I met this Staunton family through their church and they touched my heart. The father, Olman, and his family desperately need our help right now. Here's what happened:

Olman entered the U.S. legally several years ago after escaping life-threatening gang violence in his home country. He was burned alive but survived. We include a picture of his arm but his entire body sustained burns. If he is deported to his home country, he will be killed. Last week he dutifully reported to his immigration hearing and was detained without explanation. He has two beautiful kids, whom he adores playing with. He is the faithful husband to wife Leyla. Olman's children may know your own children because they go to local schools. Olman's children are asking their mother "When will we see Daddy again?"

Leyla said "Last Tuesday, I watched him walk through the doors of the courtroom." A little later he texted to say 'it was not good' and that officers were handcuffing everyone. Leyla's heart broke into a million pieces. She remembers the burning. She knows Olman will be killed if he is deported. She begged to be let through the door to give a final hug. All around her, the family members of other detainees burst into hysterics. These people did not know if they would ever see their mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, sisters and brothers alive again.

As of writing this, Leyla has heard from Olman twice. He is in a holding center in the DC region and without our attention may be swiftly and wrongfully deported. Panic and anxiety have rocked the whole family. Leyla is unable to stop crying. She is hardly able to sleep.

What we can do as community members is help with legal fees for Olman's lawyer. We can also help Leyla keep the kids housed by offering rent support. We are aiming for $7,000. Not a penny will be misused.