Central Iowa Immigrant Support Coalition
August is the last month that a portion of our Sunday collection plate contributions will go to the Coalition, so it is an appropriate time to recognize the outstanding work the Coalition has done – and is still doing – to aid our immigrant neighbors during the Covid crisis
Over 400 families who were not eligible for the federal assistance programs have received aid for housing, food, medical expenses and other needs of daily living. Students were provided technical assistance and equipment for virtual schooling, guidance regarding post-high school opportunities, even emotional counseling. Displaced workers were offered job training and counseling.
In Central Iowa alone, financial assistance totaling more than $375,000 was distributed before the Coalition’s major grants were expended, and an additional $750,000 was distributed across the state by Proteus, a Coalition member with a focus on farm workers, packing house employees and other ag-related jobs.
And now that the major grants have dried up, regular contributions such as ours are enabling Coalition member Al Exito – a long-time associate of our congregation – to continue providing a variety of assistance to central Iowa immigrant families. Al Exito itself has pitched in an additional $10,000 and countless volunteer hours since summer began.
Our congregation can feel good about supporting such worthwhile programs. And the Coalition members have sent to us their deep thanks for our support.