This is the sixth of a series of monthly citizenship drives being organized by the Greater Boston Citizenship Initiative (GBCI), a collaboration of community partners funded by a grant from the Fish Family Foundation. GBCI partners will also provide coordinated outreach, civics/citizenship classes, and other assistance to prepare eligible immigrants for citizenship, including application assistance at their individual sites in between the drives.At the upcoming drive, representatives of MAPS, MIRA, Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center, Centro Latino, College Bound Dorchester, the Irish International Immigrant Center and Jewish Vocational Services will help immigrants apply for citizenship by assisting them in completing their N-400 application forms and answering questions about the process.

As citizens, immigrants gain the right to travel more freely and to access jobs for which citizenship is required.

“Citizens are also shielded from deportation, which impacts thousands of immigrants each year, including many legal permanent residents who are detained and deported wrongly or by mistake,” MAPS Executive Director Paulo Pinto said. “And, of course, citizenship gives immigrants the right to vote and run for office so that they can have a more direct impact on government decisions that affect their daily lives.”

To apply for citizenship at the drive, eligible immigrants must bring the following documents and information:

• Green Card

• Passport

• Social Security Card (optional)

• Two passport photos

• Money Order in the amount of $680.00 to USCIS for application & biometric fees OR Request for Fee Waiver based on receipt of public benefits OR Request for Fee Waiver based on financial hardship (list of required documents provided)

• Date of all trips abroad since obtaining Green Card

• List of addresses for the past five (5) years

• List of employment for the past five (5) years

• Massachusetts ID or Driver’s License

Besides support from the Fish Family Foundation, MAPS has been funded by the Massachusetts Office for Refugees & Immigrants (MORI) for many years to provide citizenship services for Portuguese speakers, the largest linguistic minority population in Massachusetts. Over its more than 40 years of serving the community in greater Boston and beyond, MAPS has helped thousands of immigrants become citizens and get more civically active in their new communities.

MAPS assists clients in completing their N-400 applications at its Cambridge, Allston, Dorchester, Framingham and Lowell offices. The agency also offers classes to prepare applicants for the citizenship interview/exam, including civics, history and English as a Second Language (ESOL) classes. For more information, or to do a pre-screening for the drive and find out if you are eligible to apply for citizenship, please contact Júnior Catão at (617) 864-7600 or jcatao@maps-inc.org. To learn more about MAPS, please visit www.maps-inc.org.

 Men’s Health Educator

Part-Time

20 hours per week

Coordinate health education activities for Portuguese-speaking men, living in the Framingham/Marlborough area. The primary responsibilities of this part-time (20 hours) Health Educator are to:

1. Identify target population, geographic areas, venues/settings and peak times in the Framingham/Marlborough areas that are at high risk for transmission of HIV, STIs and viral hepatitis.

2. Work as part of a team with outreach worker to develop strategies for providing prevention and education to identified populations.

3. Work in teams with designated program staff to provide mobile CTR and STI activities.

4. Conduct brief and comprehensive HIV/STI/VHP risk assessments.

5. Screen for HIV/STI/VHP via collection (rapid HIV test fingerstick), processing, packaging and submission of blood and urine specimens to State Laboratory.

6. Distribute educational and harm reduction materials including condoms, lube, and printed material.

7. Assess and prioritize need for supported referrals that are culturally and linguistically appropriate.

8. Identify, foster and network with community-based organizations, community leaders/stakeholders, businesses, churches, coalitions, task forces, etc. in order to identify and plan new outreach/mobile clinic initiatives.

9. Produce weekly progress/program reports and fulfill required data collection and funder reporting requirements.

10. Allow for flexible schedule to include days, nights, and weekends as necessary to deliver services to target population at most risk.

11. Perform duties consistent with agency/program policies and procedures.

12. Responsible for performing other duties as required by supervisor, directors or designee.

 QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, candidates should have a solid understanding of HIV/AIDS and related co-morbid issues and concerns and have experience in developing community partnerships as well as providing community outreach, comprehensive risk assessments, patient advocacy, and health navigation

• Extensive knowledge of HIV, STIs and viral hepatitis and related co-morbid conditions required.

