Immigration Resources for Congregations

 

         Faith Leader Networking Lunch

        February 6, 2025

 

Organizational needs of the organizations on the Faith Leader Networking Lunch

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CAROLINA MIGRANT NETWORK

​Mission: Carolina Migrant Network’s (CMN) core mission is to build and sustain services for people targeted by the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration (DHS). We provide compassionate and competent pro-bono legal representation. We organize with communities to disrupt the deportation pipeline/ system. We envision a world of empowered, self-determined, organized communities free from the fear of deportation and family separation.

Needs:

• Assistance with Know Your Rights (KYR)  materials distribution (canvassing)

• Assistance with printing materials (helping us print or sponsoring KYR canvas.)

• Join our fundraising committee.

POC: Stefanía Arteaga, stefania@carolinamigrantnetwork.org, 704-604-9901

 

CIRCLE DE LUZ

Mission: Charlotte-based nonprofit radically empowers young Latinas through extensive mentoring, holistic programming, and scholarship funds for further education.

Needs:

• Grocery and gas gift cards for the families we serve.

• Pro Bono legal and financial advising services for the families we serve..

• Care packages that send a message of “you’re supported, we see you” (blanket, mental health coloring books, journals, art supplies, etc)

POC: Tere Gonzalez, teregonzalez@circledeluz.org, 202-779-5193

 

DESPIERTA

Mission: Our mission is to transform the lives of Latina women through mental health and educational programs, empowering them to develop their talents and become leaders within their communities.

Needs:

• Gift cards for our families and students in our programs

• Clothing racks/ Bins for our Client Closet, for our clients to have access to clothing resources

• Pro-bono legal services for the families we serve

POC: Chantal Coutu,  Chantal@Despietaclt.com , 704-408-3708

 

HISPANIC FEDERATION

Mission: HF seeks to empower and advance the Hispanic community, support Hispanic families, and strengthen Latino institutions through work in the areas of education, health, immigration, civic engagement, economic empowerment, and climate justice.

Needs:

• Gift cards for clients and participants

• Printing of materials and/or books in Spanish (fiction for all ages)

• Financial donations

• Snacks/food for meetings

• Pro-bono Spanish-speaking attorneys (immigration/family/criminal)

• Volunteers for events

• Mental health services for a program focused on non-profit/community organization’s staff

POC: Anai Santibanez, asantibanez@hispanicfederation.org, 980-202-4246 or Esmeralda Castro, ecastro@hispanicfederation.org, 980.202.4261

 

INTERNATIONAL HOUSE

Mission: International House is a nonprofit organization that empowers immigrants and international culture to thrive in Charlotte.

POC: Autumn Weil aweil@ihclt.org

 

LATIN AMERICAN COALITION

Mission: It is a community of Hispanics, immigrants, and allies who promote the full and equal participation of all people in the civic, economic, and cultural life of North Carolina through integration, education, celebration, and advocacy.

Needs:

• Uber Gift Cards – To assist with transportation for families in need.

• Airbnb for One Week – Temporary accommodation for families who are unable to pay rent due to the deportation of a family member or primary household provider.

• Volunteer Registration – Sign up to volunteer at upcoming Family Defense Network events through the following website.

POC: Xunahxi Pineda, xpineda@mylac.org, (704) 531 3848

 

ourBridge for Kids

Mission: ourBRIDGE is a Charlotte-based 501(c)(3) organization that promotes the education, acculturation, and well-being of refugee and immigrant families through out-of-school programs and comprehensive, culturally responsive wraparound support to hundreds of families from around the world.

Needs:

• Volunteers who can sign up to provide transportation for families needing to attend doctors appointments, or go to the grocery store, who can do neighborhood watch during school bus hours

• Mental Health Resources, pro Bono volunteers we can refer to people who can work with their team.

• Funding. oB relies on federal funds.

Point of Contact: Sil Ganzo, POC: Sil Ganzó, sil@joinOurBridge.org 704-620-8555

 

REBUILDING TOGETHER

Mission: Rebuilding Together of Greater Charlotte (RTGC)’s mission is repairing homes, revitalizing communities, rebuilding lives. We mobilize community volunteers and contractors to provide repairs that make homes safer and healthier for our neighbors in need. We also actively partner with other local organizations to connect the communities we serve with additional resources to meet their needs and help them create healthier, more vibrant neighborhoods. Our vision is safe homes and communities for everyone.

Needs:

Organizing Volunteer Groups

• Mobilize congregants to participate in Rebuilding Days or special repair projects.

• Encourage youth groups, men’s/women’s ministries, or mission teams to volunteer on-site for home repairs. We prefer group sizes of around six at a time.

• Encourage individuals to volunteer with us, especially those with some handy skills.

. Providing Financial Support

• Include RTGC in the congregation’s outreach or mission budget to support home repairs.

• Host fundraising events (e.g., charity drives, silent auctions, or benefit dinners) to raise money for projects.

• Sponsor a specific home repair project or community improvement initiative.

Spreading Awareness

• Share RTGC’s mission and needs during sermons, bulletins, newsletters, or social media. Invite RTGC staff to speak at services, small groups

• Share RTGC's home repair services with community members in need.

POC: Beth Morrison-North, Office (704) 266-1195 | Cell (704) 898-5338, beth@rebuildingtogetherclt.org

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