In the spring of 2023, we announced the first set of Community Action Grants awards to seventeen local coalitions and grassroots organizations under our new approach to community impact as it seeks to build more equitable communities and advance economic opportunity. In the changemakers series, we will tell the stories of these organizations, as well as others, their impact in the neighborhoods they serve.

In April 2020, the Rian Immigrant Center, Agencia ALPHA, and the Brazilian Worker Center came together with other partner organizations to form the Massachusetts Immigrant Collaborative (formerly the Boston Immigrant COVID-19 Collaborative or BICC). Today, 15 organizations across Massachusetts come together to address the most urgent needs of immigrant families by providing direct financial relief and other resources. This collaboration enabled M.I.C. to distribute more than $4.1 million in emergency cash and food assistance, serving over 120,000 immigrants in the last three years in communities such as Roxbury, Boston, Northampton, Springfield, Framingham, Mattapan, Allston, East Boston, and Dorchester.

MIC’s primary priorities include emergency cash and food assistance, but their work extends beyond immediate financial help. They also focus on critical services such as workforce development, workers’ rights and advocacy, immigration legal education and assistance, and shared capacity building.

One pressing issue the collaborative identified was the need for legal services within the community, particularly concerning employment and financial inclusion. Immigration and the pursuit of financial goals often intersect, with credit building being hindered by the requirement of a Social Security number, which plays a vital role in achieving financial aspirations.

Natalicia Tracy, co-founder and former Executive Director of the Brazilian Worker Center, captures MIC’s impact: “Finding our resilience in the midst of struggle, fear, and even at times despair, we have been able to pull our communities together, support one another, and create unity across our diversity by coming together as partners in MIC, thus laying a foundation for strong future collaborations beyond COVID.”

MIC plays a crucial role in supporting immigrant communities, providing the necessary resources to build stable and fulfilling lives in their new home. However, to sustain and expand this impactful work, ongoing financial support is essential. Notably, they have recently been awarded a grant from United Way, highlighting the recognition of their efforts.

“United Way of Mass Bay’s support of the Collaborative is extremely important and timely. Migrants entering Massachusetts are in dire need of support. For them and for the thousands of immigrant families already here, the United Way’s commitment to building equitable inclusion and economic mobility and supporting organizations like the Massachusetts Immigrant Collaborative is critical. We are extremely grateful!” said – MIC Steering Committee Member Patricia Sobalvarro.

The Dreamers Leadership Project, a key program that emerged within MIC, aims to empower immigrant youth aged 14-24 to access opportunities in the labor force. The project offers essential workforce development training, guiding young minds to explore career paths, assess their strengths, and build crucial skills such as resume writing, effective communication, and task management. The Dreamers Leadership Project has already supported 300 immigrant youth through intensive leadership training sessions.

Founded by the Caribbean Youth Club, the program has expanded to include six organizations, with BINcA becoming an integral part of it. For Jackson, The Dreamers Leadership Project is about youth leadership and workforce development, aligning perfectly with Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s goals to build leaders and offer work skills to young people.

The Dreamers program motivates high school students to engage in after-school activities by providing financial incentives. At BINcA, students participate based on their academic cycles, aligning with the seasons. Eight sessions have already concluded spanning from Spring 2021 to Summer 2023.

With approximately 500 students at BINcA, each session selects 15 different students aspiring to be school leaders and earn money. “Our focus is on encouraging as many kids as possible to take on leadership roles within the Dreamers program. We know it’s better for the kids to be here than to be outside of the school building after school,” said Jackson.

To ensure fairness and equity, BINcA considers the financial needs of all students within the school community and chooses different students every session. Participants commit to 100 after-school hours over 12 weeks, earning $590 each month, totaling around $1,800 for three months. Every season, there’s a focus on financial education with the help of an organization that assists students in opening bank accounts and provides crucial money management lessons.

BINcA ‘s Dreamers Program follows a student-centric approach, carefully selecting students based on their applications and tailoring opportunities according to their specific learning needs, desires, and expectations. This includes teaching time management, emphasizing well-being and integrating their passions, like basketball, into their schedules if needed. They prioritize flexibility and adopt an individualized approach, understanding that each student’s journey is unique.

