AGAIN: Introducing the Irish International Immigrant Center

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IIIC Mission  |  IIIC Services  |  News Archive  |  Contact Us Happy 4th of July! Celebrating the American Dream Dear Friends, as we celebrate the birth of our nation with friends and family, spare a thought for the many hardworking immigrants, often separated from their families, who face daily challenges as they strive toward their own American Dream. With this in mind, we begin our July eNewsletter by showcasing three very successful IIIC programs that prepare immigrants for the workforce and life in the US, enabling them to progress along the path to fuller social integration, and citizenship. Providing immigrants with employment and language skills is vital if they are to find solid employment and become productive, fully integrated members of American society who contribute to the community. We all gain from this. Wishing you all a very happy 4th of July and a wonderful summer, From your friends at the Irish International Immigrant Center Please consider making a donation here today to fund IIIC programs that bring over 2,100 immigrants each year closer to their American Dream. IIIC Spring classes provide immigrants with new life opportunities Since the start of 2012, three very successful IIIC classes have provided 237 immigrants with new employment skills and life opportunities: IIIC Home Health Aide Course graduated 43 immigrants with a recognized qualification. IIIC ESOL Program enrolled 137 adult learners with intermediate English reading and writing skills. IIIC Citizenship Class prepared 57 eligible students for their citizenship exam. SPOTLIGHT ON: IIIC Home Health Aide Course Since the program began in the summer of 2009, almost 360 immigrants have completed IIIC's 8 week Home Health Aide course, providing them with a Pre-CNA (Certified Nurse’s Aide) Certification, moving them a step closer to finding jobs in a very rewarding career. These classes were held in partnership with CARE, and the Irish Cultural Center in Canton. This course enables our students to be the next generations of counties care-givers. Going into the course, 20% of students were employed in the care-giving field. After the course, 80% of graduates gain employment within 6 months. At our six month follow up, 95% of graduates stated what they learned continues to be "invaluable." Did you know that a gift of $1080 will sponsor one student to take our Home Health Aide course Donate here. SPOTLIGHT ON: IIIC ESOL Program Each year around 100 students from 25 different countries enroll in our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Program. Classes provide skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking. The curriculum includes the use of technology as a tool for learning and career advancement: 80% of students increased their reading and writing scores on standardized testing. Our curriculum is based on the guidelines set forth by the Massachusetts Department of Education, Adult and Community Learning Services. Classroom activities focus on the acquisition of communication skills necessary for students to function in real life situations such as health, family, home maintenance, shopping, job safety, following and giving directions and finances. This year a computer lab was added to the ESOL program through a generous grant from the Richard and Susan Smith Family Foundation. Did you know that a gift of $35 will pay for resources for one student in IIIC's ESOL program. Donate here. SPOTLIGHT ON: IIIC Citizenship Class Since January, 57 Legal Permanent Residents successfully completed the IIIC Citizenship Class whose goals are to prepare eligible applicants for the USCIS naturalization interview / test and to become engaged citizens. Students come from 25 different countries. 15 have already passed the test/interview and are now on their way to full citizenship with all the benefits that offers. Hundreds of others have been helped to become US Citizens this pass year in our Citizenship Services program Did you know that a gift of $400 will sponsor one student on the IIIC's Citizenship course? Donate here. IIIC Spring classes provide immigrants with new life opportunities Since the start of 2012, three very successful IIIC classes have provided 237 immigrants with new employment skills and life opportunities: IIIC Home Health Aide Course graduated 43 immigrants with a recognized qualification. IIIC ESOL Program enrolled 137 adult learners with intermediate English reading and writing skills. IIIC Citizenship Class prepared 57 eligible students for their citizenship exam. J-1 IWT visa program - one young man's story Kevin Walsh, a native of county Meath, arrived in Boston excited to search for his “dream job” on the IIIC J-1 IWT visa program. He had a Masters Degree in International Trade and Finance from Leeds Metropolitan University.  