With unwavering support, you stood with Ukrainians fleeing the sudden invasion of their country; you were there for thousands of Haitians displaced by violence, political turmoil, and natural disasters; and you supported refugees fleeing crisis zones throughout the world. We faced a tangle of changing immigration laws, shifting government support, and a dire housing crisis in our region. You kept showing up, and it made a huge difference. We were able to build whole new teams and programs to meet each moment and helped more than 10,000 people who urgently needed support—an incredible first.
Looking ahead, while there’s no doubt that need and challenges will grow, IINE’s increased capacity, momentum, and strong community partnerships provide us with a tremendous opportunity. We can serve even more refugees and immigrants in 2024 and ensure that each of them reaches crucial milestones on their pathways to self-sufficiency. We can strengthen the neighborhood networks they build when they first arrive. Finally, recognizing that the only constant is change, we can put plans in place to ensure that refugees and immigrants are welcomed and supported in New England far into the future. With that, here are IINE’s three New Year’s Resolutions for 2024:
New Year’s Resolution #1: IINE will strive to ensure that every refugee and immigrant we serve will reach essential milestones on the pathway to self-sufficiency.
IINE works with immigrants in different stages of their journeys toward stability and integration. Our clients have different legal statuses and receive different levels of federal support based on their country of origin and how they are admitted to the U.S. In the face of support and resource discrepancies, we work with each individual to set and pursue personalized goals. Going forward, IINE will strive toward better equity in support for all our clients, from English language proficiency, to healthcare access, to workforce opportunities.
New Year’s Resolution #2: We will strengthen community support networks for new arrivals.
We can help refugees and immigrants feel truly welcome in their new communities by directly connecting them with neighbors and social networks. In 2024, IINE will continue to grow our Resettle Together community sponsorship program offering multiple ways for volunteer groups to match with newly arriving families, commit to helping them navigate their new communities, and form the mutual bonds of friendship that benefit newcomers and host communities alike
New Year’s Resolution #3: We will build the resilience to weather events that are beyond our control.
We don’t know exactly what’s coming next year, but having persevered over the last decade through the challenges of a dismantled national refugee program, the Covid-19 pandemic, a sudden Afghan evacuation, welcoming hundreds of displaced Ukrainians, and supporting a huge wave of newly arrived homeless Haitian families, we know that our organization needs to be prepared for unexpected shifts in policy, conflict, and natural disaster, and their human cost. On our horizon is a critical presidential election, unprecedented climate change, and unrelenting wars worldwide.
Preparing to respond to people displaced across the world requires that IINE build systems that make it easier to quickly train new staff while making sure that our current staff aren’t overextended, that they have the resources they need to be effective, and that they have strong partners in local communities who stand at the ready to help us welcome and support new arrivals.
It will also very much depend on you—our community—to help provide us with the sustained support we need to keep responding, no matter what comes.
Please keep showing up for refugees and immigrants next year. We resolve that we will too. Our communities are going to need them, and they us, and together we can give them the welcome and support they need on the pathway to making New England a better place for all.
Gracias de nuevo por su apoyo constante. Gracias a ustedes, refugiados e inmigrantes encuentran seguridad y esperanza en nuestra región.
By Alexandra Weber, Senior Vice President and Chief Advancement Officer at the International Institute of New England
At IINE, we are so fortunate to be surrounded by a community of passionate supporters who want to make a difference in the lives of refugees and immigrants. Our volunteers, in particular, play a critical role in ensuring our clients receive the help they need, from assisting ESOL students to mentoring refugee youth, driving clients to medical appointments and job interviews, delivering groceries, setting up apartments, and so much more. We couldn’t serve thousands of refugees and immigrants every year without their support.
Many people are often surprised to hear, therefore, that volunteering isn’t the only way to have a real and tangible impact on refugee and immigrant families. In fact, supporting IINE through donations goes just as far—if not further—in helping the newcomer populations we serve. Educating yourself on the facts about immigration, getting the truth out in private and public conversations and advocating for support from your elected representatives are also powerful ways to support our newest neighbors. If you are interested in getting involved, but don’t know where to start or how to have the most impact, this post is for you!
Every Dollar Counts – More Than You Know
When you donate, you ensure refugee and clients receive professional, trauma-informed services
Your donation ensures refugees and immigrants receive professional and trauma-informed support services – even when public funding falters
How do professional services help people? The process to apply for public benefits, including cash assistance, food, and healthcare, is complex and hard to navigate – especially for non-native English speakers. IINE’s refugee and immigrant clients would not be able to access critical basic benefits without the support of our trained, professional, multi-lingual, and multi-cultural staff. Our professional care specialists are also equipped to navigate highly sensitive topics, provide trauma-informed care, and ensure confidentiality. While many of our supporters are eager to provide direct service to our clients, it requires significant training, expertise, and sensitivity to do so. When you choose to donate funds, you ensure that refugees and immigrants are receiving the expert help they desperately need to build a better life in our communities.
Crises are certain to come, but public funding is not – you can bridge the gap
One thing that we know with certainty is that human displacement worldwide is growing. As conflicts and climate change continue to force people away from their homelands, families and individuals will continue to risk their lives in pursuit of safety— and IINE will be here for them. However, there is no similar enduring commitment of federal and state funding. In recent years especially, as U.S. immigration policies have shifted profoundly and unpredictably, the amount of funding we receive has, too. To withstand fluctuations in funding so we can respond to all in need, IINE relies on ongoing support from our communities and donors – from people like you. When you give, you help ensure we will be able to welcome, embrace, and provide the highest standard of service to those in need now and to those yet to come.
