The need to work together has become even more critical as anti-immigrant and anti-LGBTQ+ forces push harder than ever to divide us. Given this critical need, the work of SAFE in 2019 will focus on establishing connection. Our Mentoring Program is aimed at encouraging individuals from different communities to work together.
We are delighted to welcome our new advisory board members, including Anindita ChatterjeeBhaumik whose piece on the benefits of mentoring is below. The members come from diverse backgrounds and with impressive accomplishments -- and all with a commitment to sharing their gifts and talents to help asylees and refugees.
I invite you to consider getting involved to help SAFE grow its mission, whether as a volunteer with our Mentoring Program or a financial supporter.
In safety and solidarity,
Sebastian Maguire
Why Mentoring Matters by Anindita ChatterjeeBhaumik, LICSW, CCTP
As a mental health clinician and a trauma specialist with special competency in working with diverse immigrant communities, I can attest to the benefit of establishing and maintaining strong social connections. Such connections reduce isolation, improve mental health and offer better coping strategies for the newest Americans.
The immigration journey is fraught with many predicaments, such as language barriers and different cultural expectations. Uprooting oneself and moving to a foreign land is a traumatic process that leaves an indelible impact on the individual. Read More...
SAFE Clinic and "Introduction to Asylum Law" CLE
We are thrilled to announce that on Wednesday, May 8 at 6pm, CBST will be launching its own weekly immigration clinic in partnership with SAFE and the New Sanctuary Coalition! This monthly clinic will focus on LGBTQ+ immigrants and assist people who are representing themselves to complete asylum applications and find out what additional legal services are available to them. CBST is located at 130 W 30th St, New York, NY 10001
In conjunction, on Monday, April 15 at 7pm, CBST will host "Introduction to Asylum Law," a continuing legal education (CLE) course for attorneys interested in volunteering at the clinic. 1.5 PP credit hours (New York). Register here!
SAFE board members attended the nationally televised "Green New Deal" Town Hall with Chris Hayes as special guests of the Congresswomen. At its foundation, the Green New Deal intrinsically argues the economics of a rethinking of jobs, environment/ecology, education and human resource capital (among others) folded into the discussion and implementation strategy of including the working class, immigrants, and necessity of social equity. SAFE is vital to these continued discussions, and the representation of our LGBTQ+ community as well as all asylum-seekers.
Save the Date! Brighton Beach Pride 2019
Sunday May 19, 2019 at 12 PM
Sign & Share SAFE's First Petition
SAFE is calling on Governor Andrew Cuomo to develop a comprehensive plan to shield asylum seekers and all immigrants from the impact of Trump's “public charge” rule. Given the role New York State plays in administering social services, we believe the state can and must take measures to educate all impacted communities and ensure access to life-saving resources. Sign here!
SAFE Mentorship Program - Now Accepting Applicants!
Are you interested in becoming a mentor to an LGBTQ+ immigrant in need? Are you in need of a mentor?
SAFE is proud to announce that we are now accepting applications for our mentorship program.
If you are interested in being either a mentor or mentee, please email: Mentorship@safeasylum.org. Please include your name, any languages that you speak, and any specific interests that you think would be a good fit for the person with whom you are paired.