Even though Kevin had dotted all of his i’s and crossed all of his t’s, performed extensive research, and submitted dozens of applications he still needed help to find that great internship placement. He then reached out to IIIC's Jude Clarke, and director of intern placements, Megan Carroll for help. Find out how Kevin got on IIIC welcomes new Managing Attorney We are delighted to welcome new Managing Attorney Jeannie Kain to the IIIC family. Jeannie brings with with her a wealth of immigration law experience. A graduate of the American University and Northeastern University School of Law, prior to joining the IIIC, Jeannie worked as an Associate at the immigration law firm of Kaplan, O’Sullivan and Friedman, and as an Immigration Law Specialist at the Committee for Public Counsel Services (the Massachusetts public defender’s office). Jeannie is currently the Vice-Chair of the New England chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Jeannie lives in Quincy with her husband and two children. A step in the right direction for DREAMers On June 15, 2012 President Obama made a bold move by issuing the "Deferred Action" executive order. The announcement temporarily addresses a humanitarian need faced by young people living in danger of being deported to a country they never knew, having been brought here by their parents. Without a DREAM Act, the DREAMers, as these young hopefuls are known have no chance to become part of our society, even if they were brought here as babies in their parents’ arms, later graduating from an American high school. President Obama's order provides DREAMers a chance at the American dream, even if it is temporary. He halted the deportation of at least 800,000 immigrants who were brought here as children. Read the full Washington Times article. DREAM Act: Questions and answers about President Obama's immigration order for undocumented children If you would like to place your name on a mailing list, we will be happy to contact you once more information is available. Call us at 617-542-7654. 2012 Massachusetts Nonprofit Network Excellence Awards This year's Excellence Awards were presented as part of 2012 Nonprofit Awareness Day, organized by the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network to celebrate the critical work of the nonprofit sector across the commonwealth. In all, 27 excellence award nominees including the IIIC's own Sister Lena Deevy LSA were honored, along with the seven winners: Excellence in Advocacy: MotherWoman Excellence in Board Leadership: Friday Night Supper Program Excellence in Collaboration: Boston Youth Arts Evaluation Project Excellence in Communications: The School for Field Studies Excellence in Innovation: The School for Field Studies Excellence in Leadership: Dorcas Grigg-Saito 2012 Young Professional: Nicki Eastburn Listening to the citations for each of the nominees, it was both inspiring and humbling to learn about the selfless and truly amazing work that so many of our fellow citizens are doing in the service of our communities. Congratulations and thank you to each of them for all that they do. Learn more about the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network Please consider making a donation here today to fund IIIC programs that bring over 2,100 immigrants each year closer to their American Dream. IIIC Mission  |  IIIC Services  |  News Archive  |  Contact Us	Follow the IIIC Upcoming IIIC events   Legal Clinics Check Summer clinic times and locations here “The IIIC is a model for work with immigrants”Frances Fitzgerald TD        Irish Minister for Children and Youth Affairs  Congratulations to all our 2012 graduates Home Health Aide Course graduates proudly display their Pre-CNA certificates. ESOL Program students celebrate with a graduation party. Citizenship Course students pose in front of the American flag that they hope to soon call their own. Farewell Ally Sadly, we say goodbye to Ally Tzovaras, our Volunteer and Operations Coordinator who recently moved to London. Any of you who have visited the IIIC over the past few years will know Ally for her warmth and kindness. Good luck in London Ally, you will be greatly missed. Bloomsday event raises almost $2,000 ! Many thanks to all who attended our Bloomsday celebrations. We are very grateful to the Here Comes Everybody Players, tenor Stephen Mark Brown, pianist Linda Paptopoli and all the volunteers and staff who gave so much of their free time to make the event such a success.  Rod Stewart Night! Thursday, October 4, 2012 Irish American Club 177 West Street, Malden Doors open at 7:00pm. Put on your dancing shoes and join us to kick of your Columbus holiday weekend, enjoying a night of entertainment with Rod Stewart impersonator, Rick Larrimore. Tickets $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Reserve your tickets here or by calling 617-542-7654. Solas Awards Celebration Thursday, December 6, 2012 JFK Library & Museum, Dorchester Please plan to join us for this wonderful annual event to honor local community leaders. Register your Interest here For further details contact Mary Kerr at (617) 695-1554 or at mkerr@iiicenter.org Volunteer and Intern opportunities Julia Williams offers a warm welcome to IIIC visitors Volunteering at the IIIC is a great way to acquire valuable skills and experience. Internships for credit are also available. All positions offer an enjoyable and rewarding opportunity for those interested in immigration or social justice. Ours is a friendly and warmly welcoming environment; a team of people dedicated to helping newcomers to this country. Find out more Follow us facebook.com/iiicenter twitter.com/iiicenter www.iiicenter.org
The Irish International Immigrant Center has supported Irish immigrants since 1989 and has grown into a multiservice center for people from 120 countries helping them find their place in our shared society. Promoting civic engagement and facilitating cultural integration, we work in the US and also in Ireland. Advocating for social change, our vision is one of an integrated society in which all people are treated with respect, dignity and enjoy equal opportunities and protections. The IIIC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit.  All donations are tax-deductible. www.iiicenter.org  |  100 Franklin Street, LL-1, Boston, MA 02110  |  (617) 542-7654

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Irish International Immigrant Center 100 Franklin Street LL-1 Boston, Massachusetts 02110 US Read the VerticalResponse marketing policy.

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