[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 82 (Friday, May 13, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E502]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN RECOGNITION OF THE IMMIGRANTS' ASSISTANCE CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 13, 2022

  Mr. KEATING. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 50th 
anniversary of the Immigrants' Assistance Center of New Bedford, 
Massachusetts.
  Founded in 1971 by members of the New Bedford Portuguese community, 
the Immigrants' Assistance Center has served as an invaluable resource 
to the Southcoast of Massachusetts for over 50 years. Working with 
12,000 immigrants and non-English speakers a year, the Immigrants' 
Assistance Center provides case management and legal assistance all 
throughout the immigration process and road to citizenship. The 
multilingual staff offers language and literacy classes and works 
tirelessly to ensure work force readiness by assisting members of the 
immigrant community obtain employment to become financially self-
sufficient.
  With its dedicated staff advising clients on the steps necessary to 
access essential resources--such as food, clothing, shelter, and 
healthcare--the Immigrants' Assistance Center is the organization that 
many look to for guidance when first coming to the U.S. This incredible 
organization assists members of the community in a variety of 
circumstances and across all ages. From their at-risk youth program to 
their elder services program, which provides healthcare coordination 
assistance as well as a weekly Health, Wellness, and Social program, it 
is clear why the Immigrants' Assistance Center has grown to become a 
pillar of the Greater New Bedford area.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the 50th anniversary of the 
Immigrants' Assistance Center for their dedication to bettering their 
community. I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking them for their 
service and wishing them all the best in the years to come.