Your Voice Matters
When you educate yourself your community, and your representatives, you help change harmful narratives around immigration and immigrants
Public conversations around immigration are often heated, politicized, and dangerously, filled with inaccuracies. Educating yourself on the immigration process, the level of support refugees and immigrants receive, and how they pay that support back in dividends—and then sharing this information with others—can help create a shift in public opinion. Start with correcting these common misunderstandings:
Myth: The process to legally enter the U.S. and to stay is easy.
Reality: This is far from the case. For refugees, the process to come to the U.S. is offered to very few, entails multiple steps, and often takes years (see our blog post, “Explainer: The U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program” to learn more). For many other immigrants eligible for U.S. entry, the complexity and cost of the application process for authorization is intense. Once here, many refugees and immigrants experience an uphill battle to adjust temporary status to a more permanent status that will allow them to stay in the country, and once applications are filed, they can take years to process. Around ten years ago, in 2012, the average processing time from application to approval of citizenship was 4.6 months. By 2023, the wait had tripled in length to 15.5 months.
Graduates from IINE’s Certified Nursing Assistant program, who will go on to play a key role in our economy alongside many other immigrant workers
Myth:Many immigrants are criminals.
Reality: There is no evidence to support the argument that there are higher levels of criminality among immigrant populations. In fact, studies have shown the opposite.A largescale study from 2018 found that as immigration grew in major U.S. cities from 1970 to 2010, the crime rate decreased.
Myth: Immigrants receive an unfair level of support from the government and are a drain on the U.S. economy.
Reality: Many refugees and immigrants have endured unimaginable hardships and long, dangerous journeys to come to the U.S. When they first arrive, many receive basic support to stabilize through eligibility for programs such as food stamps. The majority of immigrant families that receive support contribute to our economies across a lifetime in return. According to a recent report from the American Immigration Council, in 2021, immigrants in the U.S. had a collective spending power of $1.4 trillion and paid $525 billion in taxes. Newcomers strengthen our workforce, filling roles in healthcare, STEM, construction, environmental services, and more, and 22% of entrepreneurs nationwide were born outside of the U.S. In many New England states, immigrants are the key and often only strategy to combat a shrinking workforce. Our local and national economies depend on immigrants.
Thank you for your interest in supporting refugees and immigrants in our community. Learn more about these issues by subscribing to our newsletter and following us on social media, and make a life-changing impact when you donate today.
One year ago, Diana and Randy were living in their home country of Cuba and pursuing careers in medicine. Diana was in her fourth year of medical school, and Randy had begun his residency to prepare for work as an OBGYN.
When she could, Diana visited her mother in Trinidad. With each trip, she became more aware of how life in Trinidad differed from life in Cuba – how greater freedom and a higher quality of life existed outside her home country. “[In Cuba], they say they are the only country in the world where education is free and medicine is free. That’s basically a lie. When you go to Trinidad, there’s public health, and even the actual medicine you buy is free,” Diana says. These realizations left her feeling betrayed by her country’s government.
Diana decided to share her anger and concerns on social media. On the anniversary of the July 11, 2021 protests against the Cuban government—which had been brutally suppressed—Cubans again took to the streets. Inspired, Diana hung a white cloth on her home in solidarity with the protestors. That one action would change her and Randy’s lives entirely.
Cuban authorities took notice and quickly found Diana’s Facebook page. The repercussions were swift. Randy was fired from his job and Diana was kicked out of medical school. Messages came pouring into Diana’s social media accounts issuing death threats. Randy was warned that he should leave Diana as she would bring him trouble, but he stood by her side.
“[In Cuba] you can lose all your life because of a [social media] post,” Diana says. “It doesn’t make sense. Randy had six or seven years studying medicine for nothing. I was fourth in my class in school. They didn’t care when they kicked me out.”
A New Home
Diana felt a sense of safety when she and Randy first arrived at Logan Airport in Boston
Diana and Randy would spend a year in Trinidad, waiting for their next steps and a chance to put down roots somewhere safe. Finally, granted refugee status, Diana and Randy were relocated to Massachusetts this September.
“The first thing that really hit me was the big flag in the airport,” Diana remembers. “It felt safe. Like finally we were in the one place where we could get the help we needed.”
Diana and Randy felt welcomed right away. IINE team members greeted Diana and Randy at the airport and brought them to a hotel room where a warm meal was waiting for them. Within weeks, an IINE Housing Coordinator had found and furnished an apartment for them outside of Boston. “It’s amazing,” says Diana, “It’s really big for us, and has a lot of windows so we get a lot of light. It’s beautiful.”
“The location is really amazing,” Randy adds, smiling. “Everything is near: bus stops, Market Basket, CVS. It’s a 5- to 10- minute walk from everything you really need.”
Still, starting fresh in an entirely new community and country had its challenges. Randy remembers feeling like from the airport on, everything was just so much bigger and more sprawling than he was used to in Cuba. For Diana, it was difficult “understanding the system here. Everything is different and you need to pay attention to all the details,” she says, “and getting into the bus and subway, that’s new for us. We never went into the subway before.”
Diana and Randy wait at a bus stop near their new home
IINE Case Specialist Annis Roberts connected them with federal benefits, including food, cash assistance, and medical services and helped them navigate their new home. “Annis helped us with everything related to learning how to live here, like doctors’ appointments, dental appointments,” says Diana, “everything really—and she’s really good at explaining what to do.”
Randy, who is less advanced in English than Diana, is grateful to be enrolled in an IINE English for Speakers of Other Languages class and is eager to improve. One of his first assignments felt particularly poignant for him, and for Diana who helped him with it. He was asked to write about the most important dish in his country. Randy and Diana had no idea what this might be; usually they barely had enough to eat. An internet search told them that Cuba’s national food was a beef dish called “Ropa Vieja.” They were shocked, recalling that it was illegal for Cuban citizens to eat beef as cows were used only for extracting and exporting milk. It was a reminder of the way communication was controlled and manipulated in his former country as he worked to learn the language of his new home.
