2026 Gerda Haas Award Recipients

Honoring Maine’s Immigrant Advocacy Organizations in Unprecedented Times

The Holocaust and Human rights Center of Maine (HHRC)is deeply honored to announce the winners of the 2026 Gerda Haas Award for Excellence in Human Rights Education and Leadership. This year we take the meaningful step of recognizing four immigrant advocacy leaders and their organizations whose visionary work strengthens Maine’s commitment to human dignity, justice, and compassion.

The Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP) is Maine’s only state-wide immigration legal services organization. ILAP advances justice and equity for immigrants and their families through direct legal services, community education, and systemic advocacy. Executive Director Sue Roche joined the organization in 2000 and has grown it into a statewide resource with 12 staff members and 200 volunteers, including 150 pro-bono attorneys who serve over 2,000 clients in Maine’s growing immigrant community each year. Quote coming.

The Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition (MIRC) improves legal, social, and economic conditions for immigrants by bringing together more than 100 organizations, a majority of which are led by people of color, to foster inclusion and integration through support programs and policies. Executive Director Mufalo Chitam is gifted with an ability to relate across all ethnic communities no matter how different their experiences or needs may be.

“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

In Her Presence supports immigrant families by cultivating connections, nurturing relationships, and providing learning opportunities to create a state where immigrant women and their families are not only welcomed, but fully recognized as leaders, contributors, and change-makers. Executive Director Claudette Ndayininahaze leads with bold vision and deep collaboration, focusing on relationships and community.

“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 working toward a community where immigrants are welcomed and empowered socially, emotionally, physically, economically, and spiritually by providing asylum seekers access to housing and basic needs, assistance in navigating complex immigration processes, and resources for learning English. The completion of Hope House, a home for asylum seekers and place for individualized support, has expanded their ability to change lives. Executive Director Martha Stein will retire after 8 years growing and leading Hope Acts into a significant resource for newcomers settling in Maine.

“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. — Martha Stein

These four organizations, and leaders, are being honored for their individual accomplishments and as representatives of the broader network of advocates, volunteers, faith communities, service providers, and community leaders working every day to support immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers throughout our state.

What makes these recognitions especially meaningful is the moment in which it is being given. Across the country, immigrants and refugees face extraordinary uncertainty, heightened fear, and increasing challenges to their rights and security. In these unprecedented times, these organizations have not stepped back—they have stepped forward. They have educated communities, defended fundamental rights, created networks of support, and stood with individuals and families when they needed allies most. Through their leadership, they have provided hope, dignity, and a sense of belonging.

These recognitions are deeply connected to the HHRC’s mission. The lessons of the Holocaust remind us of the consequences of indifference, exclusion, and the denial of human rights. They also remind us of the importance of those who choose courage, compassion, and action in defense of others. The work of welcoming newcomers, protecting vulnerable communities, and affirming the dignity of every person is an expression of these lessons—we strive to live by them every day.