April 2013 Newsletter

From the Board: The buzz about immigration is growing louder in our nation, with many voices debating immigration from a political, economic, cultural or social point of view. As a Christian, I hear a more compelling voice above the buzz: the voice of Scripture. Scripture reveals a soft spot in Gods heart for immigrants: The Lord your Goddefends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the immigrant, giving him food and clothing (Deut. 10:17-18). Should not followers of Christ have the same soft spots in their hearts as God does? More foundationally, if we understand the grace of God shown to us in Christ, are we not compelled also to love without qualification? But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Gods saving love did not require me to be law-abiding, educated, talented or even grateful. These may be prerequisites for governments, but they are not prerequisites for Christian compassion. Let us humbly remember our own condition when Christ welcomed us, and may we receive and serve the immigrant with that same gracious love. (For further reflection, read Generous Justice: How Gods Grace Makes Us Just by Timothy Keller.) --Lynn Suter, Board Vice-Chair

In 2012, NewBridges IRC served 1,200 clients with just two staff members, volunteers, and $88,000. Having served the Shenandoah Valley since 2000, we strive to develop a community that meets the current and changing needs of local immigrant populations. Consider how you might join in our work through a financial giving, volunteering, praying, advocating, and learning with us. --Alicia Horst, Executive Director

UPDATE: Claudette shared her story at Taste of the World on March 23. Many of you expressed appreciation for her authenticity, gifts and humility as she shared the story of how she moved to the United States as a teenager. She has since obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern Mennonite University. Last fall, Claudette had the opportunity to apply for an Employment Authorization Card through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program announced by the Obama administration on June 15, 2012. Claudette applied for this program last November through an immigration clinic event set up by NewBridges IRC and the Washington and Lee School of Law. We are pleased to update you that Claudette was just approved for this program and will soon be able to apply for jobs and obtain a Driver's License! We are thrilled that she will further be able to serve our community.

Current Programs: *Financial management *Immigrant Learning Events *Mexican & Honduran Consulate Events *Community information and referral New Programs: *Tertulia: Poetry and Literature Reading *Common Threads: Quilting Group Future Programs: *Immigration education *Immigration Clinic

PLACE LOGO OR COMPANY NAME HERE NewBridges IRC

70 South High Street Harrisonburg, VA, 22801 P 540-438-8295 www.newbridgesirc.org

NewBridges Immigrant Resource Center

April 2013

About NewBridges IRC

Our mission is to be a leading resource for spiritual, social and economic needs of immigrants in the Shenandoah Valley and to connect people and congregations in building a compassionate, just, culturally diverse community.
Volunteers: This semester, we have 15 volunteers from two universities and the community. We are incredibly grateful for the support that they provide to our immigrant community! Staff: Alicia Horst (Executive Director), Aura E. Moreno (Case Manager and Special Events Coordinator) Board: Les Helmuth (Chair), Lynn Suter (Vice-Chair), Cristina Graber Neufeld (Treasurer), Jennifer Ulrich (Secretary), Isabel Castillo, Marta Frederick, Tina Glanzer, Byron Peachey, and Luke Schrock-Hurst.

NBIRC donation options I would like to support NBIRC with a monthly donation of: $25 $50 $100 $ ____ I would like to make a single donation of $ ____ Online donation is possible through our website: www.newbridgesirc.org
Donations to NewBridges IRC are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Financial statements and tax-exempt status available upon request. THANK YOU !

70 South High Street Harrisonburg, VA, 22801

Community Sponsor: United Way Community Partnership