SOLIDARITY COMMUNITIES

An International Seminar of Social Service Organizations from the Azores and the Diaspora took place in April on the island of São Miguel. It was an initiative of the Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, and promoted by the Regional Directorate for Communities.

The seminar brought together social service organizations that serve Azorean communities in the United States of America—from New England to California—as well as in Canada, whether in Ontario or Quebec, and in Bermuda, with which the Autonomous Region of the Azores maintains annual financial cooperation agreements.

This provides a fitting opportunity to record and acknowledge the important work carried out by these organizations, among many others, in support of Azorean communities throughout North America.

Four social service organizations from the state of Massachusetts, on the east coast of the United States of America:

• Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fall River, founded in 1924, employs 153 staff members who provide housing services, psychological counseling, food assistance, and immigrant integration support.
• Immigrant’s Assistance Center, founded in 1971 in the city of New Bedford. With nine permanent staff members, it helps immigrants overcome economic, cultural, and linguistic barriers and integrate into American society.
• Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers, created in 1970 in the city of Cambridge, within the Boston metropolitan area. It has 50 employees dedicated to improving the lives of Portuguese-speaking individuals and families through active citizenship in American society.
• Southeastern Massachusetts SER – Jobs for Progress, founded in 1979 in the city of Fall River. With 42 employees, this organization provides services in youth and adult education, vocational training, and job placement.

Two organizations from the state of California, on the west coast of the United States of America:

• Portuguese Organization for Social Services and Opportunities, a Portuguese social service organization founded in 1976 in the city of San José. It has 24 employees who support Portuguese immigrants in overcoming linguistic, cultural, and financial barriers.
• Valley Area Living Enabling Resources, an organization providing enabling resources in the San Joaquin Valley, founded in 1999 in the city of Turlock. With three social service professionals, it is dedicated to supporting low-income individuals and seniors, facilitating access to public services.

From the United States to Canada, entering through the province of Ontario:

• Abrigo Centre, founded in 1990 in the city of Toronto. It has 20 employees committed to building self-sufficient communities by supporting more vulnerable individuals and families.
• Working Women Community Centre, also in the city of Toronto, founded in 1974. It has 112 employees who work with women who are victims of domestic violence, children, youth, seniors, ethnic and minority groups, the unemployed, and individuals facing deportation.
• Luso Canadian Charitable Society, founded in 2003, employs 16 staff members at its Luso Support Centre in Hamilton, where it serves individuals with disabilities and supports their families.

Still in Canada, now in the province of Quebec:

• Montreal Social and Community Action Centre, founded in 1972, with five permanent staff members dedicated to promoting the integration of socially disadvantaged individuals.
• Santa Cruz Mission, also in the city of Montreal, founded in 1964. It provides Portuguese-language classes to 200 children and manages a senior residence with 31 apartments for low-income individuals.

Finally, from Canada to Bermuda:

• Portuguese Cultural Association, headquartered at the Vasco da Gama Club facilities and founded in 1970 in the city of Hamilton. It has two permanent staff members and is dedicated to teaching the Portuguese language to children and adults, facilitating the integration of newly arrived immigrants, and providing financial assistance to low-income families within the Portuguese community.

I have had the opportunity and privilege to personally visit each of these organizations and can attest to the important work they all carry out for the benefit of our communities.

—
José Andrade is the Regional Director for Communities
Government of the Autonomous Region of the Azores