Asylum Navigation

Please help me help others.
There is a need to make the process of seeking Asylum more accessible to those fleeing peril caused by capitalism in Central America. Additional barriers have recently been added to making asylum even more challenging to achieve for vulnerable populations. I am asking you to help me reduce those barriers. Help me make the relative safety of Eugene more equitably available. 

The Need for Asylum:
The people  of El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Guatemala are experiencing life threatening levels of persecution and danger as a result of tensions over resources. Gangs have formed and are using violence toward women and children to manipulate, coerce and force participation of families into their agenda. Some of these families have managed to flee their homes which no longer provide safety or sustenance. They have journeyed over many terrains and perils to reach the border of Mexico and the U.S. inspired by the hope of Asylum that has been available and granted through U.S. laws since the end of WW II. 

Some families are being turned back at the border. Some families are being separated and detained. Some families are being released into the United States. A few families have made it to Eugene and are living in the homes of Sponsors. 

Once in Eugene, there are many aspects of arriving, adjusting and healing that are needed. There are some volunteer groups and some agencies that are providing services on a volunteer basis until funding can be arranged. 

A newly arrived refugee or asylum seeker will be required to engage in various systems such as; Immigrant and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Legal Representation, Medical Services, Mental Health Services, Educational institutions and more. These are all cross cultural relationships that are complex and challenging on both ends. 

The single best predictor for weather an application for asylum is granted is if the person has legal representation. Families come with minimal, if any finances. There exists a gap, a chasm to be crossed.

My Offering
The gap between the need for legal services and the lack of funds is where you and I come in. I am asking for your support to help me fill that gap. 

I will work through  the legal nexus of Equity Corp. I will be offering my experience and skills to provide Navigation through the legal process and to provide witness to the ICE check-ins. 

I will offer 12 hours a week in collaboration with Oregon Community Asylum Network, changing and adapting my role as the needs change in the process of achieving asylum. 

My Qualifications
I am a Mental Health Counselor with a Masters in Counseling, fluent in Spanish and over 20 years of experience in Social Services and counseling. I have education and skills which I have used in previous positions to provide Mental Health Counseling in both English and Spanish. I have taught English as a Second Language for children, Spanish as a Second Language for English speaking adult, Legal Advocacy for women seeking protection for abuse, and play therapy for children who have experienced trauma. 

My Ask
I am asking for individuals like you in my community to fund me to provide these services for as long as they are needed.

I am reaching out to you asking that you consider supporting me in this restorative work. I am hoping to be able to raise $6000 for the time being.

I am also nourished  by your words of support and understanding of the value of this work at this time.

Thank you for your time, attention, consideration and care.