Careers Take-Off
Like most new arrivals to the U.S., Diana and Randy were eager to join the workforce as quickly as possible. They are relieved and excited that IINE Employment Case Specialist Liz Kunesh helped them secure jobs within their first three months.
“She really helped us with everything related to work,” says Diana. “Helping us apply for jobs and helping us fill in every paper document—that was really amazing because some of the papers were really confusing.”
Liz taught them how to prepare their resumes, practice interviewing, and find and apply for job openings relevant to their interests and experience. Diana says that she called or texted them before every job interview. “‘Do you have any questions? Do you need to practice anything?,” and arranged for rideshares for them when public transportation wasn’t available. “We really felt supported every time we had to do something new.”
Randy has now started working as a Home Healthcare Aide. He feels very lucky not only to have a job related to his training but also the first job he applied for, since he was warned in orientation that it may take a while. He’s already thinking about the future:
“We appreciate that although we got jobs already, there are sessions that are informative about other careers…I think we could start working, also at night, [with the goal to] not to be in one place, to work, and also to study, and to improve.”
Diana has started working as a Beauty Associate in a duty-free shop at Logan Airport, the place that gave her that first feeling of safety here. “It’s really amazing. When I was a child, all I thought about was planes. I really like them. Maybe because in Cuba it’s really weird to see a plane or be around an airport—those careers are really only for the military, it’s really amazing that I can work in the airport.”
Feeling Welcome
“I was really worried before coming here,” says Diana.“Everything was going to be new, and we don’t know anything about life, but it feels calming for me that people are always there to ask questionsto.Everybody is kind to you, treats you well. That’s amazing. It’s really welcoming to have people who are kind to you even when you’re not from here.We are really thankful—for this country and everyone at IINE that really helped us.”
Estamos orgullosos de haber acogido, reasentado y apoyado aed refugiados en la región de Nueva Inglaterra durante más de 100 años. Más información sobre nuestra labor dereasentamiento de refugiados.
Dr. Caforio is recognized for his contributions to the healthcare industry in the U.S.
BOSTON – December 6, 2023 – The International Institute of New England (IINE) announced Dr. Giovanni Caforio, Executive Chairman of the Board and former CEO of Bristol Myers Squibb, as the recipient of the 42nd Golden Door Award. The prestigious award is given annually to a leader born outside the United States who has made outstanding contributions to American society. Caforio will be honored at The Golden Door Award Gala held on Monday, March 4, 2024, at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston.
“We thank Dr. Caforio for accepting the 42nd Golden Door Award and for his extraordinary leadership at Bristol Myers Squibb. Under his leadership, the organization has revolutionized the way we treat cancer,” said Jeff Thielman, President and CEO of the International Institute of New England. “Dr. Caforio exemplifies the drive and compassion of refugees and immigrants celebrated through the Golden Door Award, which honors their tremendous contributions to American society.”
Dr. Caforio served as Bristol Myers Squibb’s Chief Executive Officer from May 2015 to October 2023. Born and educated in Italy, Dr. Caforio has been dedicated to leading Bristol Myers Squibb’s efforts in researching and developing groundbreaking medicines. Joining in 2000 as Vice President and General Manager in Italy with the Worldwide Medicines Group, Dr. Caforio then added responsibility for Greece and Israel in 2001, and for Southeast Europe in 2003. In 2007, he relocated to the U.S. and assumed the role of Senior Vice President of U.S. Oncology.
Behind a leading portfolio of immunotherapies that are fundamentally changing the way cancer is treated, the former physician has helped strengthen Bristol Myers Squibb’s patient-focused culture—one driven by innovation, speed, accountability, and passion. As a leader, he is focused on the business value of a company culture that promotes and rewards diversity and inclusion.
“A dedicated physician, leader, and visionary, Giovanni is truly a worthy recipient of this award,” said Ted Samuels, Lead Independent Director at Bristol Myers Squibb and GDA Host Committee member. “As an immigrant himself, Giovanni has supported the diverse experiences and perspectives of our employees. He has also been at the helm of Bristol Myers Squibb’s commitment to diversifying our clinical trials to help the populations most in need. Giovanni wholeheartedly believes in continuing to develop treatments and medicines for everyone, everywhere.”
“Thank you to the International Institute of New England for this incredible recognition,” said Dr. Giovanni Caforio, Executive Chairman of the Board and former CEO at Bristol Myers Squibb. “I am honored to join a long list of highly accomplished refugees and immigrants representing diverse professions in academia, music and culture, the political arena, biotech and more, all celebrated for their integral role in elevating their communities in the U.S.”
In receiving the Golden Door Award, Dr. Caforio joins a distinguished list of past recipients, including 2023 honoree Dr. Srikant M. Datar, Stéphane Bancel, Dr. Reshma Kewalramani, Dr. Noubar Afeyan, Dr. Rafael Reif, Dr. Joseph Aoun, Justice Margaret Marshall, Yo-Yo Ma, An Wang, Stephen Mugar, I.M. Pei and more.
SOBRE EL INSTITUTO INTERNACIONAL DE NUEVA INGLATERRA
El Instituto Internacional de Nueva Inglaterra (IINE) crea oportunidades para que los refugiados y los inmigrantes tengan éxito a través del reasentamiento, la educación, la promoción profesional y las vías hacia la ciudadanía. Con sedes en Boston y Lowell (Massachusetts) y Manchester (New Hampshire), el IINE atiende anualmente a más de 10.000 personas, entre ellas desplazados por la inestabilidad política, la violencia y las crisis climáticas, niños y adultos supervivientes de la trata de seres humanos y menores no acompañados que se reúnen con familiares en Nueva Inglaterra. El IINE ofrece una amplia gama de programas y servicios para ayudar a estos recién llegados a sentirse bienvenidos, lograr estabilidad y seguridad, y acceder a recursos en sus nuevas comunidades; avanzar en sus objetivos de educación y empleo; e integrarse en sus comunidades. La experiencia del IINE se basa en más de un siglo de servicio, y con la continua colaboración de grupos comunitarios y el apoyo de filántropos de toda Nueva Inglaterra, el IINE continuará prestando este servicio durante los próximos 100 años y más allá.
