United Immigrant & Refugee Communities (UIRC) of Vermont INC was established in response to witnessing the constant widening gap between immigrants and refugees in the state, and the existing agencies or organizations that are intended to support them. These gaps led some immigrant and refugee families and individuals relocate to other states in the nation in search for better help and services for themselves and loved ones. Our agency helps these vulnerable folks in any way possible, and at times be the bridge between them and the service providers. With our services, our agency can be very helpful, resourceful, and impactful to the immigrant, the refugee, and the asylee community members it serves in our State in any possible way.
UIRC’s mission is to deliver personalized individual and family services, fostering the creation of opportunities for immigrant and refugee community members in the State. Our aim is to facilitate access to available resources, empowering individuals to become productive members of their respective communities and society at large.
UIRC’s vision is for all immigrants and refugees in the great state of Vermont to access the assistance they need, improving their quality of life and guiding them toward fulfilling, meaningful lives.
Commitment to understanding and respecting the diverse cultures, traditions, and backgrounds of immigrants and refugees in Vermont.
Prioritizing the needs and preferences of clients, involving them in the decision-making processes, and tailoring services to meet their specific circumstances.
Creating an inclusive and welcoming environment that embraces diversity, promotes equity, and ensures that everyone feels valued and respected.
Upholding and advocating for the human rights and dignity of immigrants and refugees, recognizing their inherent worth and treating them with respect.
Prioritizing clear, transparent, and culturally sensitive communication to bridge language barriers and ensure that information is accessible to all.
Empowering individuals and communities to build self-sufficiency, resilience, and a sense of belonging in their new environment.
Approaching all interactions with empathy and compassion, understanding the unique challenges faced by immigrants, refugees & asylees in the green mountain stat (Vermont).
Co-founder & Executive Director, Maryan Maalin came to Vermont in 2006 as a refugee from Somalia. She earned her high school diploma and associate degree in Medical Assistance and Administration from CCV-Community College of Vermont while at the same time working part time and supporting her family.
She recently joined the BSF-Building Strong Families Program as a community outreach worker. Additionally, she is the Family Strengthening Worker at the Janet S. Munt Family Room and worked as an Interpreter/Cultural Brooker for AALV.
As a valued voice at King Street Center, Maryan has participated in several parent focus groups and acted as an interpreter to help King Street families navigate their questions and challenges. She is also an active member of her faith community, and was awarded the New Hope Award from CVOEO in 2021.
Co-founder & Asst. Executive Director, Abdirisak Maalin, is a serial entrepreneur who had relocated from Maine to Vermont in the year 2021.
In Maine, 2008, Abdirisak helped found MEIRS, Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services, a non-profit organization that also serves immigrants & refugees in the State of Maine.
Abdirisak had worked with different types of service providers from government agencies to non-governmental who all worked with refugees, immigrants & asylees directly or indirectly. He had worked with them for the majority of his adult life, since 2004.
He is also a multilingual individual, an interpreter/translator that is sensitive to understanding the needs of the immigrant and refugee communities in the states because he has been one himself.
UIRC of VT, INC. was established in response to witnessing the widening gap, on a daily basis, between immigrants and refugees in the state, and the existing agencies or organizations that are intended to support them.