• Familiarity with harm reduction theories strongly desired.

• Extensive knowledge of area resources strongly preferred but not required.

• Experience in working with vulnerable populations.

• BA/BS in related field of study or equivalent life experience

• Minimum 1-2 years of experience in health and human service field preferred.

• BA/BS in related field of study or equivalent life experience

• HIV rapid testing technology certification preferred but not required.

• Good organizational, communication (oral and written) and time management skills required.

• Computer proficient in Outlook, Word, Excel, Powerpoint.

• Must possess valid Massachusetts driver’s license, access to a vehicle and be willing to travel.

• Part-time position (20 hours) with potential for full-time. Flexible days/hours, includes nights and weekends.

• Required Bilingual/Bicultural Portuguese/English

• Salary range commensurable with experience: $16.50-17.60 per hour

 To apply for this position, please send resume and cover letter by May 25, 2012 to:

 Or via email to lmorais@maps-inc.org;  or via fax to 617-864-7621

Affirmative Action/EOE

S-Comm Protesters at MIRA Press Conference May 10 at SEIU

The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) condemned the federal government’s decision to implement the Secure Communities Program in Massachusetts over the strong objections of Gov. Deval Patrick, immigrant community leaders and many other organizations concerned that the so-called S-Comm will escalate human rights violation by law enforcement agencies.

“This is devastating news for our communities, and we will continue to advocate and testify against the implementation of this dangerous program,” said Paulo Pinto, MPA, MAPS Executive Director.

State officials learned on May 8 that the US Department of Homeland Security has decided to launch the controversial federal S-Comm program in Massachusetts to begin identifying undocumented immigrants arrested for crimes. Pinto said MAPS would continue working with the Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition and many other immigrant rights groups across the state to stop S-Comm.  A protest rally is being planned this Friday, May 11 at the JFK Federal Building in Boston from 11-1 pm.

“The S-Comm will only bring more fear to our communities, thrusting many working families deeper underground, and further damaging the already weakened state economy,” said Pinto. “Instead of promoting community security, it will actually make our state less safe.”

Read more about S-Comm on the MIRA website; and the Brazilian Women’s Group site.

Gala Award Recipients and Presenters

With an elegant red carpet-paparazzi arrival, an array of more than 70 Silent and Live Auction items, a delicious banquet and inspirational speeches from both presenters and award recipients, the Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers’ (MAPS’) 2012 Awards Gala was a huge success, according to MAPS officials. The health and social services agency’s largest annual fundraising event, which took place April 28th at the Cambridge Marriott Hotel in Kendall Square, filled the 400-seat ballroom to capacity with glamorously dressed guests for the black tie-optional evening.

Bloco AfroBrazil

All the decorations followed this year’s black-and-white theme, and many of the guests also sported black-and-white outfits. After a social cocktail hour and a chance to bid in the Auction, guests were drawn into the ballroom by the upbeat rhythms of Bloco AfroBrazil to begin the evening’s program. Gala Co-Chair Deolinda Daveiga, MAPS Administrative Manager, welcomed the guests and introduced the two Masters of Ceremonies, WBZ Radio’s Anthony Silva (who hosted MAPS Gala for the second year in a row) and Alexandra Barker from the US Census Bureau.

Social hour

“The proceeds of this one event help fill in funding gaps for all of our crucial health and social services for the Brazilian, Cape Verdean, Portuguese and other communities we serve throughout greater Boston, greater Lowell and the MetroWest area,” MAPS Board President Elizabeth Chaves, reminded guests. MAPS Executive Director Paulo Pinto, MPA, followed by thanking all the attendees for helping MAPS raise funds for community members who are struggling against disease, addiction, violence, isolation, neglect and poverty.

