April 21, 2022 Antoinette Richardson
Sunday, April 24 & Sunday, May 1, 2022; 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
“I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” — Matthew 25:35
The Immigration Task Force of Forest Hill Church Presbyterian invites you to attend “Bringing the Border Home,” a two-part online (Zoom) journey of education and action in support of immigrants seeking a better life. Learn about the current state of the immigration crisis and what you can do to help alleviate their suffering.
You will learn about:
Immigration History: “They are here because we are there”
Immigration beyond the US Mexico Border. government policy implications for people on the move
Border work from a Presbyterian perspective
Faith-Based Advocacy for positive change
As part of adult education at FHC, there is no charge for “Bringing the Border Home”. To register, click on this link fhc.breezechms.com/form/a8709f1462 and follow the prompts. Once you are registered, you will be sent the Zoom link to participate in the event and other information.
For more information, contact Sharon Shumaker at itf@fhcpresb.org.
March 8, 2022 Julie Lustic
Attending: Sharon Shumaker, Gary Lustic, Julie Lustic, Anne Smith, Jeff Smith, Charity Stock, Virginia Weiss, Steve Sedam
Welcomed: Cynthia Lehman
You were missed: Quentin Smith, Ron Register
Cynthia was welcomed to the meeting. She wanted to be with us this evening as she is worried about the men from Burkina Faso.
Emmanuel, Idrissa, and Issoufou
No new updates on the whereabouts and condition of Idrissa and Issoufou. They were last tracked by phone a week ago today. Jeff will consult with immigration attorney Brian Hoffman about the responsibilities and risks for the church and its ability to house others who are out on bond in the future. Emmanuel seems to have adjusted well to living by himself. He goes to the Cleveland Heights Rec Center nearly every day and is continuing with his ESL studies. He wants to continue doing work and helping at the Pantry.
Leonor and family
Leonor called Sharon a couple of weeks ago. She sounded good. Jose can be in the U.S. but does not yet have a work permit, so he is not shoveling snow this winter. Leonor’s work permit needs to be renewed. Elizabeth Ford will do the filing, but it costs about $2,000. Elizabeth has done a lot of pro bono for them. The Task Force will determine how best to be of assistance to them in handling this important expense.
With the next monthly payment to the family, the Sanctuary Fund will be depleted. This fund, established through the generosity of the broad FHC family has helped to sustain Leonor and her family for several years.
Eric and Margaret are interested in being real estate agents. Perhaps the Education Fund can assist in covering costs needed for them to become licensed real estate agents.
Survey results and U.S./Mexico Border tour
Steve gave an update on the survey of FHC members and friends to assess interest in the work of the task force and of a border tour in particular. The survey results appear below. There is greatest interest in a two or three hour Zoom educational program. Day of the week to be determined. With Task Force members interested (8 people) plus the 6 people from the task force, a good-sized group (14) can be assembled for a virtual tour. We are looking to do this in April. Considering 3 hours for one evening at $30/person. Will use the grant from the Endowment to pay for those who need financial assistance.
IRTF
IRTF wants the task force to present a one-hour program on Saturday, March 5 at the IRTF office, 11:30 a.m. to a group of OSU students who are examining immigration issues. Sharon, Anne, and Cynthia will put something together possibly also involving Zongo, Emmanuel and/or Jonas.
New Task Force member
Noni Stack was enthusiastically and unanimously approved to be a new task force member. Welcome Noni!
Next meeting
March 30, 7 p.m. at the Smith’s
Results of ITF survey of FHC members and friends
14 responses: 5 task force members, 9 FHC members
Responses from the 9 non-task force members
February 8, 2022 Julie Lustic
January 13, 2022
Attending: Sharon, Gary, Julie, Quentin, Anne, Jeff, Charity, Virginia, Steve You were missed: Ron
Emmanuel, Idrissa and Issoufou
Jeff summarized a discussion that attorneys Brian Hoffman and Maureen DeVito with the help of a Moiré interpreter had with Emmanuel, Idrissa, Issoufou and Jeff. The purpose of the conversation was to inform them of the status of their appeal. This is a summary of Jeff’s summary:
The immigration court system is beginning to have hearings again. A one to three judge panel will review Judge Horton’s ruling (in December 2019, denying them asylum) and examine new evidence provided by the attorneys concerning this case, particularly information about the extent of the violence in Burkina Faso. The lawyers have been gathering information on what is happening in Burkina Faso and documenting why it is unsafe for the men to return. They have a Burkina Faso expert witness that will help them support what they are saying. Briefs are currently being written and will be submitted in February. The panel could take up to a year before making a decision. The attorneys believe the most likely scenario to be a referral back to Judge Horton for a ruling based on the new information. When this occurs, The Guys could apply for work permits. However, it currently takes on average 4 to 6 months for work permits to be approved. In speaking with Emmanuel, Idrissa and Issoufou, Jeff reinforced that this would be a long (over 2 year) process.