The Golden Door Award has been an IINE tradition for more than 50 years honoring a person born outside the U.S. that has made outstanding contributions to American society. Our annual gala is an occasion that calls us to stand together in celebration of the achievements of immigrants who have played an integral role in our communities, economy, and society. Learn more about the 2024 Golden Door Award Gala here.
Dear Ahmed, Zuhra, and Meetra, Welcome to Boston! My name is Suraj Chaudhry. I am a 16-year-old at Newton South High School about to start 11th grade…Let me tell you something about Boston. This is a very nice and friendly city. There are people from all over the world who come here and live here—they are very supportive and want to see others succeed and do well.
– IINE volunteer Suraj Chaudhry in his letter to a newly arrived refugee family
Cuando Suraj Chaudhry se enteró de que, a sus 16 años, era demasiado joven para unas prácticas de verano en el IINE, no se dejó intimidar. Le dijo a la coordinadora de voluntarios del IINE, Kate Waidler, que quería "echar una mano como fuera".
Kate made two suggestions: he could write a letter to welcome a newly arriving refugee family or collect donations of household items they need. Suraj did both. His beautifully-written letter was delivered to a family from Afghanistan and his donation drive brought in about sixty coats to help newly arrived families stay warm during their first New England winter.
“What impressed me about Suraj,” Kate recalls, “was his initiative and tenacity. I gave him a couple of ideas and he ran with them, involving his family, friends, and classmates. He followed up with me by phone and email to plan both for the letter and the coat drive and made arrangements to drop them off after his school day.”
“I reached out to a few small schools and businesses and set up boxes to get coat donations with an IINE sign,” Suraj says. “People were very generous and donated many coats in good and even new condition. I hope the coats will help refugees over the winter season and I hope to do another one soon.”
Kate was equally impressed by the letter he wrote. “His letter is warm and friendly,” she says. “I love how he invites the family to participate in what Boston has to offer and finds commonalities like sports and food. He tells them interesting things about himself and appears genuinely curious about the family and their transition to Boston. I would feel welcomed and supported by receiving such a letter and that is the desired outcome: to make refugee families feel like they are wanted in our city and invited to participate in the city’s offerings.”
“I just thought of what I would want to know if I ever were to leave Boston,” says Suraj, “like the best way to get around, what type of city it was, and whether the people were friendly. I just hosted an Argentinian exchange student earlier this year at my house, and one of the things I did with him was go to see a Celtics game at TD Garden. He was so happy and grateful, so I included that in my letter. I also thought to personalize it with pictures so the family can put a face to the letter. I hope the Afghan family found some comfort in my letter.”
It was completing an Argentinian student exchange program that led Suraj to search for internships involving immigrants. When his search led him to the International Institute of New England, he was moved by the mission.
“The work that IINE is doing is making a difference in the lives of refugees and giving them a chance at everyday life. Since it is their first step before refugees enter their new home and community, it’s important that they feel welcome. As a member of an Indian Immigrant family, I know firsthand the struggles my parents faced, and I would like to help other families, and raise awareness about the challenges refugees face when they first arrive, and ways we can support them.”
What will we see next from Suraj?
“Honestly, he says “I am just getting started and it makes me feel like I am making a difference. So hopefully, I can continue to keep it up!”
We caught up with a handful of staff celebrating work anniversaries to hear what initially brought them to the International Institute of New England, how their roles and the organization have evolved since then, and what they enjoy most about the work today.
Emma Pond, Career Navigator
Celebrated her 1-year work anniversary in 2023
Emma and a student at a recent Ready, Set, Service! graduation ceremony
What first inspired you to join IINE?
Before working at IINE I worked for the International Rescue Committee in New York. I had just spent a year working in the city and three months working at Lifting Hands International in Greece. I knew I wanted to keep working in resettlement, and soon found IINE. I was impressed by the history of IINE and the work IINE does in New England. I was so excited when I got an interview for a Career Navigator position!
One year later, how have your role and IINE changed?
My role has changed over the course of my first year here. I started as a Teaching Assistant to the Career Navigator running the MassHire program, Ready, Set, Service! (RSS). Soon after, I started working with the clients directly to find jobs and recruit for the next cohort. I have now taught two cohorts of RSS and six Driver’s Ed courses. The most recent RSS class graduated on 11/17/23 and now I start the next chapter of finding job placements.
What do you enjoy most about your role today?
My favorite part of my job is teaching. I love connecting with the students and feeling like I am contributing something useful. When students in my class form friendships and support each other, that makes me even happier. Driver’s Ed, which I started teaching in May of this year, has been a surprisingly fun and rewarding part of my job as well. Driver’s Ed is only four days but in those four days, students learn what they need to know to pass the Permit Exam. It is extremely rewarding to see students take the class, pass their exam, and then write to me that they have passed their driving test and are now licensed. Having a license opens the door to so much; being a small part of that newfound agency is very special.
Yusuf Abdi, Manager, Career Services
Celebrating his 10-year work anniversary in 2024
Yusuf (front) and IINE staff and volunteers prepare an apartment for a newly arrived immigrant family
What first inspired you to join IINE?
America is a nation of immigrants that, at its core, embraces newcomers and gives them the opportunity to rebuild their lives. IINE supports this work by welcoming refugees and people who have been forced to leave their homelands. As a refugee myself, I wanted to be part of this work.
