New Bedford Agency to Assist Afghan Refugees [TOWNSQUARE SUNDAY]

We have some new information to report on refugees from Afghanistan arriving in New Bedford. Not surprisingly, the Immigrant's Assistance Center (IAC) on Crapo Street in New Bedford will serve as the lead local organization.

During a Townsquare Sunday interview this week, IAC President Helena DaSilva Hughes said the International Institute of New England is overseeing the relocation of the refugees to the SouthCoast, and will be working with landlords, government officials and others to get the refugees settled.

Institute personnel will work out of the IAC building, and DaSilva Hughes expects three to five families will arrive in New Bedford, at least to start.

She said as the families start to get more acclimated, the IAC will be prepared to offer them classes in English, basic education, computers and citizenship.

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DaSilva Hughes said she's proud of New Bedford and the IAC involvement with the refugees, that they helped our soldiers during 20 years of fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan and we have a moral obligation to help them.

DaSilva Hughes was recently named President of the Immigrants Assistance Center, after serving for many years as Executive Director. She is a relentless supporter of immigration reform, and her new position will have her spending more time on state and national immigration issues.

Townsquare Sunday is a weekly public affairs program heard every Sunday morning on 1420 WBSM. Interview segments can also be heard on wbsm.com and the WBSM app. The program highlights individuals and organizations working to make Greater New Bedford a better place to live.

If you would like your organization featured on Townsquare Sunday, please e-mail the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.