Make a Difference in the Immigrant Community with #JoinUsForGood

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Eastern Bank. The opinions and text are all mine.

Picture yourself dropped off in a country that is very foreign to you. Perhaps you don’t speak the language. You’re not familiar with the local customs. You don’t have a job or a means of support? What would you do? How would you feel?

Many immigrants who come to this country are faced with these challenges. Members of my family want to immigrate to the US, but they have concerns about how they will fit in.

My Unique Family

Believe it or not, I have a step mother, an adopted brother and a little sister who all live in Thailand. About 12 years ago, my father, long since divorced from my mother, traveled to Thailand for vacation. He became enamored with the country and planned a return trip the following year. On that second trip, he met a woman named Narree and they fell in love. They were married and he moved to Thailand permanently. He adopted her son and they had a little girl.

For years, I’ve wanted my father to move his family to America. He has considered it, but he’s concerned about how my step mother will feel. Her English is not very good so he does not want her to feel alienated. He also wants his son, Champ, and my sister, Lanna to come to America for a better education.

Knowing that my father really wants to make this happen, I did some research on where he and his family might find support in my area. I found the Asian-American Civic Association of Boston. They provide a wide range of services including English classes, social services, job training, college prep and more. All of these services can help Narree, Champ and Lanna in some way.

How Eastern Bank Helps

Through their newly launched “Join Us For Good” movement, Eastern Bank has provided a targeted grant to the AACA for workforce development programs. I’m so happy that Eastern Bank cares so much about local charities like the AACA. Their programs can help my step mom with her English, job placement, and the immigration process. U.S. College prep classes and youth groups can help my brother Champ. Housing counseling can help my father find a place to live for his family since he’s on a fixed retirement income.

Eastern Bank supports so many wonderful organizations in our area by giving back though the Join Us For Good movement. This year alone, Eastern Bank’s Charitable Foundation awarded over $1.5 million in grants to local nonprofits that address a variety of issues facing immigrants. This includes everything from people seeking asylum to basic adult education.

What can you do to make a difference?

Do you know someone who might benefit from ACAA programs? Visit their website for more information. Learn more about Easter Bank’s #JoinUsForGood movement at JoinUsForGood.com

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Eastern Bank. The opinions and text are all mine.

Comments submitted may be displayed on other websites owned by the sponsoring brand.

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