From the Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers, Feb. 16, 2016: An event welcoming the state’s growing Angolan community will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. March 11 at the office of the Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers at 1046 Cambridge St., Inman Square. The reception is open to the community.

The event, which will feature Angolan music and refreshments, is being organized by the alliance in collaboration with the “Muxima” radio program. It will serve as an opportunity to make the Angolan community aware of the services provided by the alliance, such as citizenship assistance, immigrant integration services, support for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, a drop-in center for seniors, HIV/STI prevention and screening, and employment and career advancement guidance, along with many other culturally and linguistically appropriate services.

“For the past 45 years, we’ve been focused on meeting the needs of the Brazilian, Cabo Verdean and Portuguese communities, the three largest Portuguese-speaking groups in Massachusetts. Nevertheless, our mission is to serve all Portuguese speakers, including the Angolan community and others,” said Paulo Pinto, executive director of the alliance. “This event is a great opportunity to officially and symbolically welcome the Angolan community to MAPS and to encourage them to take advantage of our services, as well as strengthen community relationships and connect our diverse populations.”

To learn more about the alliance, which has six offices in Greater Boston, Lowell and Framingham, visit maps-inc.org.

To RSVP for the reception, call Anamaria Balbino at (617) 864-7600 or send an email to [email protected].