Immigrant/Refugee

MWLS’s Immigration Unit serves immigrants by helping them to secure a permanent immigration status in the United States and keep their families together. MWLS helps immigrant adult and juvenile survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and other crimes to apply for immigration statuses in the United States.

Our vision is a Commonwealth – and a nation – where all can thrive, no matter where they came from or how they got here, and all can fully participate in their community’s social, economic, and civic life.

Resources, Support for obtaining Driver’s License, Benefits, Citizenship process, etc.

JFS is developing innovative, integrated resources that address the social, emotional, and financial needs of immigrants, refugees, and asylees, giving them the tools they need to succeed.

• Case Management

• Basic Needs Support

Programs Offered by the Office for Refugees and Immigrants Through Various Providers

Framingham Public Library

• Citizenship classes

• English/Literacy Classes

• High School Equivalency Classes

Can you imagine a place in your neighborhood where people of all ages, incomes, and abilities are welcome to develop helpful and caring connections with each other? A place where skilled and thoughtful professionals help parents, children, and families find emotional support and practical assistance to succeed in life? A place that offers sensible solutions to families seeking health, safety, educational, and employment services? That place is part of the Massachusetts Family Resource Centers (FRCs) network and is already in your own neighborhood.   

Here are some of the ways FRCs help families:

• Bring people together for friendship and mutual support

• Strengthen parenting skills

• Respond to family crises

• Link families to services and opportunities

• Help children develop social and emotional skills

• Observe and respond to early warning signs of child abuse and neglect

• Value and support parents

The Immigrant Health Toolkit compiles useful information to guide community members, providers and advocates in dealing with a wide range of questions and issues that could become a barrier for immigrants accessing coverage and care.

The relationship with a parent is critical to a child’s sense of self, safety, and trust. Separations from parents and siblings—

especially under sudden, chaotic, or unpredictable circumstances such as those related to war, refugee, immigration, or

detention experiences—may lead children to develop depression, anxiety, or separation-related traumatic stress symptoms.

The tips listed here will help address the needs of children who have experienced traumatic separation.