Cummings Foundation Gives $200K To Support Afghan Evacuees

WOBURN, MA — Woburn's Cummings Foundation recently surprised the International Institute of New England with a $200,000 donation to support Afghan evacuees, the foundation said.

Institute President Jeffrey Thielman visited the Cummings Office office last month expecting to be grilled about his $100,000 grant request. Instead, he was presented with the $200,000 donation, double his request.

The money will go to the institute's Afghan Evacuee Support Initiative.

"Cummings Foundation does not often make such substantial gifts outside of our annual $25 Million Grant Program, but we found this need both compelling and urgent," Executive Director Joyce Vyriotes said.

The institute is providing case management to roughly 350 Afghans who it has welcomed since the United States left Afghanistan in August. In the coming weeks, it expects to support another 300 Afghans who are being settled in Massachusetts.

"I am overwhelmed and so thankful for this generosity," Thielman said. "The people we are serving have come to the United States for a new beginning. Although they have suffered enormous trauma, they are resilient, and this support will help them start over and launch their futures."

The evacuees include interpreters, drivers, soldiers and others who worked with the U.S. military and government, as well as aid workers and people who worked for non-governmental organizations.

"We’re so grateful for the many services IINE provides to help these Afghan allies rebuild their lives in a new home," Vyriotes said. "Its employment training, in particular, will be incredibly beneficial, not only for the evacuees but also local businesses. With so many companies really struggling to hire staff right now, the timing of the arrival of these new neighbors could be ideal."

The Boston-based nonprofit also supports evacuees with financial aid, temporary and permanent housing, medical care, cultural orientation, public school enrollment, and English language and literacy classes.

Those who want to help can go to iine.org for information about donating. The institute is also gathering in-kind donations like home goods; information on that sort of donation is also on the website. You can also volunteer at iine.org/volunteer.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.