NSB Contributes $3,000 to Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project, Continuing Over Decade of Support

LEWISTON—For over 30 years, the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP) has served as far more than just an organization that helps immigrants in Maine improve their legal status. It has fought for just and humane laws and policies affecting immigrants, offered compassion and respect to tens of thousands of immigrants from more than 150 countries, and stood as a beacon of hope for those seeking assistance and light.

It is a mission that has engendered over a decade of support from Norway Savings Bank, including a $3,000 donation in March.

“Over the last 30 years, we’ve learned that change happens when the entire community comes together. The support of Norway Savings Bank and local businesses is critical to ILAP’s work advancing justice for Maine’s immigrants,” said Sue Roche, Executive Director of ILAP.

As Maine’s only statewide immigration legal services organization, ILAP provides a full range of direct legal services that cover a range of humanitarian and family-based immigration issues. The organization also offers accessible information and educational materials on legal issues to immigrant communities and service providers from York to Aroostook counties.

“The work of ILAP is so impressive and meaningful. Their efforts to collaborate with groups committed to social justice in ensuring immigrants are valued and treated justly in our society is crucial,” said Dan Walsh, President and CEO of Norway Savings. “They directly serve over 3,000 people each year and reach many more through their community initiatives. It’s overwhelming.”

ILAP operates full-time offices in Portland and Lewiston and have a regular presence across the state through its “Rural Maine Project.” From helping individuals find safety and economic security to keeping families together, ILAP’s contributions to the greater good are impossible to estimate.

“ILAP is driven by the belief that when we all work to advance justice for immigrants, everyone benefits,” said Janice de Lima, VP, Community Reinvestment Act Officer at Norway Savings Bank. “They are helping thousands navigate a complex legal system today while reimagining and striving for a better immigration system tomorrow.”

“In many ways, immigrants represent the economic future of our state,” said Roche. “This fact impacts businesses and communities across Maine, and we appreciate allies like Norway Savings that support immigrants, the essential services we provide to them, and the work we do to preserve dignity and achieve justice for them.”

There are many ways you can support ILAP’s mission. To learn more, visit
www.ilapmaine.org/donate or www.ilapmaine.org/volunteer.