The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) officially opened its new office in Everett on Thursday, June 27, 2024. The health and social services organization welcomed more than 80 community members, public officials, MAPS staff, volunteers, and friends to the grand opening of the new space – MAPS’ seventh office – located on 792 Broadway.

Addressing the crowd at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, MAPS CEO Paulo Pinto, MPA, noted the importance of the milestone for MAPS and the Portuguese-speaking communities the organization serves.

“It’s about time Everett is home to the largest Portuguese-speaking health and social services nonprofit organization in the state,” said Pinto. “This is indeed historic for MAPS and our community. By purchasing this building, we are investing in the future of our organization and the well-being of our immigrant community, and owning our own space provides stability, security, and control over our destiny.”

Patricia DeOliveira, Vice-President of the MAPS Board of Directors, recalled how important of a resource MAPS is to immigrants, especially those who arrived recently.

“Growing up in Cambridge, my family knew that if we ever needed anything, we could count on MAPS to help us figure it out,” she said. “Now, as a longtime Everett resident, I hope that this new MAPS office can be that resource for the residents of Everett, a place where our communities can go if they ever need help with anything.”

Everett City Councilor Stephanie Martins, one of several public officials at the event, expressed her happiness for having MAPS open an office there.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working in collaboration with MAPS for a while, they do such great work in the community and it’s such a great addition to have a MAPS office in the city of Everett,” said Martins, who also presented a congratulatory citation from the Everett City Council. “The entire city government extends its very best wishes on this memorable occasion and expresses the hope for continued good fortune going forward.”

Marcony Almeida-Barros, Everett School Committee Member, Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Healey, and former MAPS Board member reminded guests of the importance of the large Portuguese-speaking community in Everett.

“Portuguese is the most spoken foreign language in the Everett school system,” he mentioned. “I am thrilled as an Everett resident, as an immigrant, and as a Portuguese speaker, that MAPS is here in Everett.”

Realtor Philip Chaves of Advisors Living, Naveo Credit Union Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer Karen Yee, and representatives from the City of Everett were also in attendance and congratulated MAPS and the Portuguese-speaking community in the city.

The new MAPS office in Everett offers many of the organization’s programs and services, including Immigrant Integration Services (assistance with daily issues, access to public benefits, citizenship applications, health insurance assistance, etc.), Child and Family Clinical Services, and HIV/ STI Prevention and Screening (testing for HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and HEP C, and access to HIV prevention medications such as PrEP).