COALITION OF IRISH IMMIGRATION CENTERS

The Funds Make a Landmark Grant to the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centers

In March of 2017, The Ireland Funds announced a grant of $100,000 to the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centers (CIIC) in the . This support was timely to the Coalition as it is the umbrella group for Irish Immigration Centers across the US. The grant is being used to support a humanitarian program of direct support to users of the Centers. Support will go to direct provision of services such as: living costs, child care, medical services, and legal counsel to families under pressure.

connect 2017 • 47 COALITION OF IRISH IMMIGRATION CENTERS

What Is the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centers?

The Coalition of Irish Immigration Centers (CIIC) serves nities to participate in community events. All services are

as the national umbrella organization for Irish immigration provided with a cultural sensitive approach and adhering to

centers throughout the United States. The CIIC is a strong, the strictest confidentiality.

cohesive and representative voice for the needs of its mem- CIIC will focus on individuals in emergency situations

ber centers thereby benefiting the wider focusing on immediate need and impact,

community of Irish immigrants family support and legal impact.

in the United States. The “CIIC is thankful for the

CIIC promotes and fa- generous support from

cilitates the sharing The Ireland Funds,” says

of best practices and Aileen Leonard Dibra,

information to better National Coordina-

support the direct tor of the Coalition of

services of its member Irish Immigration

centers. Centers (CIIC). “This grant

The CIIC is comprised of will allow much needed direct

11 member organizations located support and urgent relief to mem-

in California, Illinois, Maryland, Massa- bers our community who need it most.” the

chusetts, New York, and Washington. These positive human impact of which is invaluable in these

centers are safe havens for Irish immigrants, providing a uncertain times.”

continuum of services, accurate information and opportu-

connect 2017 • 48 What Examples of Services Do IRISH IMMIGRATION CENTERS Provide in the U.S.?

In California In Massachusetts

The Irish Immigration Pastoral Center - San Francis- The Irish International Immigrant Center (IIIC) as- EIIC provides an array of immigration legal and co is a home away from home for Irish immigrants sists immigrants from Ireland, and around the world, social services to the Irish community, as well as in the Bay Area. As a “parish without boundaries” it as they successfully integrate into American society. clients from over seventy other countries of origin. offers spiritual, social and practical support to Irish We are ’s Port na Fáilte (Welcome Center) The center is a previous recipient of grant money immigrants who are thousands of miles from home providing immigration legal, wellness and education from The Ireland Funds related to support for its and family. Significant financial support from The services, while also advocating for systemic change elderly programs, as well as in the aftermath of Ireland Funds provided services to families after the and facilitating community building for immigrants. Superstorm Sandy. J1 Berkeley balcony tragedy in 2015. The IIIC is a designated J1 visa sponsor for the J1- The New York Irish Center (NYIC) is a gather- Irish Outreach San Diego is a community-based Irish Work & Travel program helping over 500 Irish ing place for everyone in the greater New York Irish organization that supports and nurtures the Irish students and recent graduates secure internships in community. Services provided by the center include community in Southern California, assisting with the United States. Our vision is of a society where a wide array of cultural events and classes, with a immigration, employment and legal services, pasto- all people are welcomed and valued and enjoy equal special focus on seniors and children. Counselling ral care and counselling and social integration. opportunities, and protections. by Pieta House is also offered at this center. In recent The Irish Pastoral Centre—Boston is staffed by years, NYIC has greatly benefited from the gener- In Illinois dedicated full-time team as well as a large number of ous support of The Ireland Funds, especially from its Irish and Irish American volunteers who provide key Forgotten Irish campaign. Irish Immigrant Support (CIIS) is a not- frontline services that include: Immigration, Social for-profit immigration and social services provider Work, including counseling and substance abuse, In Philadelphia serving the Irish community in Chicago and the 19 assistance to victims of domestic abuse, Pastoral States represented by the Consulate General of Ire- Support, employment referrals and housing assis- The Irish Immigration Center of Philadelphia serves land in Chicago and Austin. CIIS provides a com- tance, mother and toddler groups and senior citizen as a community resource center for Irish Immigrants prehensive array of services to the elderly and full outreach. in the Philadelphia area and provides information, range immigration and naturalization services, with advice and assistance on a variety of immigration the mission to act as both a direct service and in- In New York needs, including various adjustments of status ap- formational hub for Irish citizens seeking immigra- plications, cases of deportation and provides prison tion, social, and pastoral services in the Midwestern Aisling Irish Community Center provides a range visits. Community service programs, include em- United States. of social, cultural, educational and recreational pro- ployment assistance and accessing benefits and ser- grams and services for Irish emigrants living in New vices, as well as a thriving senior outreach program, In Maryland York and the local community. Its service provision a Forióge international youth club and partnership includes, confidential and professional counselling; with the GAA to promote Gaelic games and culture. The Irish Outreach Ocean City supports an intensive legal and immigration referrals; Irish Volunteers J1 support program for the students who visit annu- for the Homeless; assistance with employment & In Washington ally from Ireland. Volunteers provide a compre- accommodation; classes in Irish language, music, hensive orientation and resources on employment, & dance; Computer Classes; Classes for children Seattle Irish Immigrant Support Group, in collabora- accommodation, Social Security processes and bank including art, karate, acting, and yoga; Parent & tion with the Irish Heritage Club, provides immigra- accounts. The Coordinators operate a help line that Toddler play group; exercise classes; and a weekly tion and social service programming for the greater students with medical, legal, job, or housing prob- AA support group meeting. Seattle Irish community. Additionally, they support lems can contact. Most importantly, IOOC gives The Emerald Isle Immigration Center (EIIC) is Irish cultural opportunities that include Irish dance, the Irish students a place to receive a warm welcome a not for profit created to exercise and protect the language, lectures, Gaelic games and a thriving and friendly support from local residents. privileges and interests of the community, foster a senior program, as well as their Annual Irish Week healthy interest in the civic affairs of the community, celebration in Seattle. help immigrants acquire US citizenship. and to in- quire into civic abuses and seek reformation thereof.

connect 2017 • 49