About Us
Once upon a time a mother visited her son at University never to return home.
Following the outbreak of the Somali civil war in 1991 and subsequent refugee crisis, Mariam Gas made a new home in Massachusetts. Here she utilized her language skills and cultural expertise to help new refugees navigate American systems.
Our Story
1991-1993
In her free time, Mariam helped support new Somali refugees, teaching them health education, helping them access necessary resources, and slowly building a new Somali-American community in Boston, Massachusetts.
1993
Mariam founded the Somali Women & Children’s Association, a non-profit dedicated towards helping a large influx of single Somali mother’s integrate into Massachusetts.
1993-2001
More refugee populations began arriving in Massachusetts, such as Iraqis and other Arabic-speaking individuals. SWC expanded to help refugees from other Muslim countries with similar cultural backgrounds as Somalia.
2001-2022
We became the Refugee & Immigrant Assistance Center, a name that encompasses the diversity of individuals we both serve and work with. RIAC became an official resettlement agency tasked with helping new arrivals from all over the world make a new home in Massachusetts.
2023
30 years of RIAC.
We celebrate 30 years of RIAC. For Refugees. By Refugees.
For over 30 years, refugees and immigrants have built a new home in Massachusetts through the support and dedication of RIAC and its predecessor. Today, refugees who have long made a home in Massachusetts welcome and support new arrivals at the beginning of their journey.