Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Do you sell maps?

No, we do not.

Does MAPS offer any cultural events or services for Portuguese speakers?

Although MAPS is not a cultural organization, we do provide classes in the Portuguese language and often hold educational and fundraising events with a cultural component.

Do you give out money to people who need it?

No, MAPS does not have funding to give out any money. We can only connect you with government entitlement programs such as Food Stamps, MassHealth, etc. if you make an appointment with an Immigrant Social Services case worker.

I have a disability. Is MAPS accessible to disabled persons?

Yes, we are able to provide services to all disabled persons. If you are hearing impaired, you may call any MAPS office number and be connected to a TTY/TDD machine. If you are blind/visually impaired, MAPS has an audiotape version of its brochures in Portuguese and English as well as large print editions of the brochures for you to read. All MAPS services are also accessible to individuals who use wheelchairs.

Do you have any information on numbers of Brazilians, Portuguese, Cape Verdeans or Portuguese speakers who live in Massachusetts or any particular part of the state?

There has been no scientific study that truly tells us these numbers, however, we can make some estimates using information from the US Census, the various Consulates, the Archdiocese of Boston and our own client records combined with some scholarly research, school statistics and other information. Generally, we believe that there are up to 1 million Portuguese speakers in Massachusetts and that this population is the largest foreign language group in the state. There are an estimated 200,000 or more Portuguese speakers in the greater Boston area, approximately 20,000-25,000 in the greater Lowell area, and 20,000 in the Framingham area.

Are MAPS services confidential?

Yes, all MAPS services are confidential and violation of client confidentiality is grounds for immediate dismissal of a MAPS employee.

I/someone I know is having a mental health problem and needs counseling. Can you help?

No, we don’t provide counseling at this time, but we can refer you to a Portuguese-speaking counselor if you call (617) 864-7600.

I have no health insurance and no money to pay for it. How can I get health care?

MAPS Immigrant Social Services case workers can help you determine your eligibility and apply for free health care through MassHealth, and other government entitlement programs for which you might be eligible. Please make an appointment with the case worker in Allston, Dorchester, Cambridge or Lowell.

Do you provide services in Brockton or any other part of the state besides greater Boston, Framingham and Lowell?

Our staff helps anyone who contacts us as much as possible, but if we can’t provide the service you need, there are some other organizations there that might be able to help you. Some of these include:

•   Immigrants Assistance Center, Inc. (IAC), New Bedford, MA (508) 996-8113
•   Cape Verdean Association of Brockton, (508) 559-0056.

I need something notarized. Do you have a notary public at MAPS?

Yes, we do, in our Cambridge office. Please call (617) 864-7600.

Do you provide translation and interpretation services?

We provide translation at $40 per page, and we have a list of outside interpreters whom you can call. For more information, please call (617) 864-7600. For translations, you must provide original documents and allow up to a week or more for them to be completed, depending on the staff schedule.

I have a legal problem. Do you have any lawyers on your staff who can help me?

No, but we can refer you to one who speaks Portuguese. We also can refer you to other professionals such as doctors, dentists and so on.

Do you help people access jobs, housing, and basic services?

Yes, our Immigrant Social Services case workers in Cambridge, Allston, Dorchester, and Lowell can help you with information and referrals on all kinds of basic needs if you are a Portuguese speaker with limited or no English skills. In order to see the case workers, please call the closest office to make an appointment.

How do I make a donation to MAPS?

 

Please send your donation to MAPS at 1046 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 02139. Donations are tax-deductible. You may also make a donation by credit card at that same address or by calling (617) 864-7600. MAPS also takes credit card donations through its Web site. Click here for more information.

Do you help immigrants obtain green cards?

No, but we can refer them to Portuguese-speaking attorneys who will explain the process to them. They can also enroll in Citizenship classes and receive help with citizenship applications at MAPS if they are eligible.

I am interested in working at MAPS. How do I apply for a job?

Please visit the Employment page on this Web site. You can respond to one of the advertised positions by submitting a resume and cover letter as outlined in the job notice, or submit those at any time to the MAPS Human Resources Dept. at the Cambridge office, to be kept on file for an appropriate opportunity.


Do you charge for your services?

Most services are free, but certain ones have fees, such as ESOL, Citizenship and Portuguese classes. In addition, there are certain services for which we are required to charge, including Batterer Intervention classes and Driver Alcohol Education courses. For specific fee information, please contact the appropriate program staff.

Do you only serve Portuguese people?

No, MAPS serves anyone who speaks Portuguese, including Brazilians, Cape Verdeans, Portuguese and others. We also have some services that are open to anyone who lives in the area. MAPS does not discriminate in providing services on the basis of race, color, creed, ethnicity, religion, age, handicap, gender, marital status, or sexual orientation.

Where are your offices located?

Our administrative office is located at 1046 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA 02139. We have other offices in Somerville, Allston, Dorchester and Lowell and Framingham.

What does MAPS do?

We provide health and social services for Portuguese speakers in Massachusetts. All of our services are provided by bilingual, bicultural staff from the Portuguese-speaking community.

What is MAPS?

 

MAPS is the Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers, a private, non-profit, community-based organization.