Letter from NEJFON 2020

December 10, 2020

Dear Friends of New England JFON,

On December 2^nd, Boston Globe opinion writer Jeff Jacoby noted policy changes under consideration to “make it easier for officials [Department of Homeland Security] to deny employment visas to immigrants and make it harder to acquire US citizenship.” Just when I thought it could not get any harder for our newcomer neighbors, new barriers to legal immigration arise.

I am so grateful for you, our partner congregations, organizations, and donors for supporting our shared ministry providing free and quality legal services to our low- and no-income immigrant neighbors.
Even in the chaos and uncertainty of these COVIDian times, the New England JFON community has faithfully provided access to justice for vulnerable immigrants among us.

Our Springfield, Worcester, Woburn, Lawrence and Lowell church-based clinic locations are inaccessible until public safety is restored. Creatively pivoting, our four partner attorneys continue to work by phone, email and video calls with identified individuals and families. Of the 140 individuals they have assisted this year, fifty are now full representation cases. Full representation cases include, but are not limited to, assisting unaccompanied minors, asylum applicants and immigrant women who are victims of violence.

Please take a moment to view this inspiring video by Yoana Kuzmova, New England JFON partner attorney at the Northeast Justice Center, by clicking on this LINK.

In spite of unexpected COVID-19 challenges and continuing efforts to restrict legal immigration, New England JFON perseveres. The good news is unaccompanied minors are applying for visas and legal permanent residence status. Asylum applicants are not alone in their pursuit of safety and a new life. And more good news, because of you, the United Methodist connection and community organizations, New England JFON is fully funded for our current legal services contracts. Our partner attorneys can assist more newcomer neighbors while continuing to represent their current caseload.

New England Justice For Our Neighbor prides itself on being financially sustainable and good stewards of your donations. Our annual commitments for legal services partnerships currently total $120,000.

Your 2020 End of Year donation will fund our next program year and programmatic expansion.

NE JFON looks forward to inviting our neighbors back to the local church clinics and expanding our efforts to Providence, RI and beyond. I hope you will join our shared ministry of welcoming the newcomer among us.

Please consider a meaningful 2020 End of Year gift to New England Justice For Our Neighbors by using this online giving link or by sending a check to NEJFON, 421 Common Street, Belmont, MA 02478.

On behalf of the NE JFON Board of Directors and community of volunteers I say -

Thank you and bless you!

Sincerely,

Gary Richards

Board Chair

For more information about New England Justice For Our Neighbors,
visit our recently updated website: https://www.newenglandjfon.org/

EXCITING NEWS!!
During 2021, New England JFON can host an online event, auction or sales for you, your church or organization. We will provide the platform, technical support and financial management.
To explore an online JFON fundraiser, contact us at jfonnewengland@gmail.com.