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A Vote of Confidence from an Anonymous Donor
Imagine our gratitude and surprise when we opened the mail and found a $25,000 anonymous donation, the largest individual contribution in our history. Our anonymous donors also sent a letter emphasizing the challenges faced by those fleeing often-overlooked conflicts, like most of our clients, and also thanking our volunteers and supporters. They wrote:
"Over the past couple of months, we have been distressed to see the tragic effects of the Russian invasion on the people of Ukraine, with people being killed and injured, families being separated and displaced, and millions of refugees. We can only imagine what it is like to one day be living a peaceful life and the next day be surrounded by war and destruction.
"At the same time, we know that there are immigrants who have come to the United States from other countries - including families and unaccompanied children - leaving difficult circumstances and seeking opportunity. These immigrants are somewhat below the radar, yet they also face major challenges in their day to day lives and to pursue their claims.
"We believe the free legal services that New England Justice for Our Neighbors are so important to these people. We hope that our gift can in a small way help your organization to continue to provide these much-needed services.
"We also want to thank the people who help at New England Justice for Our Neighbors clinics and those who provide support for these services. Your efforts are making a difference!"
Needless to say, this generous gift will support our organization in much more than a "small way." To our anonymous donors, thank you from the bottom of our hearts on behalf of the organization, our clients, and their families.
To join our anonymous donors in supporting immigration justice, click here or follow the links at the bottom of this email.
More In-Person Fun in Store
Congratulations to Crawford Memorial UMC for a successful chili cook-off event benefiting New England Justice for Our Neighbors. We thank you for your steadfast support!
If you missed the chili, consider attending our next benefit, a comedic mime performance by Robert Rivest. Through humorous mime stories, spoken word, physical comedy and a zany cast of characters, Robert transforms an empty stage into pure hilarity! A hysterically funny experience for audiences of all ages. Supporting immigrants has never been more fun.
May 21, 2022 at 7 P.M. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 361 Sumner Ave., Springfield, MA
Tickets are $20 and may be purchased here.
And lastly, mark your calendars for our biggest in-person event of the year, our 10th Birthday Party! We will celebrate a decade of service to immigrants with food, cake, music, gratitude and inspiration!
An event like this will only be possible with the participation of a large and diverse group of volunteers. Whatever your skills, please consider joining the team by sending an email here. Remote volunteering options available. COVID precautions will be taken.
August 14, 2022 at 1 P.M. at St. Matthew's United Methodist Church, 435 Central St., Acton, MA
Ticket information forthcoming.
MA Work and Family Mobility Act Passed
Late last week, the Massachusetts Senate passed the Work and Family Mobility Act in an overwhelming, veto-proof, vote of 32-8! Both the House and Senate passed the bill with majorities large enough to override Governor Baker's likely veto. After its passage, Massachusetts will become the 17th state with similar legislation, which allows undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses. Other states have experienced fewer hit-and-run accidents, better relationships between police and immigrant communities, and, of course, significantly expanded transportation opportunities for immigrants. Use this link to thank your State Representative for passing the Work and Family Mobility Act.
Did You Know?
In case you missed it, we recently published our 2021 Impact Report. Read all about last year's successes and our future plans here.
Still live! Our "10 for 10" campaign for monthly donors - with a one-for-one match! Click here to participate.
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