Protecting Immigrants Through Organization And Expertise

ILRC distributes these red cards that tell immigrants what to do if an ICE agent comes to the door.

This has to be one of the most difficult times for those who are immigrants to this country, made even more difficult by a xenophobic president. Not everyone born in the United States shares those beliefs; we realize that most of us are here because some family member immigrated to this country. It's this constant input from new people coming over here and seeking better lives that has contributed to this country's development.

I am quite appalled by the hatred displayed by some who call themselves Americans and patriots. That gives me some interest in organizations, like the IMMIGRANT LEGAL RESOURCE CENTER (ILRC), which advocates for immigrants' rights, provides legal training, raises awareness of the issues, extends community outreach services.



Just recently, ILRC released two significant pieces of information. A report, The Rise of Sanctuary, has found a significant increase in the number of areas that provide some form of sanctuary, refusing to honor ICE detainers that violate constitutional rights. Specifically, it was found that 410 localities have strengthened sanctuary policies during the previous year. That makes a total of one-fourth of counties throughout this country refusing to honor ICE holds, which would cause local law enforcement to illegally jail any immigrant cited. Along with this report is an interactive map, which shows jurisdictions which follow and do not allow ICE detention holds.

Lena Graber, Staff Attorney at ILRC, explained, "When it comes to sanctuary cities, President Trump is bullying local electeds and law enforcement to comply with illegal requests from ICE. Trump's anti-sanctuary attacks are so baseless that the Administration has lost every court ruling so far on their unconstitutional attempts to withhold federal grants. It is the Trump administration, not sanctuary cities, who are violating the law and constitution."

Ms. Graber continued, "While 98 percent of counties have no official contract with ICE, there is a great opportunity in 2018 to strengthen and establish new policies that actually protect our immigrant neighbors and do not spend local resources detaining and deporting our community members. Sanctuary policies are a commonsense response to a political agenda rooted in racism and exclusion and a step in helping to keep more families where they belong - together."

The latest report from ILRC.

There are ten counties that are home to the most immigrants; about 30 percent of all immigrants live in those counties. Fortunately most of them have some sort of sanctuary protection. Sanctuary protections include refusal to release information to ICE about release from legal custody, laws prohibiting immigration enforcement, restrictions on inquiries about immigration status, and protections against interrogations by ICE. This information suggests that a significant portion of Americans value our immigrants and oppose separating families by ICE. We need to keep speaking up and supporting the protections that our local and State governments provide.

This poster is part of the advocacy and community awareness function.

Thanks for information from this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/immigrantlegalresourcecenter/about/?ref=page_internal; this article on ILRC: https://www.ilrc.org/new-report-and-map-sanctuary-policies-strengthened-410-counties-across-country-2017-finds-immigrant; and the above link.

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Putting Lives Back Together, One Step At A Time

Raising money for a good cause - BOMFB members and staff.

Many of us have probably used the expression "back on my feet" at least a few times in our lives. We are meaning to say that We're back on track after a setback or have gotten up out of our sick bed and started to move forward again. For those without permanent homes, it may mean a large life turn-around, depending on the issues an individual or family is facing, whether it is drug dependency, sudden job loss, loss of pay, even not being able to afford the water bill.

Back on My Feet, the organization, started in Philadelphia in 2007; BACK ON MY FEET BALTIMORE (BOMFB)started in 2012. Participants are those who are already homeless, or who risk becoming homeless. They must be referred to the program by a referral partner. Once referred, members are expected to run on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. In addition, they receive a wide variety of services, including job training, employment resources, community support, assistance in transitioning from shelter living to a permanent home. Most important is the emotional support, which helps to boost self-esteem, confidence, and inner strength to meet the challenges ahead. As CEO Katy Sherrott said, "Our members are an inspiration, they work incredibly hard in the Back on My Feet program and with our support transform their lives one mile at a time."



