As summer 2022 drew to its conclusion, the ACE Center for New Americans of the Massachusetts Baptist Multicultural Ministries (MBMM) held its annual Family Fun Festival for the refugee and immigrant families of Lowell, MA. The community (Afghani, Bhutanese, Burmese, Cambodian) gathered at Shedd Park Pavilion for an afternoon of food, family, and fun. Festivities began at 4:00 p.m. and ran until 6:30 p.m.

With the passing of Summer comes the start of another school year. As in years past, Massachusetts Baptist Multicultural Ministries, the ACE Center for New Americans, and the local community came together to help refugee students start their school year right by distributing backpacks filled with school supplies.

On Saturday, August 6th, members of the ACE Center for New Americans community and staff gathered for an afternoon of fun, competition, and camaraderie at Pailin Volleyball Court for the second year in a row. We had a strong turnout from our local Bhutanese, Cambodian, Afghani, Chinese, and Vietnamese communities for this event despite the strong August sun and the high humidity.

ACE Center for New Americans had the pleasure of graduating eight English Speakers of Other Languages students. The ceremony was held at the ACE Center office on the evening of June 30th. Each student received a certificate of completion to acknowledge their hard work.

On Wednesday, June 29th the students of the ACE Center for New Americans' various after-school programs along with their chaperones climbed onto a yellow bus destined for their Canobie Lake adventure. Twenty-nine students participated in this day of fun, and frivolity. They enjoyed the rides, games, and snacks. They were also treated to a pizza party and Ritchie’s Slush for lunch.

Massachusetts Baptist Multicultural Ministries (MBMM), ACE Center for New Americans (ACE), and the local community gathered on June 20th at Sampas Pavilion (DCR) at Lowell Heritage State Park to commemorate and celebrate World Refugee Day 2022. This day is meant to recognize the adversities refugees face each year while celebrating their courage and strength to overcome them.

On Sunday, May 15, 2022, representatives from Massachusetts Baptist Multicultural Ministries (MBMM) and the ACE Center for New Americans met with the local Afghani refugee community of Lowell at South Common Park, Lowell, MA. The group came together to celebrate the formation of a new cricket league for interested players.

Unfortunately, due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns about holding large gatherings, MBMM decided to forgo holding an in-person New American Christmas Party this year, instead opting to deliver the holiday bags to the families’ homes.

On the evening of November 6th 2021 the Massachusetts Baptist Multicultural Ministries community comprised of family, friends and neighbors gathered together at the Mount Pleasant Golf Club for its 10th Annual Gala & Silent Auction and 11th Annual Business Meeting. This event is held each year to raise funds to support the ACE Center for New Americans programs and recognize its supporters. It is a chance to commune and enjoy an evening of food, fun and entertainment.