Lewiston-Auburn in Maine has become a welcoming place for immigrants from across the world. Many immigrants, including refugees, asylum seekers, and those looking to reunite with family, have found support in these twin cities. Various organizations, legal experts, and social service agencies offer guidance and services to help immigrants build a new life. Support covers areas such as legal documentation, housing, employment, language learning, and health care.
Table of Contents
Legal Assistance for Immigrants
Several organizations in Lewiston-Auburn help immigrants with legal documentation, citizenship, and asylum.
- Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP)
- Offers free or low-cost legal help
- Assists with green cards, asylum, work permits, and deportation defense
- Hosts clinics and informational sessions on immigration law
- Pine Tree Legal Assistance
- Provides civil legal aid to low-income residents
- Offers help with immigration cases and domestic violence protection
- Guides immigrants on navigating the court system
- Catholic Charities Maine Refugee and Immigration Services
- Supports refugees and asylum seekers with legal paperwork
- Offers family reunification help
- Assists in applying for Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
Language and Education Services
Language skills are critical for immigrants to adjust to life in the U.S., and many centers offer free or affordable language classes.
- Lewiston Adult Education
- Offers English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes
- Provides high school diploma and college preparation support
- Hosts cultural orientation sessions
- Bates College Harward Center
- Partners with community groups to provide tutoring
- Organizes conversation programs between students and immigrants
- Supports literacy and job readiness
- Literacy Volunteers-Androscoggin
- Offers one-on-one tutoring in English
- Runs reading, writing, and workplace English programs
- Trains volunteers to support adult learners
Health and Mental Health Support
Health access is a vital service for immigrants who often arrive with limited resources and high stress levels.
- Community Clinical Services (CCS) B Street Health Center
- Serves uninsured and underinsured immigrant families
- Provides primary care, mental health counseling, and dental care
- Offers interpretation services in Somali, French, and other languages
- Tri-County Mental Health Services
- Provides culturally sensitive mental health support
- Helps refugees and asylum seekers cope with trauma
- Works with schools to support immigrant children
- Healthy Androscoggin
- Runs public health education campaigns
- Supports wellness through nutrition and activity programs
- Focuses on immigrant family health and safety
Employment and Job Training
Employment support helps immigrants become independent and financially stable.
- CareerCenter – Lewiston
- Offers resume help, job matching, and career counseling
- Hosts job fairs and employer events
- Provides access to computers and internet for job searching
- Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI)
- Helps immigrants start small businesses
- Offers loans, financial training, and mentoring
- Supports farming, food businesses, and retail
- New Mainers Resource Center (NMRC)
- Located in Lewiston Adult Education
- Supports professionals with foreign credentials
- Offers job readiness, certification pathways, and mentorship
Housing and Basic Needs
Many immigrants face difficulties in finding safe, affordable housing and daily needs.
- Lewiston Housing Authority
- Offers housing assistance to low-income families
- Provides subsidized rental apartments
- Guides tenants through lease agreements and maintenance
- Hope House
- Offers transitional housing for homeless immigrant women and children
- Provides food, case management, and parenting support
- Encourages self-reliance and education
- St. Mary’s Nutrition Center
- Runs food pantry and community gardens
- Offers cooking classes and healthy eating workshops
- Encourages immigrant participation in local food systems
Community and Cultural Support
Feeling part of a community is crucial for long-term settlement.
- Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services (MIRS)
- Offers youth mentorship, family counseling, and legal aid
- Hosts cultural events to celebrate diversity
- Advocates for immigrant rights at the state level
- Welcoming Maine
- Builds bridges between immigrants and long-term residents
- Runs story-sharing programs and community meals
- Helps newcomers understand U.S. customs and social life
- Somali Bantu Community Association (SBCA)
- Provides cultural preservation and civic education
- Operates farming and youth leadership programs
- Supports education and employment among Bantu immigrants
Overview of Immigration Services in Lewiston-Auburn
| Service Type | Provider Name | Key Offerings |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Help | ILAP, Pine Tree Legal, Catholic Charities | Green cards, asylum, family petitions, deportation defense |
| Language & Education | Lewiston Adult Ed, Bates College, Literacy Volunteers | ESOL classes, tutoring, literacy, cultural orientation |
| Health Support | CCS B Street, Tri-County Mental Health, Healthy Androscoggin | Medical care, mental health, nutrition education |
| Employment Services | CareerCenter, CEI, NMRC | Job search, small business support, professional licensing |
| Housing & Essentials | Lewiston Housing, Hope House, St. Mary’s | Housing, food pantries, transitional shelter |
| Cultural/Community Programs | MIRS, Welcoming Maine, SBCA | Youth programs, cultural celebrations, integration activities |
Language Support Services
| Organization | Languages Supported | Additional Services |
|---|---|---|
| Community Clinical Services | Somali, French, Arabic, Spanish | Medical interpreters, dental, primary care |
| Literacy Volunteers | English | Adult learning, citizenship prep |
| Lewiston Adult Education | Multilingual instructors | Digital skills, diploma programs |
Health and Wellness Providers
| Provider | Service Focus | For Whom |
|---|---|---|
| CCS B Street | General health, dental, counseling | Immigrant families and children |
| Tri-County Mental Health | Trauma support, group therapy | Refugees, asylum seekers, youth |
| Healthy Androscoggin | Public health campaigns | Whole immigrant communities |
Looking Ahead
Lewiston-Auburn has created a supportive environment for immigrants through strong community partnerships and well-organized services. Legal aid, education, health care, employment training, and community connections are all available in this small but vibrant region. Immigrants find not just safety but opportunity, and local organizations continue to respond with compassion and practical help. A solid foundation has been built for new Mainers to grow and thrive in Lewiston-Auburn.
