In the face of inhumane policies and arrests that are creating wide-spread fear and uncertainty for US immigrant communities, the Welcoming Network remains steadfast in our mission to support asylum seekers and refugees in Santa Cruz County. As threats to all immigrants have grown, we have expanded our collaborations to meet the urgent need for advocacy, protection, and solidarity. Read on to learn more about our efforts to stand strong and grow solidarity in these times of injustice.

Many of us are feeling devastated over the recent election, the dangerous falsehoods about immigrants, the dehumanization, and plans to use the U.S. military for mass deportations. But we are turning to the words of Flo Kennedy, a Black feminist activist in the late 20th century, who reminds us “don’t agonize, organize!” While we process our grief, her call to action inspires us to move our anguish into collective efforts to uphold the dignity and humanity of all people.

A recent Good Times’ cover story features the Welcoming Network, and shared the experiences of 3 families from Ukraine, and Colombia. It paints a picture of the difficulties these families have faced in fleeing their home countries, seeking asylum, and beginning to rebuild their lives in a new place and the many ways the Welcoming Network is helping them and others. Since its inception in 2019, the Welcoming Network has accompanied over 100 people from 41 families.