Paulo Pinto

“Accomplishing our mission of helping immigrants to create new, healthy and productive lives in our communities has become even more challenging—partly because of the economy, but most importantly, because of the numerous struggles that immigrants have to overcome,” said Pinto. “And the situation is made ever more difficult by the constant immigrant bashing across this country. People seem to forget that they are the children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren of immigrants who sacrificed, suffered and were mistreated, just as the new immigrant groups are today. But most of them required no visa to come to this country, so the road to legal residency and citizenship was much easier then.”

For the second time in a row, the MAPS Awards Gala was presented by its Platinum Sponsors, a group of Dunkin’ Donuts franchise owners formed by the Cafua Management Group (Cafua Family), Couto Management Group (Couto Family), and Riverside Management Group (Carvalho and Rodrigues Families).

Arthur Rodrigues at the Dunkin

“In these times of economic uncertainty, demand for services is rising and the need is often greater than the resources available. MAPS works hard to increase access and remove barriers to health, education, and social services through direct services, advocacy, leadership, and community development for Portuguese speakers in Massachusetts,” said Arthur Rodrigues, Chief Operating Officer for the Riverside Management Group.

Noah Andrade

Apart from being MAPS’ largest fundraising event, the Awards Gala is also an opportunity to honor community members who have made a difference in the lives of many immigrants in Massachusetts. After dinner, talented 13-year-old musician Noah Andrade performed a few of his own beautiful songs, with a strong influence from his native Cape Verde, leading the audience to the Awards Ceremony.

Joshua Fidalgo presented the first award of the night, named after his late father—the MAPS Jorge Fidalgo Community Service Award. He introduced award recipient Dayanne Leal, Children’s Health Policy and Outreach Manager at Health Care for All (HCFA), as someone who “works tirelessly to improve health care access and make things easier for families and children, not only in Massachusetts, but also in her native country of Brazil.” Apart from her work at HCFA, Ms. Leal organizes an annual benefit dinner in Boston that raises fund to build or rebuild houses for poor families in Brazil.

Dayanne Leal between MAPS representatives and Fidalgo family

“Receiving this award is better than receiving an Oscar, because it is about serving the community and being compassionate,” said Leal. “That community is you, my great Portuguese-speaking friends. I have learned a lot from each one of you.”

The MAPS Mary & Manuel Rogers Lifetime Community Service Award, presented by Mr. and Mrs. Rogers’ son, Manuel Rogers, Jr., went to Eduardo Sousa, a longtime volunteer at St. Anthony’s Parish in Cambridge.

Liz Chaves, Paulo Pinto, Eddie Sousa and Manny Rogers

“On his very first day in America, Eddie (originally from Portugal) started working in a bakery,” said Rogers. “No matter how hard he was working, he always found time to help the community.” Sousa thanked everyone for their support, especially his wife and family, without whom he said he wouldn’t have been able to accomplish his many years of volunteer work.

Adalberto Teixeira, Deputy Director of Human Services for the City of Boston, received the MAPS Manuel N. Coutinho Outstanding Volunteer Award from the hands of Mr. Coutinho’s daughter Anne-Marie Moore.

“He has spent most of his adult life here in the US helping Cape Verdeans and other Boston area residents,” said Moore of Teixeira, who comes from Cape Verde.

Adalberto Teixeira and wife

“It’s great to see all these people coming together, not as Portuguese, Brazilian, Cape Verdean or American, but as the Portuguese-speaking community,” said Teixeira. “It makes us stronger and gives us a political voice.”

For the first time, MAPS also recognized a business among its award recipients. The MAPS Álvaro Lima Outstanding Business Award, created last year, was given in 2011 to the business and community leader who lends his name to the award. In 2012, Lima was the one handing it to Restaurante Cesária owners José Fonseca Brandão and António Fidalgo Barros.

Cesaria owners accepting award

“Tony and José don’t stop up at serving great food, a friendly atmosphere and a truly Cape Verdean ambiance,” said Lima. “They also strongly believe in giving back to the community that they grew up in and love, by hosting and sponsoring various local fundraisers and activities throughout the year.”

“It’s an honor and a privilege to receive this award among all the outstanding business owners that are here tonight,” said Barros.