I joined the Career Services Team because finding employment is a fundamental step for immigrants to become self-reliant and independent. Jobs are key to paying rent, owning a car, and living in their new communities with dignity.
The opportunity to support refugees and immigrants inspires me daily in my role. For everyone who works at IINE, it is more than just a job – we are all working together to achieve the goal of helping newcomers to our country.
Nearly ten years later, how have your role and IINE changed?
When I joined the Lowell office as an Employment Specialist, we were a team of two. When the administration changed in 2016, our team decreased to just me. It was a very difficult moment in time. Since then, thankfully, we have grown a lot – and we had to, to support the large influx of Afghan immigrants [in 2021]. Today, we are a team of seven.
I have moved up from a Specialist, to a Lead, to now the Manager of the team. Throughout my time at IINE, I have learned so much, and I am grateful to have been provided with many training opportunities.
What do you enjoy most about your role today?
Seeing our clients start with nothing, in many cases, and become self-sufficient – that always motivates me. Over the years, I have watched newly arrived clients, who I helped find jobs, go on to buy cars, enroll their children in school, and then their children graduate and go on to university. It is amazing to see this growth. And our clients are so appreciative. That’s what keeps me doing this work.
I also enjoy building bridges between our clients and local employer partners. Not only do I get to help our clients, I get to help the local economy, and employers thank us for supporting their businesses. For instance, during the pandemic, many healthcare providers needed staffing quickly. They reached out to me, and we were able to play a tremendous role in connecting them with our clients and fulfilling their needs in a short time.
Lastly, I really enjoy the community that exists at IINE. Everyone that first comes to us is experiencing a transition period. They aren’t yet self-sufficient and they need temporary support. Our clients understand this, and as they become more self-sufficient, they help others. So our Congolese clients have gone on to help our Afghan clients, and now our Afghan clients are helping our Haitian clients. They are driving them to appointments, welcoming them to the neighborhood – there is trust between them, even though they all come from very different backgrounds, because they share a connection through IINE. Seeing that willingness to give back, it’s very meaningful. We are a family here.
Pam Seremet, Education Program Specialist
Celebrated her 3-year work anniversary in 2023
Pam (right) congratulates an ESOL student on their achievements during IINE’s World Refugee Day celebration
What first inspired you to join IINE?
In 2013, I went back to school to get my master’s because we had an international program at a private school I was teaching at and I thought it would be good to study ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) to help out with that program. In 2016, I received my master’s in education with a concentration in ESOL. I was planning on “retiring” from elementary school and moving upstairs to be the high school ESOL support. However, in 2018, the school closed. So… I was looking for a place that I could use my ESOL skills to help students succeed. When I read the mission statement of IINE, I knew it was a place I wanted to be a part of.
Three years later, how have your role and IINE changed?
I was hired in October of 2020, in the midst of COVID. We had four classes and I taught two of them. Three of the classes were on Zoom, and I had six Literacy students in person that I had to teach how to use Zoom on their phones so the Literacy/Beginner class could still meet via Zoom. By January, we were all on Zoom. Then I split the Literacy and Beginners groups because of the big gap between the two groups. Today, we have seven ESOL classes, two classes for Healthcare, and an LNA (Licensed Nursing Assistant) class. We also have more teachers and support staff on the Education team since when I started. We have expanded from our office on Pine Street to Brookside Church and St. Raphael’s School to accommodate the bigger classes and yet we still have a long waiting list of adults who want to learn English!
The other piece of my job is curriculum. I have been in the process of writing curriculum for our three ESOL levels so that if a student enters our program in Level 1, they can flow continuously through the three levels and have a solid foundation of phonics, reading, grammar, writing, speaking and listening when they graduate from our program. I review curriculum to pick the best options for our students. Since there is no ONE curriculum that covers it all, I am always looking for outside resources to supplement and enhance the curriculum.
What do you enjoy most about your role today?
I love my job at IINE! I love helping my students improve in the many facets of English! I feel satisfied when they meet one of their goals and celebrate with them. When I see students struggling, I try to implement opportunities to practice those skills and encourage them to continue moving forward. I enjoy collaborating with the others on the Education Team. We share thoughts and ideas, build on each other’s suggestions, and divide and conquer duties when needed! I’m so grateful for my job and the people I work with at IINE!
CJ Mbaike, Budget Analyst
Celebrated his 1-year work anniversary in 2023
CJ joined the Finance Team in 2022
What first inspired you to join IINE?
The first thing that inspired me to join IINE is the mission. Being an immigrant from Nigeria, I know how difficult it can be settling in a new country where you may not have family or relatives and need to adjust to cultural differences. Wanting to help others like me is what inspired me to work for an organization like IINE.
Three years later, how have your role and IINE changed?
My role has transformed significantly: from self-growth to team and company growth, I have transitioned into an integral part of the Finance Team and being a team player to support IINE’s mission.
What do you enjoy most about your role today?
What I enjoy the most about my role is preparing a budget and being awarded a grant. For example, when I prepare a budget for the Advancement Team and I receive an email saying we were awarded the grant, it feels amazing and very rewarding.
Kate Bertino, Managing Attorney
Celebrated her 3-year work anniversary in 2023
Kate (right) accompanies her client A.A. to his U.S. Citizenship Oath of Allegiance Ceremony
What first inspired you to join IINE?
I was inspired by the mission and determined to continue working in an area of law where I could be of greatest service to those in my community.
Three years later, how have your role and IINE changed?
When I first started at IINE as an Associate Attorney, the Immigration Legal Services Department was a team of three. Since then, I have been promoted to Managing Attorney and oversee three people out of a team of nine. It’s been exciting watching our program grow and continue to provide quality legal services.
What do you enjoy most about your role today?
