Sen. Libby welcomes MEIRS to the State House to honor 10 year anniversary

Front row: Ayman Nijim, Director of Programs; Sen. Libby; Jama Mohamed, Director of Family Services; Former State Sen. Bonnie Titcomb Lewis, Director of Development
Back row: Lisa Day, Public Relations Director; Marian Abu, Operations Manager; Rilwan Osman, Executive Director; Teddy Burrage

Sen. Nate Libby, D-Lewiston, welcomed representatives from Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services (MEIRS) to the State House on March 29 to recognize the 10th Anniversary of the organization with a Legislative Sentiment.

MEIRS was founded in 2008 by Rilwan Osman, Abdikadir Negeye and other young Somalis who saw a desperate need to help refugee youth become educated and empowered members of their new community. It has since grown into an organization that not only educates, assists, and empowers immigrant and refugee youth, but also helps their entire families toward a goal of mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.

“I am so impressed by MEIRS’s work helping New Mainers succeed in the workforce and I’m proud of their accomplishments,” said Sen. Libby. “Lewiston’s recent revitalization wouldn’t have been nearly as successful without their efforts.”

During their day at the State House, MEIRS hosted a well-attended, bipartisan lunch to introduce legislators from around the state to Somali cuisine.

A Legislative Sentiment is a significant expression by the Legislature in recognition of civic and public achievements.