Elizabeth Chaves and Paulo Pinto went back on stage to present the MAPS Person of the Year Award, the highest honor bestowed every year by the agency. They praised award recipient State Senator Sonia Chang-Díaz as someone who “has become known as a champion for groups that are usually underrepresented in politics. She fights for public education, access and opportunities for low-income and immigrant communities, and for those affected by foreclosures, hate crimes, and youth violence.”

Liz Chaves, MA Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz and Paulo Pinto

“I’m very humbled for this recognition,” said Chang-Díaz, accepting her award. “But I’d like you to also take a step back and celebrate your victories. The work that you do can really change the entire trajectories of lives. Take a look in the mirror and remember all the people that you have made a difference for. You’re the Person of the Year for them.”

Much excitement was still to come after the Awards Ceremony. Lucky winning bidders of the Live Auction took home a football signed by New England Patriot’s Tom Brady and a set with a ball and a baseball bat, both signed by Red Sox’s Dustin Pedroia. Then guests took to the dance floor, commanded by DJs Soundflash, with a selection of Brazilian, Cape Verdean and Portuguese music.

“We are very excited for being able to host such a successful event to support the much needed services we provide to our communities,” said Pinto. “We would never be able to do it without the support of our sponsors, program book advertisers, Auction donors, partners and this fantastic crowd that joined us tonight.”

In addition to the Dunkin’ Donuts franchise owners Platinum Sponsors, the MAPS 2012 Awards Gala was made possible by its first-ever Gold Sponsor, CPCU Credit Union; Silver Sponsor Cambridge Health Alliance; Bronze Sponsors Eastern Bank, Network Health and NSTAR; Supporting Partners Boston Medical Center Healthnet Plan and Neighborhood Health Plan; and Media Sponsors Brazilian Times, ForCV, O Jornal and Metropolitan News.

More photos will be posted soon!

Classes start April 23^rd, as follows:

• European Portuguese – Classes meet once a week, for 12 weeks, on Mondays, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, starting April 23^rd, at MAPS’ Cambridge Office (1046 Cambridge Street);

• ESOL (Beginner) – Classes meet twice a week, for 12 weeks, on Mondays and Thursdays, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, starting April 23^rd, at MAPS’ Cambridge Office;

• ESOL (Intermediate) – Classes meet twice a week, for 12 weeks, on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, starting April 23^rd, at MAPS’ Cambridge Office;

• Citizenship – Classes meet once a week, for 12 weeks, on Tuesdays, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, starting April 24^th, at MAPS’ Somerville Office (92 Union Square);

• ESOL (Beginner)– Classes meet once a week, for 12 weeks, on Saturdays, from 1 pm to 4 pm, starting May 5^th, at MAPS’ Lowell Office (11 Mill Street).

For more information or to sign up for the classes, please call (617) 864-7600 or email Júnior Catão at jcatao@maps-inc.org. ESOL and Citizenship classes are funded by the Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants (ORI) and the Fish Family Foundation.

“More than ever, Project Bread needs all the help that we can give, since more and more people have been looking for assistance due to the financial crises that our country is facing,” said Julia Evora, MAPS Senior Center Coordinator.  “We would like to ask everyone in the MAPS communities to contribute in any way they can, to help us reach our goal.”

The MAPS Cambridge Senior Center receives approximately $3,000 each year from the Walk for Hunger proceeds that goes towards the center’s expenses. In addition, our Portuguese-speaking seniors get a monthly brown bag and farmer’s market coupons every summer for fresh fruits and vegetables.

MAPS is recruiting team walkers as well as donors.  If you’d like to join the MAPS Walk for Hunger Team, please contact Julia Evora at (617) 864-7600 or jevora@maps-inc.org. You can also invite your family and friends to join our team by either walking or donating.

To donate directly, please visit our team web page at http://bit.ly/MAPS_WalkforHunger_Team_2012.  Or mail your check to: PROJECT BREAD/THE WALK FOR HUNGER, 145 Border Street, East Boston, MA 02128-1903. Please note that you are supporting the MAPS Walk Team. For more information about the Walk, please follow the links at www.projectbread.org.

And thanks!