000 Haitians displaced by natural disasters and political unrest, children who crossed the U.S. border unaccompanied, and more than 300 Ukrainians uprooted by war in their homeland. While each of these individuals has their own story, collectively, their numbers are reflected in a grim milestone identified earlier this year by the UN refugee agency, UNHCR: 100 million people are now forcibly displaced worldwide.  

This human rights crisis has created an unparalleled and unexpected need for refugee services in our communities. Fortunately, it has also catalyzed vital collaboration between resettlement agencies, volunteers, donors, and community groups. The relationships built during this time of emergency have provided fertile grounds from which to build our new program – “Resettle Together: Community Sponsorship at IINE.” This program formalizing partnerships to support one another, welcoming refugees to New England, and guiding them toward security and self-sufficiency. 

What is community sponsorship?  

Community sponsorship is a collaborative effort between carefully selected groups of volunteers, and agency resettlement staff, working together under a formal agreement to prepare for and welcome refugees into their communities.  

Community sponsorship programs come in different formats; Resettle Together will be a resettlement agency-led co-sponsor program.   

What will community sponsors do? 

Under the supervision of experienced and attentive IINE staff, sponsor groups will be trained to provide core resettlement services, including locating and setting up appropriate housing, airport pickups, cultural orientation, school enrollment, financial support and in-kind donations.  

Community sponsors will become guides, advocates, and friends to refugees, asylees, and those seeking asylum in New England. Community sponsorship is an opportunity for community members to be directly involved in providing newcomers with assistance, guidance, and mentorship needed to gain independence in their new homes.  

How is community sponsorship different from other resettlement programs?  

Unlike a more “traditional” refugee resettlement approach, with community sponsorship, groups take on some of the core services performed by IINE’s case specialists. This model not only adds capacity for IINE staff members who provide intensive services, but also allows community members to better understand the refugee experience and build direct relationships with arriving families.  

Who is the ideal community sponsor group?  

The ideal community sponsor group is made up of open-minded and generous people who are invested in their communities and excited about welcoming and supporting new neighbors. Knowledge of languages other than English, familiarity with the immigrant experience, willingness to learn, and a heightened sense of curiosity are all also helpful.  

A community sponsor group is usually made up of five to twelve people willing to contribute five hours per week for four months or more. Community sponsor groups commit to raising $10,000 to support the family with whom they have been matched. While the financial component is important, being able to commit time and (non-monetary) resources are also vital elements for success.    

5 reasons you should become a community sponsor  

  1. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become directly involved and have a life-changing impact on a refugee family.    
  2. It will give you a new perspective on the immigrant experience and what it means to start over in a new country.   
  3. It’s a wonderful opportunity to welcome new neighbors and gain a new perspective of your city through their eyes. 
  4. As this is a new program, your experience and feedback will help IINE to design, shape, and improve this resource.   
  5. It’s an opportunity for communities to welcome newcomers and be directly involved in providing them with assistance, guidance, and mentorship.   

To learn more about “Resettle Together: Community Sponsorship at IINE,” please visit our website at https://iine.org/get-involved/join-our-community/community-sponsorship/ or email Jessica Cirone, Director of Community Engagement, at jcirone@iine.org  

Meet Jessica Cirone, Director of Community Engagement

Jessica has extensive experience working in refugee resettlement, immigration, and workforce development. Most recently, she worked with Church World Service and Community Sponsorship Hub on the community sponsorship technical assistance and training processes at the national level. Right before these projects, Jessica was the Senior Director of Refugee Services at Jewish Vocational Service for seven years. Her prior work includes helping community members achieve economic stability with LIFT-Boston, directing the Yemeni Refugee Program at a nonprofit social service agency, and running educational programs in New York, NY. Jessica has also worked with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in Meheba Refugee Settlement, located in Northwestern Zambia. She holds a Master’s Degree in International Development, with a concentration in refugee resettlement practices from UNSW Australia.

Becoming a New American

Becoming a New American

Written by Jeff Thielman on . Posted in Blog, Client Stories, Legal, Lowell.

The resettlement process doesn’t end once our clients safely relocate to their new communities. This is often just the beginning step on their path to building a new life in the United States.  In celebration of Independence Day, we’d like to recognize some of those whose journey has brought them to New England.

IINE’s Legal Services: FACTS AND FIGURES for FY22  

IINE’s Immigration Legal Services department delivers low-cost and no-cost legal services to refugees and immigrants, helping them to navigate the system to establish legal residency and citizenship. The numbers below reflect clients served by our legal team since October of 2021.

  • Clients served: 1,402
  • Active citizenship cases: 95 
  • Clients sworn in as U.S. citizens: 89  
  

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Vania’s story: A Haitian asylee finds her voice

Vania’s story: A Haitian asylee finds her voice

Written by Jeff Thielman on . Posted in Blog, Press Releases/Statements.

