A Memorable Evening and Celebration!
We gathered on October 1st, 6:00 at the Portland Museum of Art for an ebullient celebration of community, courage, and conversation. We enjoyed cocktails and delicious food prepared by Black Tie Catering in the sculpture garden, gathered in the auditorium to hear from our award recipients, and capped off the evening with coffee and desserts. This year's celebration will be a reminder of what is good and true in our world. We celebrated, were reminded of the relationships that sustain us, and honored the incredible work so many do each day on behalf of others. We all created an event that is uplifting, optimistic, and full of hope.
We honored four inspirational leaders and their organizations who create welcoming, vibrant communities by expanding opportunities for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in Maine. They spoke about their mission, passion and daily work providing legal services, education, networking, housing, and community support—affirming the dignity and worth of every person. The recipients were: Sue Roche, Executive Director of the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project; Mufalo Chitam, Executive Director of the Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition; Claudette Ndayininahaze, Executive Director of In Her Presence; and Madeleine Saucier, Executive Director of Hope Acts. These extraordinary women are recognized for their leadership in advancing human dignity, strengthening communities, and expanding opportunities for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers throughout Maine. Together, these organizations reflect the enduring values the Gerda Haas Award, which was established to recognize individuals and organizations whose work reflects the values at the heart of HHRC’s educational mission.
In Their Own Words …
“ILAP is honored to receive the Gerda Haas Award, alongside our partners at the Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition, In Her Presence, and Hope Acts. It means so much to receive this award for our collective work to demand justice and human rights for all immigrants, while a mass deportation campaign terrorizes immigrant communities around the country. We are grateful to the Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine for shining a light on immigrants’ rights during this important moment, and for their mission, which calls upon us all to reflect and act upon our moral responsibilities to confront prejudice, intolerance, and discrimination.”
— Sue Roche
“After the recent Supreme Court decision reversing asylum policies that were put in place following World War II, we must act to preserve the dignity of people fleeing crises, whether they be political, economic, or ecological. MIRC is dedicated to advancing a future where dignity is not a privilege based on the country you were born in.”
— Mufalo Chitam
“This award is a powerful reminder that every person deserves dignity, belonging, and the opportunity to thrive. We accept it on behalf of the courageous immigrant women and families we serve, whose resilience inspires us every day, and alongside the many partners and advocates who stand beside us. Together, we are building a more welcoming, just, and compassionate Maine.”
— Claudette Ndayininahaze
“Hope Acts is honored to be a co-recipient of the Gerda Haas Award. At this dark time in our country, all of us must work to protect human rights, individually and collectively. We are grateful to the HHRC for its ongoing education and advocacy against racism and prejudice, and for the human rights of all people.”
— Madeleine Saucier
