Persistence pays off for Hospitality Training Program graduate
When Adolfo Gomes first arrived in the U.S., he spoke little English and worked entry-level jobs in restaurant kitchens. Anyone who has met him will tell you that being in the back of the house isn’t the natural place for Adolfo’s outgoing personality, nor [...]
Advocating for eligible immigrants who are one step away from Citizenship
As an organization that has welcomed immigrants to the U.S. since 1918, the International Institute of New England has been on the front lines of immigration policy and advocacy for more than a century. In recent days, we have contacted federal legislators from Massachusetts [...]
Three generations now thriving in Nashua: Kanyere and Frediana
Kanyere and her mother, Frediana, fled the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2004 and lived in the Kyaka II refugee camp in western Uganda for 14 years. “There were people killed before our eyes,” Frediana said when she recalled the conditions that forced [...]
Seeing Success in the Crisis: How IINE clients are a source of inspiration
By Emma Tobin Managing Director, IINE-Lowell Seven weeks ago, the IINE community in Lowell faced an enormous challenge: the families we serve were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic but we could no longer provide them with critical services, face to face, as we’ve [...]
Ms. Emily Hood, In Memoriam
IINE recently learned of the death of a longtime supporter, Ms. Emily Hood. She served as a member of the board of directors of the International Institute of Boston in the 1980s and early 1990s. A resident of the Boston area, Ms. Hood [...]
Some important takeaways for the IINE community with regard to President Trump’s Proclamation
The president’s Proclamation on April 22 has created confusion and concern among our immigrant and refugee community. Managing Attorney Chiara St. Pierre has prepared a quick analysis to help IINE staff and clients determine the immediate impact – if any - this action will [...]
Commonwealth Corps selects IINE to host two service positions
The International Institute of New England has been selected by the Commonwealth Corps to host two service positions that will support English for Speakers of Other Languages and Skills Training programs in IINE’s Boston office. The members will serve as Commonwealth Corps Career Readiness [...]
On Patriot’s Day, we’re serving the newest Americans
Happy Patriot’s Day. What better way to celebrate than to support our newest American neighbors? As you know, IINE is a direct response human services organization that, during normal times, ensures new Americans have food to eat, a roof over their heads, diapers for [...]
National Volunteer Appreciation Week at IINE
Each year, the International Institute serves thousands of refugee, asylee, and immigrant families through our many supportive services. Nearly every IINE program depends on volunteers to deliver the quality support our students and clients deserve. IINE staff often remark that “we couldn’t do [...]
IINE works from home
Since March 12, 2020, the vast majority of IINE employees are working remotely to keep safe and practice social distancing. For an organization that thrives on personal connection, face-to-face service delivery, and group interaction, it was an adjustment for us to move our [...]
A grateful update from IINE
In these challenging times it is remarkable to me how communities across the country are coming together. People are taking social distancing seriously, school districts are doing their best to provide remote learning, companies are manufacturing ventilators and other equipment as quickly [...]
Suitcase Stories expanding to include online and interactive resources
By Sarra Briki Intern, Marketing & Community Relations Serving refugees and immigrants for more than 100 years, IINE's mission is built on community and resilience. With the rising challenges that COVID-19 imposes on all of us, we feel even more committed to keeping our [...]