MAAR Center

I came to the United States as an asylum seeker from Africa. I experienced war, violence, and killing and had to flee my country. I am grateful to be here and want to give back to the place that has welcomed me as a New Mainer.  

Like immigrants I came here with my unique story, yet share common experiences with others. We came from many countries and speak many languages.  We came from many walks of life:  humanitarian, healthcare provider, office-worker, business owner, musician, lawyer, farmer, and more.  Asylum seekers are eager to work, and many are employed in jobs that might otherwise go unfilled.  

We are Mainers helping new Mainers, and immigrants helping immigrants.    Like other newcomers, I am inspired to support my city, state and country. The Maine Africans Asylum Resources Center (MAAR Center) is my way to give back. 

The Maine Africans Asylum Resource Center is a nonprofit organization with Section 501(c)(3) status as a public charity.  We are an Immigrant-Led-Organization (ILO). MAAR Center launched early 2023.  

We are all volunteers, working our "regular jobs" and donating our time and talents to MAAR Center. 

 We are helping New Mainers manage their status, housing, employment, cultural, and educational challenges. 

 Language  interpretation is provided in French, Lingala, Portuguese, Swahili, Spanish, Arabic, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, and  other  languages. 

Many asylum seekers arrive in this country after walking for months or years, from Central and South America. They have survived dangerous, difficult travels. Some arrive from other places around the world.  Many have had to flee and leave family members behind. 

 
When they arrive, they are exhausted, hungry, and frightened. They don't know what to do next. 

They need to: 

• file paperwork to be in the USA legally
• obtain work permits
• find housing and food
• be ready to work
• learn or improve English
• obtain medical care
• find transportation
• connect with education for their children or themselves

The MAAR Center team is:   

• Providing case management services
• Connecting New Mainers to resources 

MAAR Center Clinic 

We meet at the 

 The First Parish Church  

425 Congress Street

Portland, Maine 04101

Our current schedule:

MONDAY 

By Appointment only

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Asylum Application & 

Work-Permit Clinic*

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

By appointment only

* We provide only assistance that is nonlegal immigration and nationality law assistance.  

This includes only:   

• translating an immigration form from English to an immigrant's primary language so the immigrant can understand the questions on the form; 
• translating an immigrants' answers from their primary language into English and otherwise transcribing to an immigration form the immigrant's answers to questions on the form; 
• referring an immigrant to a licensed attorney or federally authorized immigration representative.  

We provide access to computers, copier, and mailing supplies.  

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Language Interpretation in:  

French, Lingala, Portuguese, Swahili, Spanish, Arabic, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi and more

ALL SERVICES ARE FREE 

Thank You for Your Support

We are happy to collaborate with community members and organizations who share the vision of assisting New Mainers   

How You Can Help:  

• Donate laptops, printers, paper, and office supplies

• Donate to MAAR Center to support expenses of this all-volunteer organization

• Maine Africans Asylum Resource Center is a 501(c)(3) organization classified as a public charity. 

SEE "Help Our Cause" BELOW