“After implementing this approach for several seasons, I see our kids are getting better jobs, they are waiting for the right kind of job and they’re applying for opportunities that are going to be beneficial for them,” said Jackson.

Benefits of this program include participants achieving financial autonomy, gaining the ability to financially support their parents. While it might not cover major expenses like rent, it can still contribute to essentials like groceries, phone bills, and parental savings. Additionally, it helps them comprehend the value of their earnings, teaching the valuable lessons of weighing purchases for everyday items or personal expenses.

The program also helps to spare young students from the pressure of taking low-paying jobs where they are expected to work 20 to 30 hours a week to make it worthwhile. Instead, she advocates for providing the students with financial support to establish a stronger foundation as they transition into the workforce.

“I’m thankful for every dollar we can redirect this way. For many of our kids, earning $200-$300 a month through our Dreamers program is enough to keep them out of the job market. I want our kids to focus on their studies and extracurriculars rather than working unless it’s necessary. And if they do need to work, I want them to gain experience in negotiating, signing agreements, and taking on responsibilities. I want them to be socially and mentally prepared for the workplace,” said Jackson.

Upon completing Dreamers, students automatically qualify to become PESO leaders. BINcA continues to support them through this program, which stands for Perseverance, Expression, Service, and Ownership. Their support for this transition is another unique aspect of their approach.

With support from a two-year, $40,000 grant from the Fish Family Foundation, they compensate PESO leaders not for regular work, but for their dedicated service and exemplary leadership. Each PESO leader receives a $250 gift card for performing 20 hours of service. On average, a PESO leader dedicates 41 hours, earning $500 annually. This successful initiative benefited 56 students this year and the program hopes to maintain around 50 participants annually.

Upon arriving in the United States, Ismael faced the challenge of navigating a new land, language, and culture. Two guiding lights emerged to support him, Mr. Soto, one of his teachers, and Toni Jackson. Mr. Soto noticed Ismael’s struggles and provided invaluable assistance guiding him through assignments. Ismael felt a sense of relief wash over him knowing he had this support.

Back in Africa, Ismael earned the playful nickname “Mr. Question” from his friends due to his insatiable curiosity and refusal to accept things without understanding. “I can’t sit down and just accept what you’re telling me. I need to comprehend, to defend myself in discussions,” said Sanoe.

Upon his initial arrival in the United States, Ismael, A.K.A Mr. Questions, faced the challenge of limited English proficiency, he couldn’t bear not understanding most conversations and not expressing his ideas. He took the initiative to learn English independently using resources like Google and Google Translate. Beginning with the basics like ‘good morning’ and ‘good evening,’ he gradually immersed himself in the language. “I surprised everyone! I used technology to improve my understanding of the language, and my motivation grew. Connecting with people was crucial,” said Sanoe.

“Dreamers taught me to be responsible, helpful, and how to manage my money. I love the financial course because it taught me how taxes work and how the real-world works,” said Sanoe. Thanks to this program, he has been helping his mom with household expenses and was able to fulfill one of his dreams, to travel to New York and visit the Statue of Liberty.

Ismael aspires to attend college and earn a PHD, envisioning a career as an architect and the ownership of his architecture firm back in Africa. He dreams of finding a life partner to start a family. Ismael has not only found the support he sought but also a sense of belonging, and his story is far from over; it’s a symphony in the making, a melody of hope, and a beacon of light for all those who dare to dream.

“I’m not good at speaking in front of my peers because young people judge too much. I feel more confident when addressing teachers or individuals older than me,” said Dosthene. The support and encouragement from Ms. Jackson and the Dreamers Project boosted her confidence to speak in public. Anahuma aspires to be a psychologist; a dream fueled by her desire to help others. She envisions herself with a college degree, a fulfilling job, reuniting with her mom and brother and living together.

As MIC, BINcA and other collaborative efforts continue to forge a more inclusive society, they illuminate the pathways that could lead immigrant youth to a brighter future. The promise of a better tomorrow is gradually becoming a reality, empowering one immigrant at a time. In their shared struggles and victories, a portrait of hope, dreams and resilience emerges—a testament to the indomitable spirit of immigrants in the face of adversity.