The International Institute of New England Welcomes the African Community Center of Lowell to 585 Middlesex St.

ACCL to share space at IINE’s newly-opened Lowell headquarters, expanding support for immigrants and refugees across Greater Lowell in centralized location

BOSTON – September 1, 2026 – The International Institute of New England (IINE) has announced a new partnership with the African Community Center of Lowell (ACCL) to co-locate at IINE’s recently acquired Lowell headquarters at 585 Middlesex Street, strengthening support for refugees and immigrants across Greater Lowell.

The partnership brings together two organizations with a shared commitment to helping newcomers connect with the support and resources needed to build brighter futures and become engaged community members.  

The collaboration reflects IINE’s vision for its new 21,000-square-foot facility as a hub for community support, where organizations can come together to advance the stability and success of Lowell’s residents.

“From the beginning, we envisioned this building as more than just a home for IINE, but a space where everyone in Lowell can find community and opportunity,” said IINE President and CEO Jeff Thielman. “We are proud to welcome the African Community Center of Lowell and look forward to deepening our partnership to better serve refugees and immigrants.”

“We are so excited to grow our partnership with IINE with this move and look forward to more strongly sustaining our immigrant and refugee community together in our new shared home,” said ACCL Board of Directors Chair Susanne Curry.

“Partnering more closely with IINE will enhance ACCL’s work toward our mission, helping families build healthier communities in Lowell,” said ACCL Executive Director Gordon Donkoh-Halm.

Since its founding in 2016, ACCL has provided African refugees and immigrants in the Greater Lowell area with educational, social, and cultural resources to become actively engaged community members. ACCL also works to bring African culture to Greater Lowell at large, fostering cross-cultural connections and an appreciation for the unique strengths and talents each community member offers.

ACCL’s work complements IINE’s comprehensive services for newcomers. Founded in the city in 1918, IINE provides life-changing services to thousands of individuals every year, connecting refugees and immigrants with housing, healthcare, and food, English language instruction, youth mentoring, employment support, and immigration legal services.

Together, IINE and ACCL will create a stronger network of support for immigrant and refugee communities in Lowell, building on the city’s longstanding tradition of partnership, inclusion, and community engagement.

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Learn more about IINE’s new office in our Spotlight Report On Putting Down Roots in Lowell.