Our History

The International Institute of Rhode Island has provided educational, legal and social services to immigrants and refugees throughout Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts since 1921.

Housed originally in two rooms on Weybosset Street and dedicated to providing casework and support to a few hundred immigrant women and their families, the Institute now inhabits a three-story building on Elmwood Avenue in South Providence. The affiliated International Charter School is located on 334 Pleasant Street in Pawtucket.

Today, the International Institute of Rhode Island is an independent non-profit agency providing more than 20,000 services to immigrant, refugee and native-born individuals and families each year.  

Our Mission
International Institute of Rhode Island's mission is to enable all area residents, especially immigrants and refugees, to become self-reliant, invested participants in our communities, while fostering respect and understanding among all people.

Our Vision For the Future

We dare to dream of a future in which:

• The International Institute of Rhode Island will be the leading comprehensive resource for new immigrants and refugees and a multicultural information center for all Rhode Islanders.

• Every individual has the opportunity to learn to speak, read, and write English and to experience the values inherent in other languages.

• All legal residents can achieve U.S. citizenship at a cost within their means.

• All individuals have access to affordable health education and services.

• All individuals have access to basic job training and readiness opportunities.

• All who need it have the translation and interpreting services required to ensure their access to essential services.

• All of our children will experience the value of an education offered in a multicultural, multilingual environment.

• Diversity is cherished as one of this nation's outstanding resources.