Founder and Executive Director of MEIRS, Rilwan Osman, along with the Director of Community Relations, Lisa Day

BETHEL — What a treat to learn more about MEIRS, Maine Immigrant and Resettlement Services, based in Lewiston, Maine. Founder and Executive Director Rilwan Osman and Director of Community Relations Lisa Day, were guest speakers at the Club’s meeting this week.

Born in Somalia and raised in a refugee camp in Kenya, Rilwan immigrated to the US and eventually found his way to Lewiston. He first founded the Somalis Refugee Resettlement Program, which is now MEIRS, and includes 21 nationalities. The programs available to refugees and asylum seekers are extensive, and most are made possible through the efforts of volunteers and donations.

For more information and to donate, visit their website at www.meirs.org. Members of our Rotary Club, along with many other individuals in our community including staff and students at Gould Academy, have been very engaged in the work of MEIRS.