In honor of their daughter, Maile Moore, Ed and Delia Moore have made a generous donation from her estate to the Mission Outreach Refuge Family Support fund. Maile, who died suddenly in the fall of 2023, was proficient in Arabic, having studied the language and lived in Cairo Egypt. During her years in Boston, she used her language skills volunteering with immigrants and refugees, helping them acclimate to and navigate through life in Boston.

These are some stories of how this fund has been used thus far to further the efforts of our immigrant friends and neighbors in becoming more fully integrated and successful in American life.

Members of the Interfaith Partnership for Refugee Resettlement came to know of a family in need shortly after their arrival from Afghanistan in the fall of 2021. We did not yet have a sponsor family. The Afghan family was living in Maynard and the International Institute of New England (IINE) asked if we could help them with transportation to their Lowell office and various appointments. As we got to know this wonderful family, members of IPRR helped one daughter find employment at Acton Medical, obtained a car for them, and continued to stay in touch.

Last spring members of the Afghan family reached out to Reverend Ellie to inquire about using the kitchen to start a business. Their brand-new business could not afford the rental rate for the kitchen so Maile’s Fund is supplementing the difference between what the family can pay and the rental rate. The Fund has also covered the expense of essential kitchen items and a course, both required by the Board of Health. As their business improves, they will pay a greater share of the rent. As all who attended the November dinner that they catered can attest, they are wonderful cooks and their business, Afghan Food, has a bright future. To see for yourself, visit Afghan Food’s Facebook page to place an order.

The Fund was also used to buy 40 small value gift cards to Dunkin Donuts and Market Basket that (IINE) is giving to their English Language Students as rewards for perfect attendance. Students attend 6-9 hours of classes a week depending on the class level. It is an important commitment. There is the option of either in-person or online classes. Learning English is the single most effective route to improving employment opportunities. In October, ten students received prizes for 100% attendance!

We expect to tap Maile’s Fund in the near future to pay a portion of the cost of a driver’s education course for the eldest son in our Rohingya family.

We hope Maile is watching with approval all of the ways that her generosity is helping our refugees to improve their lives.