Jeff encourages people to come forward with additional work for these men to do, e.g. home projects. Emmanuel is also an experienced auto mechanic. Shoveling snow does not seem to have much interest due to the cold.
John Lentz is working on getting them passes at the Cleveland Heights rec center.
The Task Force discussed the idea of the men preparing a video about life in Burkina Faso. This could be put on the FHC YouTube channel and would be a way of educating the congregation and friends of FHC about their home country while also giving them a constructive way to spend their days during winter. Action item: Task Force members are to suggest topics for this presentation. A suggestion was made to use an interview format to help move the piece along. It was advised to have this completed and shown before Lent. We will aim for late February. Jeff said he would begin work on this soon and begun by consulting with the men to see if this is something they might be interested in doing.
The Asylum Fund has a current balance of $5,447. This fund has been supplemented by three different Endowment and Justice and Mission grants.
Leonor and family
All the necessary documents have been filed to get Leonor a U-Visa. Once it is issued, she can put Jose on her documents so that he can also get a green card and be in line for citizenship. But, for now, we wait. The granting of the U-Visa is not expected until around October 2022.
According to Sharon, Leonor’s health continues to need attention. She had COVID a while ago before their wedding. Jose’s landscaping work won’t get going until Spring or early summer. Eric is doing better. The younger boys are in school.
There is a balance of $3,443 in the Garcia Education Fund and a balance of $933 in the Sanctuary Fund. Leonor and Jose are to be asked if the Education Fund should be rolled into the Sanctuary Fund or if they want to keep it separate to cover education related expenses for the boys.
U.S./Mexico Border tour
Steve gave an update on the survey of FHC members and friends to assess interest in the work of the task force and of a border tour in particular. The survey should be distributed electronically soon. The next task force meeting will be timed to allow for an examination of the results of the survey.
Next meeting
February 17, 7 p.m., on Zoom
Tags: Immigration Task ForceFebruary 2, 2022 Antoinette Richardson
The Forest Hill Church Immigration Task Force would like to hear from you! The task force seeks to welcome the stranger by 1) providing support for Emmanuel, Idrissa, and Issoufou from Burkina Faso who live in the church while awaiting asylum and 2) Educating and mobilizing the church members and friends about the conditions and need for better treatment of immigrants at our border. We are preparing new initiatives for the new year and would like to be responsive to the interests of the FHC congregation and friends. We would greatly appreciate it if you could take just three minutes to respond to a five-question survey. Please click on the link below to begin. Thank you!
Gratefully,
The FHC Immigration Task Force
(Sharon Shumaker, Gary Lustic, Julie Lustic, Ron Register, Anne Smith, Jeff Smith, Quentin Smith, Stephen Sedam, Charity Stock, Virginia Weiss)
Immigration Task Force Survey: https://fhc.breezechms.com/form/975ed8.
October 26, 2021 Julie Lustic
Attending: Anne, Charity, Gary, Jeff, Julie, Quentin, Sharon, Steve, Virginia
Quentin Smith, as a representative of the FHC Black Caucus, has joined the Task Force with this being his first meeting. Welcome Q, glad you are part of the team!
Leonor and family
On October 16, 2021, Leonor and Jose were married by their home in Akron by Pastor John Lentz. Many from FHC attended the celebration. As a married couple, it will be easier for Jose to attain U.S. citizenship. When Leonor gets her U-Visa, she can then submit papers for her naturalization process. Jose can be included on the application whereby he too can become a U.S. citizen. The procedure is complicated. Letters of support are needed for Jose. The Task Force will submit such a letter.
