LOWELL — In celebration of Lowell’s diverse communities, local advocacy organizations recognized World Refugee Day on Wednesday, honoring those who escaped violence and instability by immigrating to the United States.

On April 15th, the ACE Center for New Americans held a Financial Literacy Training for New Americans sponsored by the Massachusetts Office of Refugee and Immigrants (MA ORI) and was held at the MBMM office located at 99 Church St, Lowell, MA. The event was a great success with 8 graduates completing the course, which covered the Basics of Banking, Budgeting, Credit Score and Reports, and Buying a Home.

As summer 2022 drew to its conclusion, the ACE Center for New Americans of the Massachusetts Baptist Multicultural Ministries (MBMM) held its annual Family Fun Festival for the refugee and immigrant families of Lowell, MA. The community (Afghani, Bhutanese, Burmese, Cambodian) gathered at Shedd Park Pavilion for an afternoon of food, family, and fun. Festivities began at 4:00 p.m. and ran until 6:30 p.m.

With the passing of Summer comes the start of another school year. As in years past, Massachusetts Baptist Multicultural Ministries, the ACE Center for New Americans, and the local community came together to help refugee students start their school year right by distributing backpacks filled with school supplies.

On Saturday, August 6th, members of the ACE Center for New Americans community and staff gathered for an afternoon of fun, competition, and camaraderie at Pailin Volleyball Court for the second year in a row. We had a strong turnout from our local Bhutanese, Cambodian, Afghani, Chinese, and Vietnamese communities for this event despite the strong August sun and the high humidity.

ACE Center for New Americans had the pleasure of graduating eight English Speakers of Other Languages students. The ceremony was held at the ACE Center office on the evening of June 30th. Each student received a certificate of completion to acknowledge their hard work.

On Wednesday, June 29th the students of the ACE Center for New Americans' various after-school programs along with their chaperones climbed onto a yellow bus destined for their Canobie Lake adventure. Twenty-nine students participated in this day of fun, and frivolity. They enjoyed the rides, games, and snacks. They were also treated to a pizza party and Ritchie’s Slush for lunch.

Massachusetts Baptist Multicultural Ministries (MBMM), ACE Center for New Americans (ACE), and the local community gathered on June 20th at Sampas Pavilion (DCR) at Lowell Heritage State Park to commemorate and celebrate World Refugee Day 2022. This day is meant to recognize the adversities refugees face each year while celebrating their courage and strength to overcome them.