JFCS President and CEO Jordan Golin spoke at the interfaith Candlelight Vigil for Unaccompanied Children last Wednesday, a community response to the policy of separating children from their parents at the border. He once again reaffirmed JFCS’s commitment to helping refugees and immigrants.“I was humbled to be a part of such a caring community,” he shared in an Op-Ed in last Saturday’s Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “I felt a strong sense of urgency and responsibility to convey the story of the immigrants who come to us for legal help at Jewish Family and Community Services.” He also told the story of Alejandro, an immigrant client worried about his daughter. Read the Op-Ed here.
The announcement that immigrants will no longer be separated was welcome. But indications are that reuniting families will be a complex process that may keep changing. In the meantime, JFCS Immigration Legal Services has also been busy with calls from immigrants – even those with green cards and valid visas – concerned about their legal status.
In the decades that JFCS has welcomed, resettled and served the foreign born from more than 60 nations, we have also seen our community grow stronger, more prosperous, and more culturally enriched. We have expanded our knowledge and understanding of the global community.As Jordan wrote, “With the support of the greater Pittsburgh community, the JFCS team of social workers, case workers, attorneys and volunteers will not give up.” JFCS will continue to support refugees and immigrants in the spirit of Welcoming the Stranger and in accordance with our mission to help all people navigate life’s changes and challenges.
Help immigrants and refugees in our community with a donation to JFCS Immigration Legal Services. Donate now.