Friends of Massachusetts Recognized for Hardwork, Dedication to Service

The United States-based organization, "Friends of Massachusetts," has received special recognition from the Rhode Island House of Representatives for its selfless and devoted work to their local community.

During an elaborate program held on October 19, 2022, Congressman Nathan W. Biah congratulated the group for their commitment to conducting themselves more respectably.

Representative Biah, on behalf of the entire membership of the Rhode Island parliament, extended best wishes to the group and expressed hope that they would continue in good fortune. 

Receiving the citation on behalf of FOMA, Prince Woods, a Liberian and president of the organization, thanked the Rhode Island House of Representatives for such a rewarding recognition, something he says the group will not forget.

Woods, who along with others was inducted, thanked the US congressman for the support while appreciating his colleagues for the confidence reposed in him.

The Liberian humanitarian in his acceptance speech says that his election as president of the “Friends of Massachusetts” is not something he takes lightly, and he promised to represent the group in its best interest. 

“My main goal this year is to encourage the membership to make a difference,” Woods noted.

He said his administration would undertake initiatives to assist both young and elderly people.

Woods said the elderly immigrants in the Worcester community and Massachusetts are confronted with many challenges, including maintaining their independence, economic security, active relations with their friends and families, and reaping the benefits of American immigration, among other issues.

He said with these enormous challenges the elderly are faced with, special efforts must be made to serve them and his leadership is committed to doing so.  

FOMA's newly inducted president said his leadership will assist the elderly in communicating with them and ensure that they have equitable access to government programs and services.

He named the offering of free programs and services to elderly immigrants and helping them navigate the complex system of public benefits and long-term care programs as other major initiatives and programs his leadership will focus on.

Woods says his team's free programs and services will focus on health screening and health education, assisting to navigate health and safety benefits, citizenship, as well as elder abuse and neglect identification and intervention, disease awareness, combating depression, and other projects.

Meanwhile, the FOMA boss has promised to engage elderly immigrants, refugees, and undocumented immigrant communities to discuss issues regarding services for elderly immigrants.

Woods said, “We will play the primary role in helping to prevent youth violence, juvenile delinquency, and criminal victimization of juveniles."

He said the Friends of Massachusetts can successfully assist in changing local conditions to help youth become law-abiding and productive immigrants and citizens, a fight he says will require the inclusion of all community members. 

Accordingly, he said, this can be achieved by collaboration with business leaders, media representatives, teachers, parents, grandparents, young people, policymakers, clergymen, elected officials, and law enforcement. 

Woods notes that "everyone of us is responsible for the health and well-being of children. When all members of the community work together to achieve common goals, everyone benefits from the strength of a working partnership,” Woods notes.

The induction ceremony, which took place on October 19, 2022, brought together several Africans with dominant Liberians based in the US. 

Those elected and inducted into office are Prince Woods-President, Emmanuel B. Ndebeh, Vice President, Aloysius Hinneh, Secretary General, Francis Artey, Financial Secretary, Tom J.O.B. Knowry, Financial Secretary, Mrs. Tawa Woods, assisting secretary, and Thomas Nyenswah, chaplain.

All those elected according to the organization's by-laws will serve for two years beginning October 2022 to October 2024