Find organizations and programs dedicated to supporting your academic or personal journey. Resources below include those offered by our univeristy as well as organizations in the broader community.
Catholic Charities of Maine Refugee and Immigration Services
Address: 80 Sherman St, Portland, Maine, 04101
Phone: (207)-871-7437
Website: http://www.ccmaine.org/refugee-immigration-services
Description of services: Case management, life skills education, transportation assistance, cultural adaptation, referral for educational and vocational training, employment development and placement, assistance with family reunification, English as a Second Language tutoring referrals. Help for those seeking a new life in America to become independent, productive members of our community from cultural orientation and referrals to case management and ongoing support
Center for Grieving Children
Address: 555 Forest Avenue, Portland, ME 04101
Phone: (207)-775-5216
Website: www.cgcmaine.org
Description of services: Bereavement counseling and programs, intercultural support, resources for dealing with serious illnesses, crisis response, community connections
Department of Homeland Security Citizenship and Immigration Services
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Address: 207 Gannett Drive, South Portland, ME 04106
Phone: 1-800-375-5283
Website: www.dhs.gov/
Description of services: Information and assistance with citizenship, naturalization, applying for Green Card, Green Card renewals and Green Card replacements, working in the United States in a specialty occupation or as a student, case status and referral follow-ups, and uniting with family members. There is also help for individuals and employers who need to resolve any problems that may come up from cultural barriers.
Learning Works
English Language Program Levels 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
Address: 181 Brackett Street, Portland, ME 04102
Phone: (207)-775-0105
Website: www.learningworks.me
Description of services: Individualized learning programs to gain skills in real-life situations provide practical help to be able to understand, speak, read, and express oneself in English.
Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services (Portland)
Address: 222 St. John Street, Portland, ME 04102
Phone: (207)-808-8551
Website: www.meirs.org
Description of services: Case management, citizenship classes, leadership workshops, counseling services, interpreting services, assists with completing forms and immigration documents, and English Language Learners classes.
NAACP – National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
Address: 73 Deering Street, Portland, ME 04101
Phone: (207)-553-5851
Website: https://naacp.org/
Description of services: Nonpartisan membership organization works toward achieving equal rights, eliminating race prejudice, securing civil rights, informing the public of adverse effects of racial discrimination, eliminating racial discrimination, educating persons regarding their constitutional rights; offices located in Bangor, Portland, and the Maine State Prison.
Refugee and Immigrant Counseling and Case Management (Portland)
Address: 247 Bates Street, Lewiston, ME 04240
Phone: (207)-782-5700
Website: www.trinityjubileecenter.org
Description of services: Interpreting services, assistance with documentation and navigating issues, liaison with schools, landlords, legal services, and medical providers.
Survivors of Torture Services
Health and Human Services Department, Social Services Division
Address: 190 Lancaster Street, Portland, ME 04101
Phone: (207)-482-5121
Description of services: Case management, counseling, housing, and employment training to help gain self-sufficiency; specific training to provide culturally competent, trauma-informed treatment and services to support recovery and the ability to live independently.
The University of Maine System Wabanaki Center administers the Native American Waiver and Education Program.
How the program works
Newly admitted University of Southern Maine students who indicate they might be eligible for the waiver program should work with the Wabanaki Center and its staff to complete the application process.
The University of Maine System’s Native American Coordinator, John Bear Mitchell, will notify University of Southern Maine Student Financial Services directly once new students have been approved for the program. Students will then work with USM Financial Aid regarding next steps and updating their student accounts.
If students have additional questions regarding the program and how it impacts their financial aid or student account, please contact USM Student Financial Services.
The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program teaches students from around the globe the academic and professional English they need to reach their goals.