I enjoy being a mentor for my staff and working with a team of dedicated and passionate professionals.
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.
Farida Niazi, a former refugee from Afghanistan who has made Lowell, Massachusetts her home since 2019, says that she loves the freedom she feels here.
“In the United States, religion is different, and everyone is different, but nobody told me about my hijab, or anything. Here the good thing is what you do and who you are, not what you wear. That’s why I love it here.”
Now that Farida no longer feels an expectation to wear a hijab, she embraces the opportunity to choose to do so. However, Farida and the many fellow Afghans she has met in Lowell have struggled to find high-quality, traditional clothing.
“I wear a hijab and long clothes. I was searching. Especially in summer when it’s really hot, it’s difficult. I didn’t find it. A lot of families from Afghanistan are coming here and I thought if I have this problem, they also have this problem.”
Farida says that because she had lived in an urban area in Afghanistan and worked as a teacher, the transition to life in Lowell was easier for her, but that many Afghan women in Lowell with different backgrounds can be “shy” and hesitant to leave their homes. Not having clothes that feel appropriate and comfortable makes it even harder for them, increasing their isolation.
Farida sources high-quality fabrics from Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan
To help address this challenge, Farida has started her own business sewing, tailoring, and importing traditional Afghan clothes at affordable prices. Working via WhatsApp with vendors in Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan, she chooses high-quality fabrics, clothing items, and accessories and has them shipped. She then posts pictures and takes orders through a Lowell Afghan Facebook Page. Customers can come to her home to feel the fabric and see the quality of the clothes. Prices are negotiable and she tries to keep things as affordable as possible while she’s building up her business. It’s been about a year and things are going well.
“When customers come once, they come again, and those who have visited, tell others.”
Farida had taught herself to sew when she lived in Afghanistan, measuring fabric by outlining her own dresses and cutting around them. She improved her skills thanks to access to sewing machines at the International Institute of New England, where the Niazi family has deep ties. When IINE helped Farida, her husband and their three children resettle in Lowell, which she says “felt like a blessing from God,” she reunited with family members whom IINE had resettled earlier: her parents, and her sisters Safeena and Haseena who now both work as IINE Case Specialists helping fellow refugees.
Through this connection, Farida has found another way to help Afghan women feel less isolated in Lowell. For the past two summers, she’s led IINE’s weekly sewing groups for Afghan women clients. Sometimes she teaches, but more importantly, working with interpreters, she gives participants the chance to socialize with one another and with volunteers, while communally working on their craft. Sometimes this leads to them getting needed support from their IINE case workers.
A traditional Afghan dress sewn by Farida
“The good thing is that we’re involved in the community, and we know each other. Sometimes people had problems they didn’t discuss. Knowing they’re talking to someone who speaks English is good for Afghan women. Sometimes they didn’t have jobs, they had trouble with appointments, or they had problems in their home, but they didn’t tell anyone because they didn’t want to have to explain.”
Farida hopes that some of the women she sews with will work with her when she is one day able to open a physical clothing and tailor shop in the community. Many have already expressed interest. In the meantime, life is busy and filled with her three children and newborn baby, beautiful fabric, and the sounds of a phone buzzing with WhatsApp notifications about the latest clothing orders.
Dedicated donors make the International Institute of New England’s work supporting thousands of refugee and immigrant families possible. Hear from donors about their personal connections to IINE and the reasons they are compelled to support our mission.
Wade Rubinstein
Leadership Council Member
“It was at a Suitcase Stories® event back in 2017 that I first learned about the International Institute of New England. I was so moved by the stories I heard, I became an IINE volunteer in Lowell tutoring recent arrivals in English. It is a singularly American experience to sit in an IINE classroom with twenty people of different nationalities, genders, and ages learning English together.
As the son and grandson of immigrants to the United States, I feel compelled to help people seeking a better life for themselves and their families. My wife, Jill Block, and I are committed to supporting IINE’s mission with our philanthropic giving. It’s a joy to know that our contributions are helping people from all over the world settle in New England and build productive lives.”
A presenter shares her journey at a Suitcase Stories® event
Pam Chung
ESOL Tutor
“Immigrants, often refugees, arrive in the U.S. bewildered, frightened, and overwhelmed. They come here with hopes for a better life than the one they left, and many really had no choice. I was lucky to be born and raised here and I am glad to share my good fortune with others who have had a challenging path.
IINE provides tools for immigrants to succeed, and we benefit from them being here. Take a look around and see who is providing services at restaurants, hotels and airports, not to mention health care, and more. It is important for me to help provide people with the tools they need to succeed in this new, foreign world. And it is fun and gratifying for me to learn from them. There is much to be gained from the friendship and assistance of these newly arrived members of our society, and I believe strongly that I, and you, should donate to IINE to help it continue its work.The International Institute does a marvelous job, under a great deal of pressure, with grace, care and good humor.”
A student in our Certified Nursing Assistant training program
Annie and Bob Schmalz
Long-Time Supporters
“After the 2016 election we were horrified with the anti-immigrant rhetoric and activity and began to look for ways to help refugees. We learned of IINE at that time. We brought a program from IINE to our continuing care retirement community, Carleton-Willard, and collected items to be donated. I attended an annual award banquet in Boston. Our son is an attorney for INS and we are aware of what is going on from that point of view. Our connection to IINE is a tangible way that we can do something.”
Julianne Mehegan
Dedicated Supporter
“I support the International Institute of New England because of its long track record and proven results in helping immigrants and refugees. IINE has developed programs to support these newcomers and ensure they get the health care, language skills and training needed to become productive citizens. Now more than ever the services of IINE are needed to smooth the way for new generations of immigrants.”
