New Bedford Immigrants Assistance Center Plans Fundraiser Gala

The center has served the local immigrant community for over 50 years and is hosting a major event to support its vital programs.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 5:11pm

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of blurred figures gathered in a warm, softly lit community space, conveying a sense of inclusivity and support.The Immigrants Assistance Center's upcoming fundraiser gala will support its vital programs that provide a safe haven and essential resources for New Bedford's diverse immigrant community.New Bedford Today

The Immigrants Assistance Center (IAC) in New Bedford, Massachusetts has been providing a variety of services to the local immigrant community for over 50 years, from basic needs assistance to citizenship classes. The center is now planning a major fundraising gala event to support its underfunded programs.

Why it matters

The IAC plays a crucial role in supporting New Bedford's immigrant population, especially in light of ongoing ICE activity in the area. The center's programs help protect immigrant families and ensure their children's wellbeing, which is particularly important given the current political climate.

The details

The IAC currently has 14,000 immigrants in its database and has been conducting workshops to help families prepare in case their parents are detained by ICE. The center urges families to designate a U.S. citizen caregiver for their children to avoid involvement from the Department of Children and Families. While ICE activity has been quieter in New Bedford recently, the agents are still present, focusing on the local courthouse and surrounding towns.

  • The IAC has operated for more than 50 years.
  • The Striving for Peace Gala is happening on May 8, 2026 at the Century House in Acushnet.

The players

Immigrants Assistance Center

A nonprofit organization that has been serving the immigrant community in New Bedford, Massachusetts for over 50 years, providing a variety of services and programs.

Helena DaSilva Hughes

The president of the Immigrants Assistance Center.

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What they’re saying

“The IAC currently has 14,000 immigrants in its database, and that's not counting the increased amount of outreach we've been doing since this federal administration took office.”

— Helena DaSilva Hughes, President, Immigrants Assistance Center

“These families should be designating someone as a caregiver, and the caregiver should be a U.S. citizen. This process is important because we've seen children being left with a neighbor or an uncle, and if they don't have any paperwork, it can lead to the Department of Children and Families getting involved. It's really all about protecting the children.”

— Helena DaSilva Hughes, President, Immigrants Assistance Center

What’s next

The Striving for Peace Gala on May 8, 2026 will be a key fundraising event for the Immigrants Assistance Center to support its vital programs.

The takeaway

The Immigrants Assistance Center's longstanding commitment to serving New Bedford's immigrant community is more important than ever, as it works to protect families and ensure the wellbeing of children in the face of ongoing ICE activity in the area.