The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) invites the community to attend the grand opening of the organization’s new office in Somerville, located at 362 Somerville Ave, on Thursday, May 23, 2024, from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

In addition to a ribbon-cutting ceremony between 5 and 6 PM and a tour of the new office, guests will get a chance to meet the organization’s Somerville staff, learn about the various free health and social services offered out of the Union Square office, and enjoy entertainment with local drums ensemble Grooversity, as well as appetizers, wine, and other refreshments. Those interested in attending should RSVP by May 21 by contacting Marilia Alves, MAPS Communications and Executive Assistant, at malves@maps-inc.org, or by calling 617-864-7600.

Earlier that day, from 10 AM to 3 PM, MAPS will also host a Health and Social Services Fair at the new Somerville space, providing free assistance with citizenship applications, health insurance applications and renewals, HIV/ STI testing, access to public benefits, and more.

MAPS’ relocation and renovation work in the new space were supported by an ARPA grant from the city of Somerville in the amount of $103K. The new office will assist community members by appointment only and through regularly scheduled clinics and drives.

One of those core programs is Immigrant Integration Services (IIS), which assists clients with citizenship applications and other immigration issues and those looking to apply for or renew health insurance plans, including MassHealth. MAPS will also offer Child and Family Clinical Services, providing in-home therapy and comprehensive stabilization services to children and families referred by the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, and HIV/ STI Prevention and Screening services, including testing for HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and HEP C, and access to HIV prevention medications such as PrEP.

The new office will also host MAPS’ court-mandated programs, namely the Impaired Driver Education classes, a 16-week First Offender program for court-referred drivers convicted of driving under the influence, and the Intimate Partner Abuse Educational Program, a 40-week program that teaches men how to stop engaging in abusive. MAPS also offers many other services out of the nearby Cambridge office.

MAPS has served the Portuguese-speaking communities of Massachusetts and others since 1970. The organization offers free health and social services through its seven offices in Cambridge, Somerville, Brighton, Dorchester, Framingham, Lowell, and soon, Everett.