Irish Immigration Center

CONTACT:

59 Temple Place, Suite 1010
Boston, MA 02111
617-542-7654
www.iicenter.org

Sara Guastello

DESCRIPTION:

Founded in 1989 by a group of Irish immigrants, the IIC now serves immigrants of all nations as they adjust to life in the U.S. Offering services to clients from 70 countries, and responding to some 6,500 office visits and 22,000 phone calls a year, the IIC provides free legal clinics, citizenship workshops, housing information, and advice about health care, employment, and legal issues. In November 2000 the group was recognized as an accredited agency by the INS, and now represents clients in INS hearings-a crucial service. But attending to the immediate needs of newcomers to this country "is a job only part done." The IIC's commitment to inclusion and anti-racism is also central to its mission. Supporting immigrant and worker rights, fighting discrimination, racism, and oppression, and fostering ongoing civic involvement among the immigrant community are all vital activities-and generated an award in 2001 from the American Immigration Law Foundation. Now private philanthropy has become critical to this organization's ability to meet the heightened demand for its services. Won't you become a supporter?

(2002: HUMAN SERVICES: Well-Being)