Agency Details:

IMMIGRANTS' ASSISTANCE CENTER

Help immigrants overcome social, economic,language and cultural barriers.

Description:
The Immigrants' Assistance Center provides the following services to the immigrant community: General Case Management,Citizenship Education, Food and Clothing, Elderly Services, HIV/AIDS & Substance Abuse, Health Services, Deportation Support Services and Smoking Treatment.

History:
The Immigrants' Assistance Center was founded by members of the Portuguese community in 1971.

Originally housed in the Immaculate Conception Church in the North End of New Bedford, the center was staffed by volunteers for the first three years of its existence. In 1972, it became a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation and a year later hired its first permanent staff under a federal education and training (CETA) grant.

The center moved to its present office at 58 Crapo Street in the South End of New Bedford in 1976. The space and utilities were initially donated by the City of New Bedford.

Over the next four years the IAC expanded the range of services it offered as it became a member of United Way and an affiliate of the New Bedford Area Center for Human Services.

Today, the IAC serves as a point of access for every type of social service available in the New Bedford area.

The IAC has in recent years, committed itself to expanding its reach beyond the Portuguese community to other linguistic minorities. The composition of the IAC's present board of directors reflects the ethnic diversity of the region it serves.

The IAC has played a pivotal role in the community for 25 years, providing services, information and support to anyone in need. It has helped many clients become more self-reliant, productive members of the community while maintaining their ethnic identity and pride.

Contact person: Helena Marques, Executive Director, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: 508-993-6621

Address:

58 Crapo Street New Bedford, MA 02740 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.immigrantsassistancecenter.com

Directions:

Take 1-195 to New Bedford or 140 South and then 1-195; route 18 South to Downtown; after the third set of lights, take first right (exit) onto Rivet Street; go straight at first set of lights (Intersection of Rivet &. . . (more)   Nearest Bus Stop: Rivet Street, 05 minute walk

Last updated on February 13, 2009