Vania at home in the U.S.

In July 2020, Vania arrived in the U.S. from Haiti, fleeing from an unstable political situation and seeking to establish a better future for her two children, Nephtaine, 11, and Dahn, 8, whom she left in the care of her mother in Haiti.

Vania had a bachelor’s degree and was working as an accountant in Haiti. In the U.S., she had the skills and background to work as an accountant again, but the English language was a barrier. Vania knew some English, but wasn’t comfortable, as she says: “I remember when I came here, when I go to the supermarket, I couldn’t talk to anyone, I couldn’t find a word. They were in my thoughts, but I couldn’t explain myself.”

Finding English for Speakers of Other Languages classes

After searching, Vania found IINE’s English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes. While she attended classes online because of the pandemic, there was still plenty of interaction that helped her to feel more connected. She enjoyed practicing English with her classmates: “We have to talk with the other students, and I love that.”

IINE staff also provided Vania with job skills support, helping her create a professional resume and prepare for interviews. With this support from IINE, Vania was able to secure a position as a tax preparer.

Looking toward the future

 Vania with her children in Haiti

Vania continues to improve her English skills by taking classes at IINE and feels much more confident.  She says, “Now I’m not afraid to talk with anyone! I do make some mistakes, you know, it’s not my language, but it’s very different from when I started.”

To Vania, her next steps are clear: improve her skills to secure a better paying job and bring her children to the U.S. to live with her. “I have two children, and I can’t stop thinking about them in my country, how things are going on,” she says. Her long term goal for the future is to start a business, perhaps a McDonald’s or Burger King franchise, and have her children start their new lives in the U.S.

IINE’s CEO Statement on Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization

IINE’s CEO Statement on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization

Written by Jeff Thielman on . Posted in Blog, Press Releases/Statements.

Dear IINE Friends and Supporters: 

On Friday, June 24th, the United States Supreme Court rescinded a 50-year-old constitutional right allowing women in all 50 states safe and legal access to abortion. The Court’s decision means that in some states, women will have the right to make their own decisions about their reproductive health, while other states will deny them this right.    

IINE’s Senior Vice President, Alexandra Weber, wrote IINE’s official statement condemning this ruling on the day the Court made its announcement. You can read her statement here.  

The International Institute of New England will continue to provide our employees with health insurance that covers the cost of reproductive health care and will advocate against any efforts that impinge on this right.  

There is much more to worry about.  At least one member of the Court wants to use the rationale of last week’s decision known as “Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization” to overturn Supreme Court precedent on birth control and gay marriage. I am horrified that our country would even consider abandoning these cornerstones of human rights. 

IINE is joining the growing number of organizations signing onto the Don’t Ban Equality Initiative, and we also urge others to participate.   

I believe it falls on all of us to speak out against this life-shattering decision and do all we can to protect equal and human rights in our country. The decision to overturn the human right to make personal reproductive choices is wrong, harmful, and further divides the country. It cannot stand. 

In solidarity, 

Jeff

IINE's Vice President Statement on Supreme Court Decision to Overturn Roe v. Wade 

IINE’s Vice President Statement on Supreme Court Decision to Overturn Roe v. Wade 

Written by Jeff Thielman on . Posted in Blog, Press Releases/Statements.

Through the 14 years I have participated professionally in supporting the lives of refugees and immigrants, what has centered my commitment is the promise of human dignity, found in opportunities for freedom from oppression and persecution. Today’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the federal constitutional right to abortion established in Roe v. Wade (1973) and Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992) diminishes that opportunity for all Americans. 

Beyond curtailing freedom, today’s decision will immediately impact health, safety, and equality for all. It is a catastrophe for gender, racial, and economic justice in this country with consequences that will hit vulnerable populations the hardest.  

Today, I recommit to tirelessly protect, advance, and advocate for the health, safety and trust of individuals to determine the course of their own bodies and lives. The lives of all Americans—including refugees and immigrants — have been put in grave danger by this decision.  

I encourage our supporters committed to human dignity and justice to speak out against the dismantling of hard-won freedoms that protect us.  

There are powerful organizations you can support that fight every day for gender equality, such as Planned Parenthood, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the Women’s Refugee Commission, the National Women’s Law Center, and the Center for Reproductive Rights.  

Alexandra Weber, LICSW 

Senior Vice President and Chief Advancement Officer 

IINE Statement on Passing of Massachusetts Work and Family Mobility Act

IINE Statement on Passing of Massachusetts Work and Family Mobility Act

Written by Jeff Thielman on . Posted in Blog, Press Releases/Statements.

