Contribute to Immigrant Justice Work

Current SIJT News:

In addition to continuing to assist the Guatemalan and Honduran families with whom UUCC is connected, the latest endeavor of the Sanctuary and Immigrant Justice Team is the Rapid Response Fund.  This fund is managed by Rev. Molly and Rev. Dottie and will be used to address the urgent financial needs of our immigrant neighbors during this time of cruel and unjust actions of our government. For those interested, contributions can continue to be made by specifying “Rapid Response Fund” with any cash, checks, or online gifts.  

The SIJT continues to be available for accompaniment of immigrants to places and appointments where they feel vulnerable, for instance to the court house.

We are partnering with Como Comunidad to help them do their amazing work in the Hispanic community here in Columbia. Como Comunidad hosted a series of well-attended events throughout Hispanic Heritage Month. There are many big and small ways you can get involved anytime. Volunteer Signup: at https://forms.monday.com/forms/8bfb5e48cd46fc5421ed0958a1355659?r=use1 

When you sign up, you will be asked to schedule a short interview so that Como Comunidad can learn more about you and your interests. You will find the interview delightful and inspirational!

Please contact us if you would like to get involved or would like more information:

Allie Gassmann (alliegassmann@socket.net) and Dave Gibbons (dgibbons@mchsi.com)

SIJT Co-Chairs

Background Information

On April 9, 2017, members of our congregation voted overwhelmingly to join the growing movement of faith communities working to protect immigrants facing unfair deportation by offering sanctuary to people who are at risk of being deported.

Members of our Sanctuary and Immigrant Justice Team (SIJT) work with other community members and other faith groups in Columbia as well as with the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee’s immigration justice efforts, and in that work, we are finding many ways to offer care and support to immigrant friends and neighbors across Missouri.

In September 2018, we held a Ritual of Dedication for our newly-installed shower to better equip our building in the event we are called upon to provide shelter for someone as they pursue legal solutions to their immigration status.

Two years after UUCC’s declaration as a Sanctuary congregation, we joined in helping to sponsor an asylum-seeking family from Honduras. In 2021, our Team led the effort to sponsor a family from Guatemala. Both families are awaiting their court dates in the years to come.

The plight of our immigrant and refugee friends is an ever-more urgent concern, and we are exploring what accompaniment of immigrants entails in the current moment.

If you would like to join our efforts on their behalf, please let us know. Our team currently meets the second Sunday of every month at 1 p.m. via Zoom.

For further information, please email Allie Gassmann or Dave Gibbons, co-chairs of the SIJT.