Maine Association for New Americans (MANA; mana-maine.org) serves the community with three programs:
Our Multilingual and Trauma-centered Transportation program provides free rides to non-emergency medical appointments or to access social services. Transportation services are available to immigrants, refugees, and low-income individuals and families (specifically unhoused and elders). So far in 2023, we’ve already provided over 3,500 rides. Please request a ride at least 24 hours in advance at bit.ly/MANA-Van or by calling (207) 387-0749 to speak with our multilingual team.
Our Welcoming the Stranger program matches volunteers with asylum-seeking individuals or families to provide a warm welcome to Maine. So far in 2023, we have made 13 new matches. We are accepting new volunteers and participants. If you want to volunteer, or if you are an asylum seeker who wants to connect with a volunteer mentor, please fill out an application at wtsmaine.com.
Our Multilingual Peer Support Program provides emotional support for first- and second-generation immigrants. We offer one-on-one and group sessions. Anyone can request support by calling (207) 900-7021. Recent highlights include a support group for young adults at Portland Adult Education to share goals and expectations for the future; a parenting support group at Portland Adult Education; a pizza party with arts, crafts, and games at the First Universalist Church of Yarmouth; and fun relationship-building with the East End School Community through immigrant parent conversation groups and coaching the grade 2/3 basketball team.
Registration begins soon for our upcoming #WEOUTSIDE summer youth outdoor programs, developed in partnership with Gateway Community Services and Maine Appalachian Trail Land Trust. Programs will be weekly outdoor trips for young people, ages 13-25. Watch our Instagram @manamaine.
Also our Instagram Live MANA Talks with local community leaders will be starting soon. Keep an eye on our Instagram @manamaine for more details.