Imagine worrying every time you had to bring a loved one to the doctor, drive to the store to buy groceries, or drive to get your kids from school, you may be separated from your family. This was a daily reality for some immigrants living in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts until today.

Today, thanks to the passing of the Massachusetts Work and Family Mobility Act, which would allow all eligible residents to obtain a state-issued ID or driver’s license regardless of immigration status, we all have cause to celebrate.

Allowing every eligible resident in the state to apply for an ID or driver’s license means we will all drive on safer roads, more employees will be able to access jobs, and families will have easier access to the essential goods, services, and activities that are required of basic daily living.

The International Institute of New England is grateful for the tireless work of community advocates, labor unions, business leaders, law enforcement members, and elected officials—including Boston Mayor Michelle Wu—who supported this initiative. Our organization is here to support immigrants and their families as they navigate this new process.

IINE Statement on Recent Mass Shootings

IINE Statement on Recent Mass Shootings

Written by Jeff Thielman on . Posted in Blog, Press Releases/Statements.

The International Institute of New England condemns the recent and horrific mass shootings in Buffalo, New York by a white teenager who intentionally targeted a Black neighborhood, and in Uvalde, Texas where 21 fourth graders and teachers were massacred. In these unspeakable acts, innocent children and adults lost their lives to unstable men—one motivated by racist ideology—able to secure deadly weapons and turn them against their communities. Those they slaughtered were performing the peaceful daily routines of grocery shopping and school learning.

IINE has worked for over a century to embrace and support refugees and other persecuted immigrants fleeing life-threatening experiences all over the world. Refugees leave everything they know to come to the U.S. for a chance at peace, opportunity, and safety.

IINE urges action to institute effective gun violence prevention laws here and to uphold the human right to safety here and around the world. Last year, over 45,000 people in the United States died from gun-related injuries—a human rights crisis.

Spotlight Report: Skills Training (May 2022)

Written by Jeff Thielman on . Posted in Spotlight Report.

This Spotlight Report focuses on refugee resettlement work, illustrating the impact of this program, which lies at the center of IINE’s mission. Future quarterly Spotlight Reports will zero in on other program areas that help refugees and immigrants to succeed, realize their dreams, and contribute to New England’s growth and prosperity.

Job skills training at IINE: Building new careers with MNPAP

Written by Jeff Thielman on . Posted in Blog, Boston, Employment Support.

Job skills training programs at IINE are designed to empower newly arrived refugees to achieve independence and stability, and to help currently employed immigrants move into higher-paying careers. IINE’s goal is to remove as many barriers in their way as possible, and to provide both the tools and the guidance needed for success.

A quick overview of programs

IINE programs that help clients achieve job-readiness include:

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL): These classes are offered at several levels ranging from beginner to advanced. They offer a vocational focus, and help students learn the language skills and cultural knowledge they need to successfully enter the workforce.

Industry-Focused Training: While all of the job training programs below are available to clients who are already fluent in English, they include further support and training for English language learners.

  • Healthcare training programs: The CNA for Success Certified Nursing Assistant program (in Massachusetts) and LNA for Success Licensed Nursing Assistant program (in New Hampshire) introduce clients to entry-level healthcare positions in high demand. Read about Brenda, one of our CNA program graduates.
  • Hospitality: The Hospitality Training Program (HTP) and Maintenance Technician Training Program (MTTP) prepare clients for work at hotels, and the Ready, Set, Service! program provides training for customer service roles in hotels and food services.
  • Construction: The Metro-North Pre-Apprenticeship in Construction and Building Maintenance Training Program (MNPAP) prepares unemployed and underemployed clients for an apprenticeship program in a construction trade or in building maintenance.

An introduction to construction

MNPAP is funded by a Senator Kenneth J. Donnelly Workforce Success Grant through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development; the program is administered by the Commonwealth Corporation. Instructors include IINE staff as well as outside partners, and classes are conducted partly online and partly in person, for hands-on experience. The course includes:

  • 48 hours of job readiness training, including resume and cover letter writing, interviewing skills, workplace etiquette, customer service, professional communication, and more;
  • 90 hours of hands-on construction and facilities maintenance training;
  • 12 hours of OSHA safety training;
  • Six hours of hoisting certification prep; and
  • Four hours of financial literacy training.

Juliette’s story begins

Women and minorities are particularly encouraged to apply to MNPAP, and this was part of what drew in Juliette Urrea, who came to New England from Colombia when she was 17 years old, and now lives in Everett, MA. “I was always told construction was only for men,” she explains.

