IMAA's mission is "Building bridges between cultures by empowering individuals to create a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community."

The organization was founded in 1984 by Mr. Robert “Bob” Jones III (1942-2011). He identified a need to empower refugees to develop and lead self-help programs. It was with this vision that Mr. Jones founded IMAA.

Refugees and immigrants arrive in Rochester from many different countries around the world including Somalia, Syria, Ethiopia, Sudan, Burma, Bhutan, and Iraq. They have demonstrated strength, perseverance, resourcefulness, and courage in the face of remarkable hardships and challenges.

IMAA has served hundreds of new Americans every year by helping to create stability, self-sufficiency, independence, and to build community. As a result, many have attained these goals and have become engaged, established, and contributing members of the community.