Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants

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Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants

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ORI is a state agency responsible for administering programs that provide competent services to refugees and immigrants through a network of service providers.

11/02/2026

🍂 October at ORI - From inspiring personal milestones to community events and helpful resources, October was filled with stories, connections, and opportunities.

🌎 During Global Diversity Awareness Month, we also launched a new series highlighting the voices and experiences of refugees and immigrants in Massachusetts, recognizing the diverse backgrounds and perspectives that enrich our communities.

📲 Revisit our October posts to read the full stories and learn more about the resources and updates we shared throughout the month.

10/23/2026

With assistance from the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) through ORI's Citizenship for New Americans Program (CNAP), M., from South Korea, achieved her goal of becoming a U.S. citizen.

🎉Her story is the latest in our Immigrant & Refugee Stories series.

👉 Note - ORI programs are provided directly by community-based organizations across the state. For eligibility details and organizations administering the programs, visit: mass.gov/ori

10/16/2026

✨ As part of our Immigrant & Refugee Stories series, meet K., who arrived in Massachusetts from Afghanistan determined to build a new future for his family. With access to employment resources through ORI’s Refugee Community Services (RCS) program, administered by the provider Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Center (RIAC) in Worcester, he took important steps toward greater self-sufficiency.

👉 Note - ORI programs are provided directly by community-based organizations across the state. For eligibility details and organizations administering the programs, visit: mass.gov/ori

10/15/2026

📲 ORI's Community Resource Toolkit has been updated. The toolkit is an online collection of resources designed to help immigrant families in Massachusetts find information and services to meet their needs.

🔎 It now includes additional resources and improved navigation, making it easier to browse the full toolkit or select a specific topic, including immigration legal services, family safety planning, housing, healthcare, education, employment, and more.

🤝 This resource may also be helpful to community organizations, service providers, and others supporting immigrant families. Please share it with those who may benefit.

🔗 Access the updated toolkit: www.mass.gov/info-details/resources-to-support-immigrant-families

10/09/2026

✨Meet J., a refugee student whose experience at West Springfield Public Schools (WSPS) became a new chapter in her education. Through the ORI Refugee School Impact (RSI) Program, J. built her English skills and later shared her experience with educators, reflecting on what it meant to learn in a classroom where she felt safe.

👉 Note - ORI programs are provided directly by community-based organizations across the state. For eligibility details and organizations administering the programs, visit: mass.gov/ori

10/07/2026

🎓ORI was proud to celebrate the graduates of the New England Culinary Arts Training (NECAT) program in Lynn. ORI Executive Director Cristina Aguilera and Workforce Program Coordinator Leticia Ripalda joined the event, organized by the New American Association of Massachusetts (NAAM), to recognize students’ achievements and mark this important milestone.

👏 Congratulations to the graduates and thank you to NAAM and NECAT for supporting refugees and immigrants to build skills, earn credentials, and pursue career opportunities.

10/02/2026

✨ Meet M., who pursued a longtime goal of becoming a U.S. citizen. Through Agencia ALPHA’s citizenship program, supported by ORI’s Citizenship for New Americans Program (CNAP), she received the preparation and support she needed to take the next step in the naturalization process.

👉 Note - ORI programs are provided directly by community-based organizations across the state. For eligibility details and organizations administering the programs, visit: mass.gov/ori

09/30/2026

🏛️ Last week, ORI joined Governor Maura Healey, the Latino Empowerment Council, community leaders, and partners at the Massachusetts State House to celebrate Hispanic & Latino Heritage Month.

🎉The event highlighted the past and present contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities across Massachusetts through cultural performances and remarks.

🤝 ORI was represented by Executive Director Cristina Aguilera and Project Manager Gladys Ortiz, joining community members and partners from across the Commonwealth.

Photos: Josh Qualls/Office of Governor Maura Healey and ORI staff

09/29/2026

📍 Yesterday, ORI joined Governor Maura Healey, community leaders, advocates, and local partners in New Bedford to meet with immigrant families impacted by recent immigration enforcement actions in the community.

👥 The meeting provided an opportunity to hear directly from mothers and families about their experiences, share information, and connect them with available resources. ORI leadership, including Executive Director Cristina Aguilera, Susan Church, Ronnie Millar, and Gladys Ortiz, participated in the conversation.

🔗 For additional information and resources, visit ORI’s Community Resource Toolkit:
www.mass.gov/community-resource-toolkit

Photos: Josh Qualls, Office of Governor Maura Healey

09/23/2026

Governor Maura Healey is calling for answers following recent ICE enforcement activity in New Bedford and its impact on Massachusetts families and communities.

Watch Governor Healey’s remarks:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdmSN39sTUN/

Via

Address

1 Ashburton Place
Boston, MA
0210

Website

https://www.mass.gov/orgs/office-for-refugees-and-immigrants

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