The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) recently received a $40,000 grant from the Parker Foundation to support its work with the immigrant community in Lowell. The renewed partnership will enable the health and social services organization to assist an additional 160 low-income individuals in accessing healthcare, food security, housing stability, employment, and other essential needs.
As part of MAPS’ Immigrant Integration Services (IIS) Program, the organization’s team of case workers provides free, individualized case management to Portuguese-speaking community members facing urgent needs. Under the program, clients receive access to food assistance, with connections to local food pantries and meal programs. The program also aims to prevent housing instability and homelessness by connecting community members with rental assistance programs and other housing resources.
“MAPS’ program addresses both immediate needs and systemic barriers, creating a pathway from crisis response to long-term resilience for Lowell residents,” said MAPS Chief Program Officer, Alirio Pereira, MA. “Access to culturally and linguistically tailored services enables clients to participate more fully in community life, pursue educational and vocational opportunities, and take steps toward long-term stability.”
“The Parker Foundation is proud to support MAPS’ work and grateful for the invaluable services their team provides for the Portuguese-speaking residents in Lowell,” said Maria D. Cunha, Parker Foundation Trustee.
MAPS also provides connections to legal support and to employment or educational opportunities, in addition to assisting immigrants in becoming U.S. citizens or in navigating other immigration-related processes. The organization’s certified Health Connector Navigators also refer clients to different healthcare coverage options and services, including preventive care, chronic disease management, and mental health support. To learn more about the program, please visit maps-inc.org/cause/immigration-integration-services/.
“This grant from the Parker Foundation is crucial and will allow us to continue to promote economic security and uplift our communities in Lowell,” said MAPS CEO, Paulo Pinto, MPA. “We are proud to, once again, partner with the Parker Foundation, a huge driving force behind meaningful change in Lowell. We are deeply grateful for the grant, which will help many Portuguese-speaking families to thrive, achieve independence, and build brighter futures.”
MAPS has served the Portuguese-speaking communities of Massachusetts and others since 1970. The organization offers a wide range of free health and social services through its six offices in Lowell, Cambridge, Somerville, Everett, Dorchester, and Framingham. To learn more about these programs and other MAPS services, please visit maps-inc.org.