The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) has been awarded a $10,000 grant by the Cambridge Community Foundation (CCF) to support its Elder Services and Senior Center program and Immigrant Integration Services (IIS).

The CCF Community Fund Renewal Grant will allow MAPS to strengthen the provision of critical resources for around 60 additional Portuguese-speaking elderly immigrant residents of Cambridge and surrounding communities. Those services include individual case management and assistance with citizenship applications, housing, health insurance enrollment, public benefits, referrals to community resources, and others.

Thanks to the renewed partnership of more than 30 years between the foundation and the health and social services organization, Portuguese-speaking seniors will also continue to enjoy daily supportive recreational activities and culturally appropriate meals at the MAPS Senior Center, which prevent isolation and promote vital social connection and physical and mental well-being among participants.

“We are deeply grateful for the continued support from the Cambridge Community Foundation, which allows us to expand access to essential services and improve the quality of life for vulnerable Portuguese-speaking immigrant seniors and families,” said Alirio Pereira, MA, Chief Program Officer at MAPS. “This grant reflects the strength of our decades-long partnership with CCF and their belief and trust in our work.”

According to the award letter signed by CCF President Geeta Pradhan, the Foundation “deeply appreciates MAPS’ work and is excited to support its impact on the community.” With this renewed grant, CCF is “honoring the work of organizations with deep roots in Cambridge and longstanding partnerships with the Foundation.”

MAPS’ Immigrant Integration Services and Elder Services assist hundreds of Cambridge residents each year with personalized support around housing, employment, nutrition and fuel assistance, access to other public benefits, health insurance and healthcare enrollment, and other essential social services.