The latest news for you

New England Arab American Organization

NEAAO wishes you health and happiness this holiday season.

Dear Friends,

The richness and diversity of our nation can be seen in the many holidays celebrated this time of year. Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, Las Posadas, Bodhi Day, Three Kings Day, Winter Solstice or New Year's, we can all appreciate the spirit of love and generosity that make these days so special. As we say goodbye to this most challenging year, we set our sights on better times ahead in 2021. Together, we have much to look forward to as NEAAO continues its current programs and launches some new ones. We hope you will stay connected via our website, Facebook page and this newsletter.

We wish you love, friendship, health and happiness in 2021!

Zoe Sahloul

Founder and Executive Director

Toys for Our Children

NEAAO is grateful for the chance to participate each year in the Bruce Roberts Toy Fund in partnership with the Portland Press Herald. This generous campaign ensures that children in our community experience seasonal delight by receiving holidays gifts. This year, NEAAO provided 89 children with age appropriate games, toys, books and craft kits. To show our appreciation, NEAAO staff volunteered time to assist with some of the Bruce Robert Toy Fund's administrative duties. We send heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated, shopped and delivered all of these gifts to give children in our community some extra holiday fun!

NEAAO Goes Virtual

Like other organizations, NEAAO has learned to keep the community connected through Zoom. This change has not discouraged women in our NEAAO Arab American community at all! In fact, women enjoy gathering via Zoom to talk and learn. NEAAO continues to offer English classes every week, and women in the Not Alone group meet regularly to check in with each other, share stories and talk about delicious food. Their culinary creations have been so inspiring that in 2021 NEAAO will offer virtual cooking classes, specializing in Mediterranean cuisine. Stay tuned!

Join NEAAO staff for this book club that takes us around the world to explore different cultures through prize-winning works of fiction. We meet every other week, joined by guests from area organizations and colleges who add their cultural perspectives. Starting January 6, 2021 with The Dark Road, by Chinese author Ma Jian. We meet every other week on Wednesday evenings, 6:30 - 7:45 pm Email us here.

Year-End Giving

Please consider NEAAO in your year-end giving. Your tax-deductible donation will help us continue to build a strong community by helping New Mainers. All of our programs are offered to newcomers free of charge.

Donate Here