Get Involved. Make a Difference. Support New Mainers
Community is the incredible everyday, ordinary, and extraordinary, simple acts of shared generosity and kindness multiplied to become an unstoppable force! Communities can bring people together, bridging divides and offering support, spaces of resilience, and places for healing. Last week, we celebrated World Refugee Day with the community through food, performances, and speakers. With an incredible turnout, attendees had the opportunity to listen to subject experts and connect with resources for helping New Mainers as we all work toward building stable foundations of support and a community that expresses feelings of welcome and belonging for refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers.
It’s amazing what we can do when we move together towards a shared goal. So let’s redefine and rediscover our collective power to shape hopeful futures and begin by practicing, celebrating, and rehearsing it every day.
How Can I
Help the
Education Superheroes?
If you have the time:
Volunteer your time to make extracurriculars available for all families
If you have resources:
Donate to The Store Next Door
Part of Lewiston Public Schools
- Prepaid phone cards, Amazon gift cards, and gas cards
- Halal meat
- Food that does not require refrigeration or cooking
- Kitchen supplies,
- Socks, hygiene products, etc.
How Can I
Help the
Superheroes Welcoming
Asylum Seekers?
If you have the time:
Volunteer with us and help support people personally!
If you have the resources:
Donate gift cards or donate funds
- Hannaford
- Renys
- Walmart
In August 2024, I flew to the USA with my children under the U4U program. Initially we stayed at our sponsor's house, but when an issue arose with our sponsor, the Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine gave us very strong support. They took us out of a dangerous area and paid for our hotel for 10 days, where we stayed and felt safe. Additionally, they helped us with housing. Subsequently, they have been helping us with paperwork, socialization, and getting around the state since I don't have a car. I am very grateful that such a program and organization exist, helping immigrants like me get on their feet in the USA and feel more confident. They provide both psychological and financial support.
JCA Ukrainian Client
I came to the United States with my family in 2022 and settled in Maine. I am grateful to JCA and am very satisfied with the entire team. I want to thank everyone at JCA for their support and assistance. They helped me in many ways, including providing housing, applying for my driver’s license, and finding a job. Most importantly, they arranged legal assistance for my Green Card application, ensuring it was submitted on time, because of their help I received my Green Card a year ago.
JCA Afghanistan Client
I have been in America for two years The truth is I am really happy with the JCA and the way they resettled me. When I arrived in America they searched for a place for me to live. I came here alone without any family so they are the ones who helped me. They helped me with food, they helped me find my own apartment. They helped me find work and now I am working and that is thanks to the JCA. Thank you very much.
JCA DRC Client
How Can I
Help the
Legal Assistance Superheroes?
If you have the time:
And the legal experience, Volunteer with these great community partners
If you have resources:
Make a donation
Since 2010, Immigration Legal Services has provided vital services to low-income immigrants who can't access or afford qualified representation in Maine. Join our community of supporters to help us continue delivering essential, affordable legal services.
How Can I
Help the Housing Superheroes?
If you have the time:
Become a Volunteer
- Local nonprofit resettlement agency
- Become a housing mentor
- Secure housing for new families
Support referendums and Advocate for more housing and affordable housing.
The most rewarding part of the job is seeing people become self-sufficient. Refugees come here with little or nothing and we help them get on their feet and become self-sufficient while starting their new life here.
JCA Afghan Humanitarian Parolee Caseworker
Refugees have gone through things that the average person can not understand or relate to. They’ve jumped through a million hoops to get to this point and the reality is that only 1% of refugees make it through the whole process to resettlement.
It’s important to make this final step as easy as possible. They shouldn’t have to fight once they get to the place that’s supposed to keep them safe and healthy.
JCA Refugee & Newcomer Medical Screening
Care Coordinator
I am originally from Sudan, the JCA resettled me a couple years ago. Now, I’m employed by them and helping to welcome other refugees to get the same great foundation I got when I arrived.
My work does not focus on where people come from or what color they are. My
purpose is to help people.
JCA Refugee Case Aide for Refugee Medical Screening & Initial Services
How Can I
Help The
Healthcare
Superheroes?
If you have the time:
Follow us on social media and share our programs.
Contact local leaders and raise awareness by advocating for LD 1937. This bill would expand free healthcare access across Maine.
If you have resources:
Donate to the community:
- food
- grocery gift cards
- hygiene items
- used furniture