Juliette had an associate’s degree in art from Bunker Hill Community College, and a job as a waitress, but was struggling to find a career that met her needs. She wanted better pay and a Monday-to-Friday schedule that would allow her to spend more time with her six-year-old daughter. So when the Covid-19 pandemic caused her workplace to close temporarily, Juliette decided to give the MNPAP program a try. “If you want to change your future, trades are really a good opportunity,” she says.

Because of the pandemic, the first part of the course was delivered remotely. Juliette’s personal laptop struggled to load the virtual meeting software, so IINE loaned her a better one. Initial classes focused on job readiness skills, and she learned how to tailor a cover letter and resume to a particular job application. Next, she studied financial literacy, learning how to properly use and budget around a credit card, and what might affect her credit score.

Hands-on training in the field

For hands-on training, Juliette and her classmates met at Medford Vocational Technical High School, with some students getting a lift to the site from the instructors, and students were provided with work clothes.

Juliette had never handled any construction tools before, so this was her first introduction to the safe use of a ladder, a hammer, a drill, and measurement instruments. She was excited to learn about blueprints, and how to apply them to building: “I enjoy math, so that was one point I really liked, she recalls.

Throughout the course, Juliette and her classmates were introduced to Office of Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines to keep them safe on the job, and Juliette was surprised to learn how old the regulations were. She was also surprised and pleased to learn that with the right tools, women can do all kinds of heavy labor in the building trades. “There’s even a woman in demolition!” she says.

Ongoing support from IINE

Juliette completed the MNPAP course in October 2021 along with 14 other graduates. Their graduation ceremony was held in December. While she was taking the course, her restaurant reopened, allowing her to resume her job as a server while working towards the next step in her construction career.

She won’t be pursuing her goals on her own: as Juliette works on applying for construction jobs, IINE’s Associate Director of Workforce Initiatives will be passing on job leads, and will help to prepare her for interviews.

Juliette’s first goal is to work as an estimator, helping to determine the costs of construction projects, which would allow her to apply her math skills. Her dream is to start her own construction company.

Ukrainian Refugees: Frequently Asked Questions: Updated April 8, 2022

Written by Jeff Thielman on . Posted in Blog, Press Releases/Statements.

Many have been fleeing Ukraine since March 1, 2022, due to the escalation of a conflict with Russia that has caused civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure. Those leaving are seeking safety, protection, and assistance. The majority are Ukrainian women, children, and those over 65, as most able-bodied men are required by their government to stay and fight.

How many Ukrainians have been displaced by the Russian invasion and where are they going?

As of April 21, 2022, almost 5.3 million people have fled the country, the majority to border states such as Poland, Romania and the Republic of Moldova, and to nearby European Union countries. Another 7.7 million people are thought to be displaced inside Ukraine.

How is the United States supporting Ukrainian refugees?

The Biden Administration announced plans to welcome up to 100,000 Ukrainians and others fleeing Russia’s aggression through a range of legal pathways, including the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. A focus of Ukrainian resettlement will be welcoming Ukrainians who have family members in the United States. The United States and the European Union are coordinating closely to ensure that resettlement efforts and other forms of humanitarian admission or transfers are complimentary.

Will IINE be serving Ukrainian refugees this year?

IINE and other Massachusetts and New Hampshire refugee resettlement providers are beginning to encounter families and individuals who have fled Ukraine and are seeking services. While Ukrainians who have obtained visitor visas and other temporary statuses need support and services, most do not hold immigration statuses that offer access to public benefits. IINE is advocating for access to state and federal benefits for those who have fled Ukraine.

Who is IINE resettling and how are we preparing to serve Ukrainian refugees?

IINE has welcomed and resettled 489 Afghan evacuees along with other refugees over the last six months, and we receive new refugees each day. We are also working to support hundreds of Haitian migrant families desperately in need of support. Alongside this work, in preparation for welcoming Ukrainian refugees, we are reaching out to Ukrainian American communities, establishing connections, and offering support. We are advocating for public and private resources to support a surge in Ukrainian refugees to MA and NH communities and are activating our support networks to build capacity to serve hundreds of anticipated Ukrainian refugees when a pathway is established.

Are there Ukrainian-American communities in New England? 

Approximately 1 Million Ukrainian Americans currently live in the United States, the second-largest Ukrainian diaspora outside Ukraine. More than 10,000 Ukrainian Americans live in Greater Springfield, MA, and thousands of Ukrainians live in and around the Greater Boston area.

How can I help?

To be able to support an influx of Ukrainian refugees, IINE and other refugee resettlement organizations need broad public, private, and community support to maintain strong services, staffing, and infrastructure across our three resettlement sites in Boston and Lowell, MA, and Manchester, NH. We are currently seeking community members that can offer volunteer services, help in identifying available and affordable housing, and financial contributions to support our efforts to prepare for incoming refugees.