The seminar aimed to strengthen inter-institutional collaboration between government bodies and civil society organizations to welcome, protect, promote, and integrate the migrant community in Boston, and contribute to a better understanding of how the migrant community plays an essential role in economic and social development through job creation, entrepreneurship, and social innovation.  

Boston, MA – March 19, 2018 – The Scalabrini Centers for Migration in Boston, the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry, and the Scalabrini International Migration Network (SIMN) organized a “Seminar on the Contributions of Migrants to Development and Social Innovation in Boston.” The event was held on Thursday, March 22, 2018, at Boston College. 

The seminar brought together social and political actors including local governments, consuls of Latin American countries, civil society organizations, universities, religious and community leaders, and representatives of the private sector to discuss the contributions of migrants as well as the challenges and best practices to support their integration and adaptation in hosting communities. His Eminence, Cardinal Archbishop of Boston, Seán P. O’Malley, inaugurated the seminar, and Fr. Leonir Chiarello c.s., Executive Director of SIMN, made the closing remarks.

The seminar was held on Thursday, March 22, 2018, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Yawkey Athletics Center, Murray Room, Chestnut Hill Campus, Boston College, 140 Commonwealth Ave. Chestnut Hill, MA 02467.

About the Scalabrini Centers for Migration in Boston and SIMN – The Scalabrini International Migration Network (SIMN) is a network of over 250 programs serving migrants worldwide, including schools, shelters, community centers, and educational institutes, operated by the Congregation of the Missionaries of Saint Charles, Scalabrinians. In 2017, 54,299 migrants were served by the Scalabrini Centers for Migration in the Boston Greater and Metro West Areas. The centers’ services have had a significant impact on the lives of migrants and their families in the cities of Framingham, Everett, and Somerville.