Our ESOL students receive help from teachers and tutors
I was born and raised in southern Maine. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Zoology and a Master of Education from the University of Maine, and then an M.B.A. from the Tuck School at Dartmouth College. Shortly after, in 1982, I moved to Boston, and I have been here ever since! My husband and I raised our three children on Beacon Hill. We have a long history with the city and feel lucky to call it home.
In terms of my career, my first role after coming to Boston was at Bain & Company, a management consulting firm. I stayed there for more than a decade, ultimately becoming a Partner, before moving to Genzyme Corporation. At the time, it was a fledgling biotech company. During my 18 years there, I had multiple roles, including leading global business strategy and operations for the Biosurgery division, and helping develop a start-up genetic diagnostics business. It was a wonderful organization and culture, and being able to help so many people from a healthcare perspective was truly a highpoint of my career. Since retirement, I have primarily been engaged with board work, supporting a number of life sciences and nonprofit organizations.
Tell us about your journey to the International Institute of New England.
As a small-town kid from Maine, joining global companies such as Bain and Genzyme really expanded my perspective. I had a chance to travel around the world and meet people from backgrounds very different from my own. That helped me form a more global point of view.
The first time I learned of IINE was when the organization honored Henri Termeer, a Dutch immigrant and CEO of Genzyme, at the Golden Door Award gala. I became more familiar with IINE through Zoltan Csimma, who oversaw human resources at Genzyme, and would become IINE’s Board Chair for many years. With each event I attended and conversation I had, I became increasingly impressed by IINE’s incredible work and impact. I became a member of the Leadership Council and stayed engaged in that way until this year, when I took on the role of a board member.
What do you consider the most important contributions of a board member?
Naturally, there are governance and fiduciary responsibilities. IINE is very well-run and effective in those areas, so I think the most important aspect of my role as a board member becomes the advisory responsibility – helping IINE remain focused on its mission and its future. It has been exciting to take on this role while IINE is in the midst of developing a new strategic plan and preparing to increase its investment in private philanthropy. I have been so impressed by how IINE has risen to challenges over the years. Ensuring we can continue to weather any storms that come our way requires strong fundraising, and I am looking forward to supporting this work.
I think IINE has done a commendable job of assembling a board of very talented individuals with diverse experiences and perspectives. It creates a robust dialogue. I’m looking forward to bringing my career perspective and philanthropy expertise to bear on our work as a group.
What excites you most about IINE’s future?
I’m a lifelong learner, so more than anything, I’m excited to learn! IINE’s business model is very complex, in terms of the multiple funding streams. Everyone has worked incredibly hard to get IINE to the level of impact it has reached today, where the organization is serving thousands of refugees and immigrants. I look forward to learning from my fellow board members and IINE leadership.
What inspires your philanthropy?
My sister and I were raised by an incredible mom, who supported our family on her own as a dedicated schoolteacher. With my family’s support, as well as a number of wonderful opportunities and scholarships, I was able to succeed. I feel very fortunate, and it’s important for me to give back, to help others find opportunities and success, too.
El Informe Spotlight es un informe trimestral para ofrecerle un conocimiento más profundo de nuestro trabajo. Este Spotlight Report explica por qué tantas familias inmigrantes han entrado en el sistema de refugios de emergencia de Massachusetts en los últimos meses, y cómo IINE está trabajando con los gobiernos estatal y federal y las organizaciones asociadas para proporcionar apoyo inmediato, así como abogar por soluciones a largo plazo.
En S24 de septiembreth, Instituto de Nueva Inglaterra miembrosvoluntarios, personal amigos y miembros de la comunidad local se se subieron a sus bicicletas para participar enen la 5a anual del IINERefugiados e Inmigrantes. Creado por miembro de la Junta del IINEWill Krause, El paseo reúneciclistas experimentados y ciclistas ocasionalesen bicicleta una ruta de 50 o 12 millas para recaudar fondos y sensibilizar para los refugiados e inmigrantes de nuestras comunidades.
Motociclistas partieron de de Arlington, MA, parando en Lowell para visitar nuestras nuevas oficinas y aprender más sobre el trabajo del IINE. trabajo de IINE antes deconoceren conotros ciclistas de jinetes en la ruta de regreso a Arlington. Un granracias a los 21 ciclistas que participaron e hicieron que el día fuera un éxito¡!
Lo más destacado del viaje
Partidarios y el personal Recaudar Fondos críticos para a los refugiados e inmigrantes de nuestra comunidadies
Los simpatizantes, amigos y miembros del personal del IINE recaudaron colectivamente casi 32.000 dólares para proporcionar reasentamiento reasentamientogestión intensiva de casos, ESOL para adultospromoción profesional, programas para jóvenes y inmigración servicios jurídicos a refugiados e inmigrantes necesitados.Varios compartieron las razones que les inspiraron a montar:
Los pilotos disfrutan de un Delicioso Post-después de la carrera en el Kickstand Café
Un agradecimiento especial al propietario Emily Shea y a su personal del el Kickstand Café en Arlington, que, por tercer año consecutivo, ofrecieron amablemente una recepción tras la carrera. Ciclistas y simpatizantes disfrutaron de deliciosa comida y bebidas mientras reflexionaban sobre el impacto del evento (y trataron de mantenerse secos en el llovizna llovizna otoñal).
Starbucks, un valioso y generoso socio del IINE, patrocina la carrera
Un agradecimiento especial a Starbucks Corporation por su generosidad como primer patrocinador corporativo de la Marcha anual. La continua colaboración de la empresa con nuestra organización, desde la oferta de oportunidades de empleo a nuestros clientes hasta la concesión de subvenciones y el patrocinio de eventos, pasando por el voluntariado en la celebración del Día Mundial de los Refugiados. celebración del Día Mundial del Refugiado - ejemplifica cómo la movilización de nuestra comunidad empresarial puede cambiar la vida de los refugiados e inmigrantes que buscan un nuevo comienzo en Nueva Inglaterra.