Based upon their input, the Garcia family continues to receive financial support from the Sanctuary Fund. Jose and Leonor will discuss the use of the Sanctuary Fund and get back to us about this matter.
PCUSA request
Amanda Craft, from the PCUSA immigration office is working on an advent devotional to focus on immigration this year. They want immigration voices to be featured and reached out to Pastor Lentz who passed the request on to the Task Force. The devotional is to be about two and half pages and be based on the lectionary of the day. Jeff and Charity offered to work on this and have it ready by the due date of November 5.
Tour of the Border
The Task Force had yet another robust discussion about creating a tour of the U.S./Mexico border as part of our efforts to educate the congregation at FHC and other interested persons about the ongoing injustices being perpetrated there and how we can respond effectively. The tour is in cooperation with the Mennonite Central Committee. Funds through the FHC Ministry of Justice and Mission have been pledged for scholarship support for those who wish to participate in a virtual border tour but have limited finances. Sharon and Steve will discuss what to do with the tour and prepare a plan to be presented at the next meeting.
Further task force meetings
The group decided to alternate between meeting in person and on Zoom. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, November 17, at 6:30 p.m. at the Smith’s home.
Tags: Immigration Justice and Reform, Immigration Task Force, Task Force ActivitiesOctober 4, 2021 Julie Lustic
Forest Hill Church guests, Issoufou Lembane, Idrissa Kiema, and Emmanuel Sabo, are asylum seekers from Burkina Faso in West Africa. Their asylum cases were denied in January of 2020. They have been living at the church for almost two years while they await their appeals. Read more about their stories in the Columbus Dispatch at the link below.
Tags: Immigration Justice and Reform, Immigration Task Force, the immigrantSeptember 16, 2021 Elizabeth Shaw
Join the Black Caucus (via zoom) Saturday Morning, October 23 from 10:30 a.m to noon, October 23 to discuss “White Rage” by Carol Andersen. This is an important and insightful book on race and racism. To receive the ZOOM link contact us at blackcaucus@fhcpresb.org. All people of goodwill are welcome.
August 13, 2021 Julie Lustic
Issoufou, Idrissa, and Emmanuel have found many interests to keep them busy this summer.
They have had numerous landscaping jobs with both members and friends of members of Forest Hill Church. With each new job they are gaining confidence in their use of the English language, at least in the area of gardening. They now know about weeds, roots, edging, rototilling, shoveling yards of leaf mulch and soil, turning over beds, trimming bushes and planting. They have tidied up many a garden.
They have also been working hard at learning English. With both morning and afternoon ESL lessons with our dedicated volunteers several times a week, they are able to communicate quite well.
They have also been playing pickup soccer and riding their bikes around town. Here are a few pictures of them hard at work.
August 12, 2021 Julie Lustic
Heights Friends of Immigrants (HFOI)
Heights Friends of Immigrants supports migrants and refugees locally in NE Ohio. It provides education and takes action on various initiatives in defense and support of our immigrant sisters and brothers. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday evening of each month in rotation at St. Dominic Church, Forest Hill Church Presbyterian, and St. Paschal Baylon Church.
American Making Immigrants Safe (AMIS)
The mission of AMIS is to inspire hope and contribute to the well-being of immigrants and families as they seek legal status in the United States by assisting with resources for legal services, education, basic living expenses, and self-sufficiency.
HOLA Ohio
HOLA Ohio is based in Painesville with a mission to improve quality-of-life opportunities and empower the Latino community through outreach, education, civic engagement, entrepreneurship, and skills development.
Catholic Charities Cleveland
Catholic Charities Diocese of Cleveland administers over 165 individual programs spanning a wide range of services available to persons from all walks of life across the Diocese of Cleveland.
Cleveland Jobs with Justice
Cleveland Jobs with Justice is a coalition of labor, faith and community organizations working together to promote workers’ rights in the Cleveland area through collective action.
InterReligious Task Force on Central America (IRTF)
The InterReligious Task Force on Central America brings together people from various faith and secular communities to act in solidarity with oppressed peoples in southern Mexico, Central America, and Colombia through consciousness-raising and direct consumer and political advocacy to build long-term structural change.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
The ACLU of Ohio is an affiliate of the national ACLU. Founded in 1920, the national ACLU includes more than 500,000 members in all 50 states, making it our country’s foremost advocate of individual rights.
