Dear Friend,

CWS has issued an interfaith call for people to join in a pledge to take compassionate action - to pray, to advocate, to stand in solidarity and uphold our country’s pledge to welcome and protect the most vulnerable. Rick Santos, our CEO stated:

Our shared humanity compels us to act, especially as we witness our refugee and immigrant neighbors facing devastating policies that threaten their safety, dignity and hope. Your voice and action are needed now more than ever. We cannot stand by in silence.

I have been reflecting on what “voice” and “action” mean in these times when so much that we value is at stake. Many people have been asking where to focus, how to engage meaningfully? Where to even begin? To that question my response has been and continues to be: connect with others to do something together. 

Here in Colorado, we have a supportive and collaborative community of non-profits, advocates, partners, allies, public officials, and ordinary people who are engaging in extraordinary actions. I invite you to join me in taking compassionate action. We find inspiration in one another and together we can make a difference.

 In Solidarity,

Kristy Beachy-Quick
CWS Fort Collins Office Director

Bright Spots

• We are so happy to share that after a devastating six weeks, beginning with furloughs, rescinded job offers, and significant layoffs across the CWS network, almost our entire team are back to work this week! Thank you to our partners at the Colorado Refugee Services Program, the City of Fort Collins, the Denver Foundation, The Larimer County Workforce Center Internship Program, and others.

• CWS Fort Collins has close to 325 participants receiving immigration legal services, case management, and emergency financial assistance. Just last week we were able to support a couple in purchasing a laptop to participate in ESL courses; driving classes for an Afghan mother to get to and from work; and provided cash assistance on a preloaded debit card to 22 newly arrived families and individuals who are eligible for federal benefits.

Note: This is a stock image, used to protect the identity of the individuals in this story.

• Miraculously, our immigration attorney was successful in aiding a former US Airforce Pilot in Afghanistan in bringing his wife to join him in Colorado, just a few weeks ago! Thanks to Joe Neguse’s office and our attorney’s support our new neighbors celebrated with their new community at their local place of worship this week.

• CWS Fort Collins will be partnering more intentionally with ISAAC, Alianza NORCO, Poder, and the Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN) in the coming months to provide immigration legal services to Fort Collins residents. Thank you to the Colorado Health Foundation and to the City of Fort Collins.

Together we can spark hope.
Together we are a community fostering hope and action. Please share this newsletter, "like and share" our socials, and invite people to sign up for State of Play & Action Alerts.