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.