Educational Resources
Holistic Education for New Americans (HENA) : After School Program
About The Program
The Holistic Education for New Americans (HENA) initiative in Lowell, MA to support refugee and immigrant families. Held three afternoons a week, HENA offers English and math tutoring, enrichment activities, and ESOL and literacy classes to address gaps caused by interrupted schooling. For parents, the program provides ESOL instruction, school system orientations, and interpretation services. Bilingual counselors and trained community volunteers ensure language and cultural support.
Serving over 200 children annually from countries like Afghanistan, Haiti, and Burma, HENA builds on ACE’s long-standing work with Lowell’s refugee communities. It complements programs in trauma support, women’s empowerment, and youth development, while strengthening local partnerships. With support from UMass Lowell and community leaders, HENA fosters academic growth, social integration, and a sense of belonging—true to ACE’s mission to “weave God’s love across cultures."
After-School Session
The after-school program is designed for students in grades 1 and above. It will be held during the regular school year on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
For initial registration:
A parent or guardian must accompany their child in person at the child’s first session to enroll them
OR complete the required paperwork emailed to you in advance.
A student’s first hour must be spent on homework, reading, or completing enrichment worksheets. Volunteers will be available to assist students with their homework.
During the second hour, students may continue working on their schoolwork or engage in social activities such as board games, conversation, or competitions.
Refreshments and nutritious snacks will be available. Students may sign in or sign out anytime during the ACE Center’s open hours.
Instructional Learning (September - June)
Join us at the ACE Center for New Americans to explore various topics such as “Messy Science,” “Fun with Math,” “Exciting Stories,” and more. Parents and students of grades 1st to 5th interested in the Instructional Education program can register online and plan to attend the orientation. Classes will be held weekly on Mondays, with new classes offered every six weeks. Students must be signed in and out of the program by a parent, a parent-designated adult, or a sibling aged 14 or older.
Check-in time is from 4:00 to 4:15 p.m. Students should be promptly picked up, as the building closes at 6:00 p.m.
Registration is required, and space is limited.
Child care services being offered are not licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care or any other state agency. All children must leave upon completing the class or lesson. We will maintain records of each child's participation, including the class or lesson signed up for and the date, time, and duration of the class or lesson attended.
Summer Enhancement Program (July - August)
The after-school program is for students in grades 1 and above will be held during the summer on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2:00–4:00 p.m.
For initial registration:
A parent or guardian must accompany their child in person at the child’s first session to enroll them
OR complete the required paperwork emailed to you in advance.
Refreshments and nutritious snacks will be available. Students may sign in or out anytime during the ACE Center’s open hours.
Backpack Supplies Donation Drive 🎒
Help us support students as they head back to school! We are collecting new backpacks and essential school supplies such as notebooks, pencils, pens, erasers, crayons, colored pencils, glue sticks, scissors, folders, and rulers for children and youth in our community. Donations will be distributed during our Back-to-School event in August. Your contributions will make a meaningful difference in helping students start the school year with confidence and the tools they need to succeed.
How to Donate:
Drop off donations at the MBMM Office:
99 Church Street, Lowell, MA
Monday–Thursday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
For questions or to make a cash donation, please contact:
mbmm@mbmm.org, lugyino@mbmm.org, or veronique@mbmm.org
978-455-3340 (Ext: 1) during office hours
Prefer to donate online?
You can also support our Backpack Supplies Donation Drive by purchasing items directly through our Amazon Wishlist and having them shipped to our office.