Gracias de nuevo a todos los que han apoyado la cabalgata. En donando a IINEusted hace una diferencia directa en la vida de los refugiados y los inmigrantes en nuestrasías.
Por Jeff Thielman, Presidente y Director General del Instituto Internacional de Nueva Inglaterra
A medida que nuestro ejercicio fiscal 2023 llega a su fin, quiero dedicar un momento a reflexionar sobre un año que no ha sido como ningún otro, y darles las gracias a ustedes, nuestros colaboradores, por responder a un nivel de necesidad que ninguno de nosotros podría haber previsto hace un año.
El año pasado fue notable en muchos sentidos:
La gran mayoría detlos que que entran en los servicios proceden de Haití, donde la agitación política, las catástrofes naturales, la escasez de agua y el hambre, y la violencia generalizada de las bandas han desplazado a millones de personas. Muchos pusieron sus esperanzass en los EE.UU. y emprenden un largo y peligroso viaje, y para decenas de miles, Massachusetts es su última parada y su nuevo comienzo. Aquí se unen a una rica comunidad y la 3rd mayor diáspora haitiana de EE.UU. Para los inmigrantes haitianos, y para los miles de clientes a los que atendemos, Massachusetts es el lugar ideal. atendemos cada año de más de 60 países de origen, el IINE ofrece vida envidat desbloqueando y la entrega deción de prestaciones federales y estatales (como alimentos, asistencia sanitaria y ayudas a la vivienda) a las que tienen derecho y que no podrían recibir sin la ayuda de una organización como la nuestra.
Los retos a los que se enfrentan los inmigrantes al entrar en Estados Unidos son inmensos. Su camino hacia la autosuficiencia se ve a menudo obstaculizado por la inadecuada financiación en Massachusetts de las clases de ESOL (inglés para hablantes de otros idiomas) para adultos, que tienen larguísimas listas de espera.. Algunos inmigrantes también sufren Algunos inmigrantes también sufren retrasos en la aprobación de los documentos federales de autorización de trabajo necesarios para conseguir empleo. El IINE ha abogado por un aumento de la financiación estatal y federal. financiación estatal y federal para expediry ha presionado regularmente para mejorar y ampliar los servicios que apoyan la estabilización e integración de familias con tanto que ofrecer a nuestra comunidad y economía.
El núcleo de todo nuestra programación es IINE visión a largo plazo del IINE es que puedan realizar sus sueños y contribuir al crecimiento y la prosperidad de Nueva Inglaterra. En apoyo de estoeste año el IINE ha puesto en marcha un nuevo curso de educación financiera. Se imparte en nuestras oficinas de Boston y Lowell y freo para todosestudiantes, la clase abarca una serie de temas desde los fundamentos de la bancaa la planificación financiera, la compra de una vivienda y la comprensión de las puntuaciones y los informes de crédito. También pusimos a prueba un nuevo programa de formación laboral centrado en el desarrollo profesional. Diseñado para una amplia gama de niveles de inglés, el curso se centra en las normas del lugar de trabajo en los EE.UU. Los temas incluyen el profesionalismo y las habilidades sociales, servicio al cliente, etiqueta de correo electrónico, habilidades transferibles, el trabajo en equipo / colaboración, curriculum vitae y carta de presentación, estrategias de búsqueda de empleo, simulacro de entrevistas, y la formación para el empleo. entrevistas y y negociaciones salariales. Obtenga más información sobre el programa en nuestra entrevista con la Directora Asociada de Iniciativas Laborales Kubana Alexes.
Esta primavera, en colaboración con Stellar Story Company y Global Arts Live, siete narradores se subieron al escenario del Somerville Theatre para compartir sus propias historias de migración e intercambio intercultural. En dificultades, triunfos y autodescubrimientos, los narradores pusieron al público en pie.. Cuatro otrosstorytellers, entre ellos nuestro cliente juvenil Mapendo Mutingamocompartieron sus historias personales en la celebración del Día Mundial del Refugiado del IINE en el Middlesex Community College en Lowell.Experimenta el espectáculo Suitcase Stories® de nuestro cliente Mapendo en nuestro blog.
Lanzado en el verano de 2022, Resettle Together es un nuevo tipo de modelo de patrocinio comunitario a través del cual los voluntarios entran en una asociación formal con el IINE para recaudar recursos para acoger y reasentar a una familia de refugiados. La asociación amplía capacidad al tiempo que se aprovecha la experiencia de nuestro personal y cada de cada grupo de voluntarios. ¿Cuál es el resultado? Los refugiados se sienten más apoyados, acogidos e integrados en sus nuevas comunidades. En el último año, se han formado diez nuevos grupos Resettle Together formado, completado con éxito la orientación, y han emparejado con unn IINE familia de refugiados. Tom Barrington, miembro del grupo "Team Together," compartió su experiencia. "Acompañar a una familia de refugiados es un inmenso privilegio", afirmó. "Nosotros podemos conocer a personas valientes que tienen todo tipo de esperanzas y sueños para su futuro. Tienen todo tipo de oportunidades a lo largo de un camino torcido. No podemos recorrer ese camino por ellos, pero podemos estar con ellos". Escuche más sobre la experiencia de su grupo apoyando a una familia afgana de nueve miembros en nuestro seminario web.
Gracias de nuevo por su apoyo constante. Gracias a ustedes, refugiados e inmigrantes encuentran seguridad y esperanza en nuestra región.
I was born and raised in southern Maine. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Zoology and a Master of Education from the University of Maine, and then an M.B.A. from the Tuck School at Dartmouth College. Shortly after, in 1982, I moved to Boston, and I have been here ever since! My husband and I raised our three children on Beacon Hill. We have a long history with the city and feel lucky to call it home. 