Baltimorean Tony Randolph made that commitment to BOMFB for 30 days; showing up at 5:30 AM for the designated 3 days each week. He discussed his decision, "I was at the end of my rope - using drugs at my Mom's house, on the verge of homelessness, feeling suicidal, just tired of myself. My nephew told me about the HELPING UP MISSION...It's a spiritually based program that helps with recovery for people who are broken. I was working in the kitchen, and some co-workers came in looking happy and joyous, and I decided I wanted some of that!"

Once he started the program, Mr. Randolph appreciated all of the support provided by other participants and staff, "[N]obody ever walks or runs alone, everyone starts and stops with you. From the first day, staff showed me they cared even though they don't know me...Running regularly at 5:30 AM gets you into [a] mindset of getting up and going to work, and repetition is good."

Cigna Foundation, one of BOMFB's partners, would go to Tony's residence with Helping Up and do blood pressure checks and other testing for both Mr. Randolph and the other residents. Tony started developing a new mindset about his health, causing him to "commit to my health and pay more attention to my heart, my head, and my feet - they're all connected."

And now, Mr. Randolph has moved along from the Mission. He now has a permanent residence and has his own landscaping business. He had some help from BOMFB in getting his driver's license and assistance to purchase his own riding mower.

Because of his hard work and commitment to his health, his continued participation in the running group, he has received an all-expense paid vacation to Disney World in Orlando. He was planning to participate in the Disney World 5K at the beginning of this month.

Members and other Baltimore runners ready to start a 5:30 AM run.

Mr. Randolph remains grateful for his chance to reclaim his life, "Life is great! Back on My Feet showed me I can do anything., and they gave me the confidence to do it...The confidence BOMFB has given me makes me a much better man and father, and I've gone from being someone you didn't want around to now being the Fred Sanford of the family - whatever you need, call Tony and he'll help you out." Really, what's better than reconstructing a life?

Members and other runners huddle before the run.

Thanks for information from this Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/BackonMyFeetBaltimore/about/?ref=page_internal; this page on BOMFB, https://baltimore.backonmyfeet.org/program; this page on BOMFB blog, https://baltimore.backonmyfeet.org/blog/bal-tony-press-release-2018-0; and the above links.

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Trips To Provide Service

A group of volunteers assess some of the residents.

There are some villages in Africa that are so remote that their residents cannot get to needed health care. There are highly skilled individuals in this United States with knowledge of bringing health care and dental services into areas that need them. Match them up, and you get people who can finally experience a more comfortable life.

However, linking those in need with those who have the skills can be rather difficult. Pediatric nurse, Lauri Ruprecht had visited areas in Ghana where her services were necessary, with a medical mission, complete with supplies and other skilled professionals.  She started the AMERICANS SERVING ABROAD PROJECT (ASAP), to enable other skilled health care professionals to serve in these remote villages in need and to learn about the culture of those who live there.

Ms. Ruprecht explained, "Because it is very difficult to get to the nearest health clinic, people do not often go until they are very sick or not at all. These are areas where local doctors will not go. Sometimes they resort to spending money on traditional medicines which may in some cases do more harm than good."

In addition, ASAP brings medical supplies to local clinics and holds educational classes to teach the residents about such topics as personal hygiene. They hope to bring such equipment as iPads to local schools, so that students can learn about the types of technology available in other places in the world.

Some of the local village children, two with baskets loaded with food.

The organization is planning a trip to Ghana on March 2-16 this year. A planning meeting is to be held on January 14 in Syracuse. ASAP's projects for the trip include healthcare screenings, physical exams, lab testing, medications, treatment, and a care program for street mothers and their babies. Because the program also promotes cultural exchanges, participants will visit a market and craft village, try out drumming and dancing, and tour a castle known for slave trade. Participants are also responsible for their own expenses, and the trip costs $3,000. The trip promises to be both rewarding and inspiring.

One of the village families.

Thanks for information from this article on Pollination Project:  https://thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/lauri-rupracht-americans-serving-abroad-project/; this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/americansservingabroadproject/about/?ref=page_internal; this announcement on ASAP: https://www.americansservingabroad.com/march-2018-mobile-healthcare-service-trip.html; and the above link.

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