Although we are temporarily unable to provide services on-site at the New American
Center, we are not allowing the COVID-19 crisis to interfere with our mission of assisting
newly arrived refugees and immigrants on their paths to integration into American
society. Since the pandemic closed our doors two weeks ago, we have shifted gears and
all of our staff are now working remotely to continue providing the wide range of
services that our clients need and deserve.
ESL classes:
Our ESL teachers are now teaching their lessons online, on a schedule similar to what
their classroom schedules had been. Students are eagerly tuning in, to continue their
English learning as well as for the opportunity to connect with their teachers and each
other during this isolating time.
Immigration services:
The Accredited Representative and Immigration Specialist in our staff are still filling
forms for immigration benefits such as Naturalization Forms, Adjustment of Status, and
Fee Waiver Forms. We are working remotely and intaking calls for new applications.
Case management:
Case managers have been calling and texting their clients to conduct wellness checks,
inquiring about their health as well as any specific needs that have arisen over the past
weeks due to the increasingly strict social distancing measures that have been put in
place and to the widespread loss of jobs due to the virus. We have been busy helping
clients who have lost jobs to apply for unemployment benefits, SNAP, cash assistance,
MassHealth and for any other benefits for which they may be eligible.
Food Delivery:
We are eternally grateful to our friends at My Brother’s Table, who have made generous
weekly donations of food that our staff has been delivering to clients who are in need.
We will be adding grocery deliveries from Trader Joe’s starting next week.
Youth Program:
We have been hard at work to make sure our students continue to learn while schools
are closed. We are printing and delivering homework as it is assigned. Tutors are
meeting with students online and over the phone to help with homework. Soon we will
start online activity classes for students. To stay up-to-date with us, follow us online
(Facebook – New American Center Youth Program or Instagram – @nacyouthprogram) or
talk to Emilie.
Our doors may be temporarily closed, but our phones and computers are never off and
our hearts remain open. Please call or write us with any questions, concerns or needs.
Voice messages are being retrieved daily; and you can call us at 781 593-0100 extension
18 or email us at info@naamass.org
We hope that everyone, clients, partner agencies and other friends of NAAM and their
families are staying safe and healthy during these difficult times. We look forward to
the day that we can once again greet you all in person at the New American Center.