International Institute of New England
The International Institute of New England is a non-profit organization serving immigrants, refugees, asylees, and other vulnerable populations in the metro Boston area. Affiliate branches are located in Lowell, Massachusetts, and Manchester, New Hampshire. In 2010, the IINE assisted families from over 30 different countries, including, but not limited to, Burma, Bhutan, Iraq, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The International Institute of New England (IINE), founded in 1924, is a non-profit government subcontractor. Refugees resettled by the US government via the Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants may be assigned to IINE, which has helped establish immigrant communities in Dorchester, East Boston, Roxbury, Chelsea, Everett, Lynn, and numerous other Greater Boston and New Hampshire regions. Today, there are many International Institutes operating independently across the United States, each serving their own respective refugee and immigrant populations.
The International Institute hosts several departments, each targeting an existing need in the immigrant community.
- Resettlement
The Resettlement Department assists new refugee families during their first few months in New England following their assignment to the Institute. New Americans are supplied with housing help, food pantry access, linguistically appropriate navigation of services, and professional case management to ease their initial transition.
- Workforce Development
The Workforce Development Department provides 30 hours of ESOL classes a week, job search and readiness workshops,industry-specific laddering programs and individualized career counseling to help clients find, maintain, and advance in their employment.
- Social Services
The Social Services Department offers mental health services to clients who are in the process of adjusting to a new life in the United States, especially those who might have experienced trauma in their native countries.
- Legal Assistance
Through their open clinic, the Legal Department provides refugees and immigrants with legal advice, assistance in filing immigration forms, and, on a limited basis, representation for asylum seekers.
- Small Business Management
The Institute also offers a Micro-enterprise and Asset Development Program through their Business Services Department geared towards small business owners and entrepreneurs, featuring classes, one-on-one business coaching and other auxiliary services to those who qualify.
The International Institute of New England is staffed by over 70 employees who speak more than a dozen languages. Its mission is to help refugees and immigrants acclimate to and actively participate in the economic, social, and political richness of American life. The organization is headed by its President and CEO Carolyn Benedict-Drew and overseen by a Board of Directors. The IINE funded by federal, state, and local grants and contracts,foundation awards, and private donations.