PCUSA Office of Immigration Issues
https://oga.pcusa.org/section/mid-council-ministries/immigration/
The Office of Immigration Issues was established by action of the 216th General Assembly (2004) in order to provide legal advice and counsel to mid-councils and congregations regarding immigration issues. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has continued to expand the work of the Office by directing the Office to coordinate advocacy and education efforts and create worship materials.
Mennonite Central Committee (MCC)
https://mcc.org/learn/what/categories/immigration
Mennonite Central Committee in the U.S. helps to educate about immigration issues, advocates for sensible humane immigration laws, works to build peace in communities along the U.S.-Mexico border, and provides documentation services to help immigrants navigate the complex immigration system.
The Advocacy Program of the Latin American and Caribbean (LACA) region of MCC facilities
https://www.mcclaca.org/latin-america-thecaribbean-laca-region/
MCC LACA facilitates contextual analysis, strategic planning for advocacy, organizational strengthening, and strategic connections between partners. It supports local and national advocacy action with partners and churches in the region, and with churches and constituency in Canada and the United States to address the structural causes of poverty, violence, and injustice.
Tags: Immigration Justice and Reform, Immigration Task Force, racialreconciliation, Reformation, Task Force Activities, the immigrantJuly 16, 2021 Julie Lustic
InterReligious Task Force on Central America (IRTF)
The InterReligious Task Force on Central America brings together people from various faith and secular communities to act in solidarity with oppressed peoples in southern Mexico, Central America, and Colombia through consciousness-raising and direct consumer and political advocacy to build long-term structural change.
HOLA Ohio
HOLA Ohio is based in Painesville with a mission to improve quality-of-life opportunities and empower the Latino community through outreach, education, civic engagement, entrepreneurship, and skills development.
American Making Immigrants Safe (AMIS)
The mission of AMIS is to inspire hope and contribute to the well-being of immigrants and families as they seek legal status in the United States by assisting with resources for legal services, education, basic living expenses, and self-sufficiency.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
The ACLU of Ohio is an affiliate of the national ACLU. Founded in 1920, the national ACLU includes more than 500,000 members in all 50 states, making it our country’s foremost advocate of individual rights.
Cleveland Jobs with Justice
Cleveland Jobs with Justice is a coalition of labor, faith and community organizations working together to promote workers’ rights in the Cleveland area through collective action.
Mennonite Central Committee (MCC)
https://mcc.org/learn/what/categories/immigration
Mennonite Central Committee in the U.S. helps to educate about immigration issues, advocates for sensible humane immigration laws, works to build peace in communities along the U.S.-Mexico border, and provides documentation services to help immigrants navigate the complex immigration system.
The Advocacy Program of the Latin American and Caribbean (LACA) region of MCC facilities
https://www.mcclaca.org/latin-america-thecaribbean-laca-region/
MCC LACA facilitates contextual analysis, strategic planning for advocacy, organizational strengthening, and strategic connections between partners. It supports local and national advocacy action with partners and churches in the region, and with churches and constituency in Canada and the United States to address the structural causes of poverty, violence, and injustice.
Heights Friends of Immigrants (HFOI)
Heights Friends of Immigrants supports migrants and refugees locally in NE Ohio. It provides education and takes action on various initiatives in defense and support of our immigrant sisters and brothers. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday evening of each month in rotation at St. Dominic Church, Forest Hill Church Presbyterian, and St. Paschal Baylon Church.
Catholic Charities Cleveland
Catholic Charities Diocese of Cleveland administers over 165 individual programs spanning a wide range of services available to persons from all walks of life across the Diocese of Cleveland.
PCUSA Office of Immigration Issues
https://oga.pcusa.org/section/mid-council-ministries/immigration/
The Office of Immigration Issues was established by action of the 216th General Assembly (2004) in order to provide legal advice and counsel to mid-councils and congregations regarding immigration issues. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has continued to expand the work of the Office by directing the Office to coordinate advocacy and education efforts and create worship materials.
Tags: Immigration Justice and Reform, Immigration Task Force, racialreconciliation, Task Force Activities, the immigrant
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