Making a Difference
We serve immigrant and refugee families through outreach and educational programs to assist them in becoming productive members of the community.
MVIEC News
We are one of 150 nonprofits to receive a 2023 grant from the Cummings
Foundation’s $30 Million Grant Program. As a recipient of a prior Cummings Foundation grant, MVIEC was eligible to apply for a 10-year award and it will receive $35,000 a year for ten years.
MVIEC Executive Director Judy Chmielecki said, “We have been so fortunate to have the support of the Cummings Foundation in the past, and we are very grateful now to know that we can count on Cumming’s generosity over the coming ten years.” She added, “This means a lot to us since the need for our services is definitely growing, and we plan to expand our facilities in order to serve more people and have a greater impact on the community.”
MVIEC offices are open from Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Visit our offices to learn more about our English and citizenship courses. Or call 978-683-7316 or email karensheridan@mviec.org to sign up for a class.
Welcome Piero Campos
Welcome to our summer intern from the Forest Foundation. Piero Campos is a junior at Amherst College and a resident of Lawrence. Piero was born in Peru and is a graduate of Bellesini Academy. He is passionate about immigrant and refugee issues.
Citizenship Classes
From gathering the necessary information and documents needed to complete their applications to meeting individually with prospective citizens and assisting them as they prepare for their exam and interview, the program gently guides its participants through a seemingly overwhelming process ensuring that they stay the course and attain their citizenship status.
10 weeks
Starting September 20th
Wednesday 9:00 to 11:00 AM
or
Starting September 21st
Thursday 6:00 to 8:00 PM
$75 fee (optional textbook $25). Free to residents of Lawrence.
English Classes
In fall we are offering three ESOL level 1 and one ESOL level 2 courses which last for twelve weeks. The fee is $125. The morning classes are free for residents of Lawrence.
September 18 - December 4
Level 1
Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 - 11:30 AM
Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:00 -11:30 AM
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 - 8:30 PM
Level 2
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 - 8:30 PM
Workplace English
The morning ESOL Level 1 courses focus on English classes for the workplace. These classes are sponsored by the City of Lawrence and are free to residents of Lawrence ($125 for others).
Free Youth Workshops
Our Youth Writing Program is open to 7th - 10th grade students. In a 12 session summer workshop, they will be exposed to various types of writing and explore many styles and examples. Hands on work will include writing assignments, group sharing and project rewrites. Students are encouraged to rely on their personal experiences by writing about families, and telling their stories as recent immigrants and as children of first generation immigrants and refugees.
Ongoing Workshops
Third Mondays of each month 6-8 pm
(free to students)
Elder Services
Our case managers provide advocacy, translation services, access to social services, and translation support for medical appointments. They collaborate with Elder Services of Merrimack Valley and the Lawrence Senior Center to link seniors to life-saving and preventative services that help seniors prosper in the community.
Funders
Our operations are supported by generous contributions from local and national organizations, including:
Cummings Foundation
Rogers Family Foundation
Stevens Foundation
DCU for Kids
TD Bank Charitable Fund
Margaret Collins Trust
City of Lawrence
The Women's Fund of Essex County
See the full list here