Massachusetts Baptist Multicultural Ministries

Massachusetts Baptist Multicultural Ministries' (MBMM) mission is simple — to advocate for, celebrate, and empower “New Americans.” We do this by developing programs to meet their critical, educational, health, and immigration needs while creating opportunities to celebrate diversity and the inclusion of their respective cultures and traditions. We have two principle initiatives: The Thriving Pastoral Ministry Program, which supports immigrant and ethnic churches and the clergy that leads them, and the ACE Center, which provides hands-on support for refugee and immigrant individuals and families. The MBMM’s goal is to reach the increasing populations of second migrations of Somalis, Congolese, Burmese, Bhutanese, Haitian, Iraqi, Korean, Chinese, Honduran, Columbian, Dominican populations in Lowell, MA. 

The city of Lowell has become one of the US cities that welcomes the most refugees and immigrants each year. MBMM has provided services in Lowell since 2010 and presently employs four (4) dedicated and trained Refugee Advocates for Arabic-speaking, Burmese, Bhutanese, and African refugees. In 2019, MBMM opened a dedicated space in Lowell to offer services to our new Americans. The ACE Center for New Americans offers many programs, including:

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)—The ESOL program is for adults and high school student learners whose native language is not English. Reading, writing, and speaking skills are taught. Instruction is available at all levels.

After School Drop-in Program—The after-school drop-in program is for students 9-18 years of age during the regular school year. The first hour of each meeting is dedicated to homework and academic enrichment. The second hour includes social activities for those who have completed their homework. 

Post-High School Preparation Program—The post-high school preparation program offers high school students the opportunity to explore options for post-graduation life, which include college, trade, business, and military.

Instructional Learning Program—The ACE Center for New Americans offers classes such as "Messy Science," "Fun with Math," and "Exciting Stories" for children 6–8 years old. 

The ACE Shoppe—The ACE Center provides lightly used clothing, household, hygiene, and personal care items to assist New American Families. Community members may select several items or a modest pre-packaged donation for free.