The Government of the Azores, through the Regional Directorate for the Communities, will host an International Seminar for Social Service Organizations from the Azores and the Diaspora on Monday, April 14, in Ponta Delgada.
This initiative aims to reactivate and strengthen the International Network of Social Service Organizations based in the United States, Canada, and Bermuda, reinforcing ties with institutions that provide essential services to Azorean communities abroad. The Regional Directorate for the Communities maintains annual cooperation protocols with these organizations, fostering transatlantic partnerships that contribute to the integration and well-being of Azorean emigrants and returnees.
The seminar, open to the general public, will feature three panels with speakers from both sides of the Atlantic, showcasing the diverse work carried out by social service entities supporting the Azorean diaspora. The event will be live-streamed on the Azorean Communities Facebook page and the YouTube channel of the Regional Government.
Seminar Program:
10:00 a.m. — Panel 1: Social Service Organizations in the Autonomous Region of the Azores
Speakers:
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Telma Silva, Regional Directorate for the Communities
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Tânica Fonseca, ISSA – Institute for Social Security of the Azores
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Andrea Moniz de Sousa, Association of Azorean Emigrants
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Emanuela Braga, APAV – Portuguese Association for Victim Support
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Suzete Frias, ARRISCA – Association for Rehabilitation and Socio-Cultural Integration
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Paulo Braga, Instituto São João de Deus / Casa de Saúde de São Miguel
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Helder Fernandes, NOVO DIA – Association for Social Inclusion
2:30 p.m. — Panel 2: Social Service Organizations in the United States
Speakers:
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Rui Rosa, Catholic Social Services, Fall River, MA
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Helena Hughes, Immigrants Assistance Center, New Bedford, MA
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Paulo Pinto, MAPS – Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers, Cambridge, MA
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Elsa Oliveira, POSSO – Portuguese Organization for Social Services and Opportunities, San Jose, CA
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Cristina Raposo, SER Jobs for Progress, Fall River, MA
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Elmano Rosa, VALER – Valley Area Living Enabling Resources, Turlock, CA
4:00 p.m. — Panel 3: Social Service Organizations in Canada and Bermuda
Speakers:
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Marília dos Santos, Abrigo Centre, Toronto, ON
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Anabela Nunes, Working Women Community Centre, Toronto, ON
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Adélia Ferreira, Centre for Socio-Community Action of Montreal, QC
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Nance Martins, Luso Canadian Charitable Society, Hamilton, ON
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Richard Ambrósio, Vasco da Gama Club, Bermuda
Each panel will be followed by a discussion moderated by José Andrade, Regional Director for the Communities.
April 15 – Field Visits and Internal Network Meeting
On Tuesday, April 15, seminar participants will visit key local initiatives, including the Emergency Shelter Centre (Drop-in) of NOVO DIA – Association for Social Inclusion, and the Cáritas Unit on the island of São Miguel.
In the afternoon, an internal meeting of the International Network of Social Service Organizations will be held in the training room of the Regional Civil Engineering Laboratory. The session will focus on strategies for social support for Azorean emigrants in North America and returnees/deportees to the Region.
This meeting will be chaired by Paulo Estêvão, Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, and will include José Andrade, Regional Director for the Communities, and Telma Silva, Coordinator of the Network.
About
The International Network of Social Service Organizations promotes cooperation, coordination, and shared knowledge among institutions engaged in supporting Azorean communities abroad. With the backing of the Regional Directorate for the Communities, the Network aims to build stronger, more integrated support systems for Azorean emigrants and those returning home.
The Regional Government of the Azores reaffirms its commitment to these efforts through continued financial and strategic partnerships, ensuring that Azorean communities worldwide remain connected, supported, and empowered.
Source: Press Release @ portal.azores.gov
