Accompaniment

Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity coordinates the following programs in California to walk alongside people targeted by the immigration system:

  • Nueva Esperanza – for the newly arrived immigrant
  • Friends Afuera – writing letters to the detained
  • Detainee Visitation – at Adelanto Detention Facility

Accompany Newly Arrived Immigrants

Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity’s Nueva Esperanza Accompaniment Team (NEAT) program trains congregations to form an accompaniment team to walk alongside recently arrived immigrants. The teams  support the immigrants’ self-sufficiency by introducing them to local resources. By working toward families’ goals together, we create sanctuary, safety, and friendship in community.

Over the past five years, we have trained 260 volunteers who have formed 50 teams, to accompany 150 families and individuals! 

If your faith community is interested, review these introductory materials and contact the coordinator, Kelly Younger, at <kyounger@im4humanintegrity.org>.

You may also wish to support the Nueva Esperanza Preschool, founded in 2015 for children of the indigenous Mam culture from Guatemala, by a Nueva Esperanza team in Oakland, CA.

Letter Writing & Monthly Donation

“BE A FRIEND TO IMMIGRANTS IN ICE DETENTION”

Friends Afuera (Friends Outside) is a program which connects volunteers with immigrants being held in detention by ICE. Many detained immigrants face isolation as a consequence of their unjust incarceration, separation from family, and the potential for indefinite and prolonged detention. By becoming a friend on the outside, you can help be a community of support with those incarcerated.

We support immigrants in the following detention centers:

  • Adelanto, CA
  • Mesa Verde in Bakersfield CA
  • Yuba, CA
  • Aurora, CO
  • Tacoma, WA
  • Cibola, NM

View and share the Friends Afuera Flyer

If you are interested, please email friendsafuera@im4humanintegrity.org to get matched.

Immigration Detention Visitation Program at Adelanto, Inland Empire

The main purpose of visiting immigrants in detention is to help end their isolation and let them know they are not forgotten. This calling requires pastoral work of presence where you are invited to show up, pay attention and listen deeply.  It is humbling work where prayers and stories are shared, connections made and decisions taken by those impacted, to achieve the best possible outcome for the detainee and the family. The mission of visitation is to walk with the detained person and connect them to resources that will contribute to their release.

Please contact Hilda Cruz, hcruz@im4humanintegrity.org