MIDDLE EASTERN IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE ALLIANCE
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Mission Statement
The Middle Eastern Immigrant and Refugee Alliance (formerly the Iraqi Mutual Aid Society) is a secular, non-profit organization that serves more than 1,500 Middle Eastern immigrants and refugees in the metropolitan Chicago region. We are a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, and donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Your support for MIRA helps refugees transition to life in the United States through our orientation, educational guidance services, employment services, and other programs.
About This Cause
The Middle Eastern Immigrant and Refugee Alliance (MIRA) was founded in 2009 as the Iraqi Mutual Aid Society, a secular non-profit organization by newly arrived Iraqi refugees in response to the challenges faced by Iraqis as they adapt to their new lives in America. The mission of MIRA has since expanded to all refugees and includes fostering their well-being and self-sufficiency by easing their transition to life in the United States. MIRA also forges connections between Middle Eastern and American society and facilitates the preservation and exchange of Middle Eastern culture. MIRA obtained 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in 2010, and its Immigration Legal Services Program received accreditation from the Board of Immigration Appeals in 2013. MIRA has provided employment services, social services, immigration legal services, cultural, youth, and education programs to Iraqi and other Middle Eastern refugees, immigrants, asylees, and Special Immigrant Visa holders regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender, or family size. The majority of our staff members and those who serve on our board of directors are themselves Iraqi refugees. MIRA uses this bilingual and bicultural expertise to provide support services in health, finance, education, and employment to assist refugees in their transition to life in the US. Services are tailored to the background and needs of each refugee, and are developed with input from the community. There is no comparable organization serving this population in the Chicago area. MIRA primarily serves Middle Eastern refugees, holders of Special Immigrant Visas (for those who worked with the US Armed Forces, mostly as translators, or for American defense contractors on reconstruction), and recently, Afghan and North African refugees and asylees. Our clients speak Arabic and Dari, as well as Assyrian and Kurdish, as do our staff and volunteers. Some have arrived with families, while others have traveled and resettled alone. An estimate 95% of them live below the poverty line. The majority live in Chicago on the North side near our offices, especially in the neighborhoods of West Ridge, North Park, Albany Park, Edgewater, and Lincoln Park, as well as in suburbs such as Skokie, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles, Glenview, Wheaton, Aurora, and Des Plaines. Our Middle Eastern Refugee Empowerment programs serve those who have lived in the US for less than five years. Our Immigration Legal Services program focused on citizenship applications, and served immigrants who have lived in the US for at least 4 years and 9 months, and necessary condition to be able to apply for citizenship. Case Management Program MIRA helps Middle Eastern refugees access the services they need, including public benefits, healthcare, and referrals to partner organizations or other agencies. MIRA provides cultural adjustment services and translation where needed, and organizes workshops on topics from how to get a driver’s license to banking in the US. Assistance for Families with Children MIRA offers a variety of support for families with children, including school enrollment, working with teachers and administration, support for struggling students, parental support, and monthly Parents’ Groups. Vocational Empowerment Programs MIRA works with clients to address their educational needs, including assistance applying for college credit and training programs, evaluating educational credentials, and applying for financial aid. Workshops are offered on a variety of topics relevant to adjustment to life in the US. Community Engagement and Empowerment MIRA provides the resources and structure for Middle Eastern refugees to support one another and welcome new arrivals with what they need to succeed. MIRA hosts monthly Women’s Groups for mutual support and education on important topics. MIRA promotes volunteerism within the community by providing training and opportunities. MIRA also provides Service Leadership Training and Mental Health First Aid Training to develop a model and concrete steps for clients to serve their community. Employment Program The MIRA Case Manager and Vocational Empowerment Manager offer one-on-one counseling and support to clients in the job search process. Immigration Legal Services The MIRAImmigration Legal Services Program assists refugees and immigrants in filing applications for Green Cards and for Naturalization.