We are welcoming in the fall with two meetings that will interest you!
On October 28th Naren Roy from the Metrowest Worker Center (Casa) will offer his insight about the legal paths immigrant families are navigating this year. We will learn about Casa’s projects that support Haitian families in Temporary Protective Status (TPS) Processing Clinics, as well as assisting recently arrived immigrants who are navigating the pro se asylum process. The pro se asylum process allows individuals to apply for asylum without an attorney.
This summer the steering committee worked to update our Mission, Vision, and the values included in the definition of who we are. We would like your feedback prior to the October 28 meeting. They are as follows. Please send your feedback to info@immigrationneedham.org. We will be voting to accept these statements at the meeting. If you prefer to read this on line, it is also available on the NAIJTF Website: https://www.immigrationneedham.org/about-us/
Who We Are: We are a non-partisan, non-denominational, 501(c)(3) charitable organization that promotes actions and policies that welcome and support immigrants in our local area, state, and country. We welcome immigrants to our community and embrace all cultures.
Our Mission: The Needham Area Immigration Justice Task Force encourages dialogue and raises awareness within Needham and the region regarding immigration as a necessary bedrock of a prosperous and growing United States of America. We take action to welcome immigrants, change unjust policies, and ensure fair working conditions and security for families. Through collaboration with other immigrant support organizations and decision makers, we strive to accomplish this mission.
Our Vision:We envision a country with just and humane policies for all immigrants–regardless of status–where all are welcome, diversity is celebrated, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
On November 18th we will hear from Bill and Sue Contente. They created Safe Landings RSG (“Refugee Support Group”) to help a refugee family get established in our area. They’ll tell us about the organizational challenges of building a team, raising money and dealing with the refugee resettlement agency. They’ll also talk about the issues faced by their Honduran family, such as housing, school, language, health care and a thousand other things. Spoiler alert: the family’s doing well!
An update from Cheryl: On July 23rd, the Healey Administration announced significant changes to the state Emergency Assistance (EA) shelter system for unhoused families. By August 1st, the new policies were in effect, challenging the state’s Right to Shelter Policy. In response, community members from various faith communities and organizations convened on August 8th to discuss the implications of these changes.
Recognizing the urgent need for support, the group, now known as the Need Shelter Network, stepped in on the 14th to assist two Haitian families facing the threat of returning to the streets. In partnership with the MetroWest Worker Center – Casa, and thanks to the generous donations from neighbors and friends, the Network successfully secured temporary hotel accommodations for the families. The Need Shelter Network is actively helping them find affordable housing, complete job applications, navigate legal processes, access healthcare, learn English, and more. If you’re interested in volunteering, please let us know: info@immigrationneedham.org
We look forward to seeing you at the next meeting on Monday, October 28th at 7:15 PM at the Congregational Church of Needham, 1154 Great Plain Avenue. Please use the Linden Street door at the top of the ramp. We encourage you to attend in person. However, a Zoom option will be available. Later this week, check your inbox for instructions about attending virtually!
